Gas sometimes causes pain and results in a bloated feeling. It comes down to how much gas is produced by the body and the sensitivity of the person that affects how uncomfortable having the gas is.

It's natural. Gas happens and we eliminate it by burping, or passing it through the rectum. And, while the gas that is passed is sometimes odorless, when there is an odor, it comes from sulfur made by the bacteria that is in the large intestine.

So what can be done about gas? Often it is simply your diet; what you eat or drink, that causes gas. So watching what you put into your body is the first likely step in determining what might be causing the gas for you. Simple advice then would be to cut down on these foods that give you gas. The creation of gas varies from person to person so it is difficult to isolate any one food or drink. However, here are some of the more common food and drinks that are known to cause gas and that bloating feeling; all of which contain certain forms of sugar, starches and fiber:

• Products with lactose, like milk, cheese and ice cream;
• Vegetables like beans, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts all contain raffinose;
• Onions, artichokes and fruits like pears contain fructose, and as does wheat;
• Pears also contain sorbitol, a natural sugar that is also in prunes, apples and peaches;
• Starches including noodles and potatoes result in gas when they are digested; and,
• Soluble fibre found in beans, nuts, peas, and many fruits can also be the reason for gas when some of these foods are finally digested.

What happens is that these carbohydrates found in foods do not digest right away, or in the small intestine, due to the absence of enzymes required to break down these foods. It isn't until they travel on down to the large intestine, as undigested food, that they can be broken down - or digested - by the bacteria (the good kind) and converted into either carbon dioxide, hydrogen or the dreaded methane.

Eventually, these gases pass through and out the rectum. Did you know that those who produce a higher concentration of methane actually have stools that will often float in the water?. Different foods cause gas in different people. And some bacteria found within the large intestine can destroy the hydrogen produced by other bacteria. Thus, the balance of these two bacteria could explain why some are more affected by gas than others.

Although gas may be uncomfortable and embarrassing, it is not life-threatening. Doctors believe that bloating is usually the result of an intestinal disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The cause of IBS is unknown, but may involve abnormal movements and contractions of intestinal muscles and increased pain sensitivity in the intestine. These disorders may give a sensation of bloating because of increased sensitivity to gas.

Understanding causes, ways to reduce symptoms and treatment will help most people find some relief. If you consistently have gas and have been watching what you eat or drink, perhaps it is time you look into colon cleansing. There are many types of cleansing that can rid your intestines of any toxins or bacteria that shouldn't be there; and that could be cause of your chronic gas.

These treatments include many varieties of cleansing products including natural supplements, alternative medicines. Colon hydrotherapy is also an alternative but this needs to be administered by someone who is licensed and is not self-administered.

As with anything you do that involves your health, check with your health care provider before proceeding with any program, products or supplements.

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