Flatulence Supplements

About Flatulence Supplements

Flatulence is as simply gas that is produced in the digestive system and then released via the anus. Sometimes, even a small amount of gas, if particularly malodorous, can be enough to make life somewhat embarassing. However, a small amount of gas produced daily is a normal part of the fermentation process that occurs in the small and large intestine.

Large amounts of smelly gas that are relatively constant can indicate hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), food allergies or sensitivities, dysbiosis (overgrowth of "bad" bacteria), psychological stress and/or inadeqaute brush border or pancreatic enzymes. It is important to also take into consideration some of the more obvious causes of flatulence as well, such as overeating and eating hurriedly without proper chewing. A lot can be said about the benefits of chewing food properly when it comes to reducing gas production!

Without proper mastication (chewing), food is not broken down enough to allow digestive enzymes to do their work. Think of it like a crumpled up piece of paper you're trying to bleach. The bleach works more effectively when the paper is unfolded. Without proper chewing, enzymes simply don't have enough access to peptide bonds and other areas of macronutrients in order to break them down into smaller and more absorbable nutrients.

Some of the common supplement options for the management of flatulence include digestive enzymes, probiotics, and the exclusion of aggravating foods. Despite the fact that this condition may seem relatively benign—excluding the effect on the nostrils—it can be an indication that something within the realm of the gastrointestinal tract, food selection, eating behaviour or even stress, needs to be addressesd. Ultimately, excessive flatulence is a sign that the digetive and absorptive processes are not working as efficiently as they could, which may lead to malnutrition or other health complications if left unaddressed for the long term.