Gas 

What I need to know about 


NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse 

U.S. Department 

of Health and 

Human Services

What I need to know about 

Gas 

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH 

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse 
Contents
 

Why do I have gas? ................................................. 1
 

What can I do about gas? ....................................... 2
 

Points to Remember ............................................... 5
 

For More Information ............................................ 6
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why do I have gas? 

Everyone has gas. Burping and “passing gas” is 

normal. But because it is embarrassing, many 

people believe they pass gas too often or have too

much gas. A person actually having too much gas 

is rare. 

Most of the time, gas in the body is odorless. The 

odor of passed gas comes from sulfur made by 

bacteria in the large intestine. Sometimes gas 

causes bloating and pain. Not everyone has these 

symptoms. How much gas the body makes and 

how sensitive a person is to gas in the large 

intestine have an effect on how uncomfortable 

one feels. 

1 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What can I do about gas? 

Changing what you eat and drink can help prevent 

or reduce gas. If you feel like you have too much 

gas, you might want to try these things before going 

to the doctor. 

1. Cut down on foods that cause gas. 

The amount of gas caused by certain foods varies 

from person to person. The only way to know your 

own limits is to keep track of what you eat and how 

much gas it causes later. Some foods that cause 

gas are 

•beans 

•vegetables such as 

broccoli, cabbage, 

brussels sprouts, 

onions, artichokes, 

and asparagus 

•fruits such as pears, 

apples, and peaches 

•whole grains such as 

whole wheat and bran 

•soft drinks and fruit drinks 

2 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•milk and milk products such as 

cheese and ice cream 

•packaged foods that contain 

lactose, a type of sugar; bread, 

cereal, and salad dressing are 

examples 

•dietetic foods and sugar-free candies and 

gums 

2. 	Drink plenty of water 

and clear soup but not 

“fizzy” liquids. 

Try not to drink liquids that 

cause gas, like soda and beer. 

3. Reduce the amount of air you swallow. 

Here are some ways to avoid swallowing air: 

•Eat slower and chew more to cut down 

on the amount of air you swallow 

when you eat. 

•Avoid chewing gum and 

eating hard candy. 

•If you smoke, try to cut 

down or quit. 

•If you have false teeth, see 

your dentist to make sure 

they fit right. 

3 
 

 

 

 

 

4. Keep a diary. 

Write down the foods, and the amounts, that seem 

to cause you the most problems. Also keep track 

of the number of times you pass gas each day. 

If you are still troubled by gas, you may want to see 

your doctor. Take your diary with you to help you 

answer the doctor’s questions about eating habits 

and symptoms. 

4 
 

 

Points to Remember 

•Everyone has gas in the digestive tract. 

•People often think they pass too much gas 

when they really don’t. 

•Passing gas frequently is normal. 

•Two ways to reduce the amount of gas you 

have are to 

•	 cut	down	on	the	foods	and	liquids	that	

cause gas 

•	reduce	the	amount	of	air	you	swallow

5 
For More Information 

American Dietetic Association 

120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000 

Chicago, IL 60606–6995 

Phone: 1–800–877–1600 or 312–899–0040 

Fax: 312–899–4739 

Email: hotline@eatright.org 

Internet: www.eatright.org 

6 
 

 

 

 

 

 

National Digestive Diseases 

Information Clearinghouse 

2 Information Way 

Bethesda, MD 20892–3570 

Phone: 1–800–891–5389 

Fax: 703–738–4929 

Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov 

Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov 

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse 

(NDDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and 

Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part 

of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department 

of Health and Human Services. Established in 1980, the 

Clearinghouse provides information about digestive diseases to 

people with digestive disorders and to their families, health care 

professionals, and the public. The NDDIC answers inquiries, 

develops and distributes publications, and works closely with 

professional and patient organizations and Government 

agencies to coordinate resources about digestive diseases. 

Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are carefully 

reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. 

This publication is not copyrighted. The Clearinghouse encourages 

users of this publication to duplicate and distribute as many copies 

as desired. 

This booklet is also available at www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov. 

This publication may contain information about medications used 

to treat a health condition. When this publication was prepared, the 

NIDDK included the most current information available. Occasionally, 

new information about medication is released. For updates or for 

questions about any medications, please contact the U.S. Food and 

Drug Administration at 1–888–INFO–FDA (463–6332), a toll-free call, 

or visit their website at www.fda.gov. Consult your doctor for more 

information. 
–

U.S. DEpARTmENT OF HEALTH 

AND HUmAN SERvICES 

National Institutes of Health 

National Institute of Diabetes and 

Digestive and Kidney Diseases 

NIH Publication No. 08 4156 

November 2007