Causes of flatulence
Flatulence seems to worsen with age, and some individuals are simply more susceptible to gas than others. Eating smaller portions, chewing food thoroughly, and not gulping liquids should minimize episodes. Some experts also believe that reducing the amount of air in the digestive tract may help to prevent flatulence, so they advise against drinking carbonated beverages, chewing gum, or drinking through a straw, which promotes swallowing air. Some foods are especially notorious gas producers; topping the list are those that produce methane gas when fermented by intestinal bacteria. Soybeans, kidney beans, lentils, and dried peas can result in unpleasant-smelling flatus.
