Excess Gas
Certain foods produce gas when digested. In some people, these foods make an excessive amount of gas. This may cause bloating, burping, or increased gas passing through the rectum (flatulence).
Foods that cause gas
These foods are more likely to cause this problem. Limit them, or remove them from your diet:
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Broccoli
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Cauliflower
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Brussels sprouts
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Cabbage
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Beans
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Fizzy (carbonated) drinks, such as sparkling water, soda, beer, and champagne
Other causes
Other causes of excess gas include:
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Eating too fast ortalkingwhile you chew. This may cause you to swallow air. This increases the amount of gas in your stomach. And it may make your symptoms worse. Chew each mouthful completely before you swallow. Take your time.
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Chewing on gum or sucking on hard candy. These activities cause you to swallow more often. And some of what you are swallowing is air. This leads to more gas in your stomach. Avoid chewing gum and eating hard candy.
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Overeating. This may increase the feeling of being bloated and cause more gas. When you are full, stop eating.
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Being constipated. This can increase the amount of normal intestinal gas. Prevent constipation by getting more fiber in your diet. Good sources of fiber include whole-grain cereal, fresh vegetables (except those in the above list), and fresh fruits. High-fiber foods absorb water and carry it out of the body. When adding more fiber to your diet, you also need to drink more water. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water (2 quarts) per day.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CD CDE
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sravani Chintapalli Researcher
Date Last Reviewed:
4/1/2025
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