5 Foods That Make You Gassy

If you are self conscious about flatulence avoid these 5 foods that make you gassy. Every one handles food differently but there are some common bonds between foods that cause an abnormal amount of gas. High fiber, excess fat and added spice can tax the digestive system causing unwanted side effects. While it is unwise to eliminate fiber rich foods completely, there are ways to limit your intake of the worst offenders.

1. Beans. The human body does not produce the enzyme needed to break down the sugar found in beans. This sugar, oligosaccharide, makes it through the digestive system intact, beyond the small intestine where most substances are broken down and absorbed. This allows the bacteria found in the large intestine to go to work producing gas.  
2. Cauliflower. If you can't live without this tasty vegetable try steaming it to reduce the burden on your digestive system. If your normal method of preparation includes adding dairy, try finding a substitute. Mixing this high fiber food with cream or milk may be too much for your body to handle.
3. Cabbage. Small amounts of the simple sugar raffinose are found in cabbage and are undigestible by your body. Limiting the quantity of cabbage consumed can ease the gassy side effects of this food,
4. Milk. Even those without the formal diagnosis of being lactose intolerant can have a hard time digesting dairy products such as milk. Lactose, the sugar milk contains, is broken down by the naturally produced enzyme lactase. Enzyme production decreases as people age making milk and other dairy products harder to digest which produces more gas.
5. Wheat. The protein gluten found in wheat can be hard for the body to digest properly. When this protein is heated during preparation, the high temperature alters and damages its structure making it hard for your body's enzymes to decompose. The undigested material is passed on to the large intestine for your gut bacteria to feast on producing gas.