I just read an article about gas that was not even worth the paper it was written on. 

The author claimed the most common causes of gas are chewing gum, eating too fast, smoking, drinking carbonated beverages or wearing dentures that are too loose. 

Sorry, but I don’t think the intense stink coming out of many people’s backsides has anything to do with gum, soda, cigarettes or ill-fitting choppers.

And as far as suggested remedies go, it was the same old, same old—chew better, eat slower, don’t eat too much fiber and use Beano.

Listen, if you are embarrassed or concerned about your “anal acoustics” (be honest—I promise not to tell), here is some truly helpful information:

It’s normal…to a point

Gas is something we ALL have, and it’s actually normal to pass it about 10-13 times a day.

Most “normal” gas has no odor and is simply the leftover gas that your gut flora was not able to absorb during digestion.

But chronic, excessive, smelly gas is a sign of something else brewing.

If you can play the Star Spangled Banner with your flatulence or you blow past the 10-13 fart-a-day average before you’ve even had your morning coffee, then here are some possible reasons why and how you can help sweeten the air:

Medication gas

Many medications can cause gas including:

• Aspirin
• Antacids
• Diarrhea medications
• Pain medications
• Diabetes drugs
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Osteoporosis drugs

If you suffer from medication gas, talk to your doctor about alternatives or natural remedies. 

For example, fish oil and vitamin B12 have both been shown to be helpful with pain and depression.

And if you help improve your digestion with your diet (more on that below), you might not need diarrhea meds or antacids anymore!

Food allergy/intolerance gas

Gas is a symptom of food allergies and intolerances, and gluten and dairy are common offenders.

A doctor can test to see if you are allergic to any foods, but intolerances can be a little tougher to diagnose. 

If you suspect food intolerances may be an issue, you can try an elimination test to pinpoint what may be bothering you:

Pick a few foods that seem to be most closely associated with your gas and eliminate them from your diet for a week and see how you feel. 

If you feel markedly better, well, there’s a sign for you.

After the week is up, reintroduce the foods into your diet one at a time, separated by three days between each food, and see if your gas returns.

Fiber gas

Your body doesn’t actually digest fiber—it’s broken down by the friendly flora in your gut, and during this process, gas is produced.   But the gas is typically short-lived, and you shouldn’t be without the awesome health benefits of fiber!

So when you eat fiber-rich foods like apples, pears, cabbage, oats, beans or broccoli, your gas will probably pass quickly. 

But on the other hand, if fiber makes you downright explosive, your friendly flora may need a little boost with a probiotic formula like Super Shield. 

Super Shield can repopulate your intestinal good guys and help their efforts of smoothing digestion, supporting your immune system and breaking down fiber!

Poor digestion gas

Poor digestion is far and away the #1 cause of gas!

Our typical diets are loaded with processed foods, fast food and smorgasbord meals with every type of food under the sun.  Meals like these are extremely hard for your body to break down, and when your foods are not broken down like they should be...

...watch out, because you’ll clear out a room faster than if someone yells, “Fire!”

You can help pave the way for better digestion by staying away from processed and fast foods.  Also make your meals simpler and easier to digest by avoiding meats and starches in the same meal.  Instead pair meats OR starches with vegetables.

I guarantee you’ll be shocked at how much less gas you have after eating!

Also, poor digestion can be caused by low stomach acid, poor bile output, pancreatic insufficiency and antacid use.

In those cases, an enzyme formula like Digestizol Max can help pinch-hit where your body may be lacking and help get the job done the way Nature intended.

Take measures to correct what’s behind your gas, and everyone will enjoy the sweeter smelling air around you!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia