Excessive gas formation results either due to sucking or swallowing of air during consumption of foods, but in fact it is the nervous or hysterical personality who swallows lets it out as well. People who do not eat their food properly and have the habit of gulping food rapidly or bolting it down with a lot of water and fluids in between the meals also suffer from excessive gas formation. 

50-70% of gas in the abdomen comes from air that has been swallowed. Excess air is swallowed as a result of bad habits of eating, excessive belching and in the act of swallowing of more saliva and then air. In addition, excessive smoking, poor hygiene of the mouth and excessive use of carbonated drinks and beer are all contributory factors towards the malady. 

Naturally, the question arises as to how to manage this problem.

  • First of all, one must exclude any disease process in the abdomen which could be accounting for excessive gas formation. These include chronic disease of the pancreas, ulcers in the stomach, disease of the intestines associated with foul smelling stools, flatulent diarrhoea associated with intolerance to milk and parasitic infestations.
  • The person must take small morsels of food, chew them properly and should not try to hurry down the food.
  • Food should be taken in small portions and more frequently rather than gulping down a big helping of food at one sitting.
  • Food must be taken at regular hours and not in an irregular manner.
  • Take your meals in a quite peaceful atmosphere.
  • People who suffer from dyspepsia due to carbohydrate have to cut on their starch diet and take comparatively less of starch. In their diet potatoes, beetroots, green peas, rajma, puddings, pastries and sweets should be reduced.
  • Too much of spicy and fried rich food, thick gravies and food cooked with excess fat are always a source of dyspepsia and gas formation.
  • Food items which are rich in refined sugars like pastries, chocolates, sweetmeats produce fermentation, and so if you suffer from the gas problem, cut on them.
  • If acidity is increased then cut on your smoke, alcohol and spices.
  • Include fresh vegetables, fruits but less of starch, condiments and soft foods.
  • Do not lie down in bed immediately after taking food, since doing well aggravate the feeling of distention in the abdomen.
  • Patient with a problem of excessive gas formation must be investigated for parasitic infestations, pancreatic disease and ulcer.
  • One should look for acidity since both hyperacidity and low acidity may be responsible.