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Pharmacy Links

THE SYMPTOMS OF FOOD INTOLERANCE: BLOATING AND FLATULENCE (WIND)

April 20, 2009

Bloating of the abdomen after meals is usually caused by overgrowth of certain bacteria or yeasts in the gut. These feed on food residues, and produce gas in the process. Certain foods are notorious for producing this effect, notably kidney beans (haricot beans, baked beans etc) and Jerusalem artichokes. In the case of Jerusalem artichokes, they contain an unusual type of sugar which human beings cannot digest and which therefore passes through to nourish bacteria in the hind part of the gut.

Where belching is the main problem, it may be due to swallowing air when eating. Wind can also indicate more serious problems, such as gallstones, hiatus hernia or malabsorption of food, but there will usually be other symptoms as well. A possible cause of flatulence and bloating, that is not widely recognized, is overgrowth with the Candida yeast. Infection with Giardia can also have this effect. Alternatively, food intolerance may be the cause of the problem, although there will usually be other symptoms as well, such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea or indigestion.

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