Feeling gassy is a common and normal part of digestion caused mainly by swallowing air or the breakdown of undigested food by bacteria in the intestines. Excessive gassiness can be due to a variety of causes including diet, eating habits, food intolerances, certain medications, constipation, or underlying digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Common Causes of Gas

• Swallowing air when eating, drinking, or talking can cause gas to accumulate and lead to burping or flatulence.
• Bacteria ferment undigested carbohydrates (like fiber, starches, sugars) in the large intestine, producing gas.
• High-fiber foods such as beans, broccoli, onions, whole grains, and carbonated drinks are common gas producers.
• Food intolerances (for example, lactose or gluten intolerance) can increase gas production and cause discomfort.
• Certain medications (like NSAIDs, antibiotics, statins) may irritate the digestive tract and increase gas.
• Constipation slows digestion and can trap gas, increasing bloating and discomfort.

Other Factors

• Lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep patterns, and drinking habits (e.g., gulping from a water bottle) can contribute to gas.
• Digestive disorders like IBS, celiac disease, gastroparesis, or bacterial overgrowth can cause persistent or severe gas.
• Excessive gas accompanied by symptoms like bleeding, weight loss, or severe pain requires medical evaluation.

What to Do

• Track when gas occurs and keep a food diary to identify triggers.
• Try dietary adjustments like reducing high-fiber foods or carbonated drinks and testing for food intolerances.
• Ensure regular bowel movements to avoid constipation.
• Consider medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen, to rule out underlying conditions.

Overall, being gassy is usually manageable by understanding and adjusting diet and habits. Persistent, painful, or unusual symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.