Flatulence: The causes

Flatulence occurs when there is too much air in the intestines or when more intestinal gas is produced during digestion. The body gets rid of this gas by burping or passing wind. This is usually harmless, but unpleasant. Everyone is familiar with this, sometimes more, sometimes less

One of the most important and most common triggers of flatulence is bad eating habits. If you eat hastily, you swallow a lot of air at the same time, which then enters the digestive tract.

Flatulence caused by sugar and coffee

Certain foods can also trigger flatulence: whipped cream, carbonated drinks, lots of coffee, fatty or sweet foods, cabbage and pulses. Sugar substitutes such as sorbitol or xylitol in many light and sugar-free products can also be responsible.

Flatulence can occur after antibiotic therapy due to the disturbed intestinal flora. Certain tablets for lowering blood sugar in diabetes or the painkiller diclofenac can have flatulence as a side effect.

Getting rid of flatulence

Treating flatulence with home remedies can be effective. This helps: a tea made from fennel, aniseed, ginger or peppermint. The intestines tolerate cooked food better than raw food. A glass of still water before a meal has a calming effect on the bowels.

When remedies for flatulence no longer help

If the flatulence persists for a long time, gets worse or is accompanied by abdominal pain, vomiting or a change in bowel movements, it is better to see a doctor.