Gas

Passing gas (belching, wind or flatulence) is normal — 10-20 times a day. It becomes a problem when there's too much, when it smells strongly, or when it's painful. Most gas is harmless and comes from swallowed air plus normal bacterial fermentation of food in the gut.

Common everyday causes

• Gas-producing foods — dals, rajma, chana, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, broccoli, milk (in lactose-intolerant people), wheat (in gluten-sensitive people), fizzy drinks, artificial sweeteners.
• Swallowing air — eating quickly, talking while eating, chewing gum, carbonated drinks.
• Constipation — stool sits and ferments longer.
• Food intolerances — lactose intolerance is common in Indian adults.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), IBS, coeliac disease — for persistent symptoms.

When to see a Health Expert

• Gas with persistent pain, weight loss, or blood in stool.
• New severe bloating in someone over 40 — particularly women (rare ovarian cancer clue).
• Change in bowel habit for more than 2-3 weeks.
• Gas with vomiting or inability to pass stool (possible obstruction).

What usually helps

• Eat slowly, chew well; smaller meals.
• Soak and cook dals and rajma well; adding hing (asafoetida), ajwain, jeera while cooking helps for many.
• Reduce fizzy drinks and chewing gum.
• If milk causes gas, try lactose-free milk or curd (fermented dairy is often tolerated).
• Walk 10 minutes after meals.
• Address constipation — fluids, fibre, movement.