An Overview of Foods That Cause Intestinal Gas
Most foods that contain carbohydrates can cause gas. By contrast, fats and proteins cause little gas.
Foods That Cause Intestinal Gas: Sugars
The sugars that cause gas include:
- Raffinose
- Lactose
- Fructose
- Sorbitol.
Raffinose
Beans contain large amounts of raffinose, a complex sugar. Smaller amounts of raffinose are found in cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, other vegetables, and whole grains.
Lactose
Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. It is also found in milk products, such as cheese and ice cream, and processed foods, such as bread, cereal, and salad dressing. Many people, particularly those of African, Native American, or Asian background, normally have low levels of the enzyme (lactase) needed to digest lactose after childhood. Also, as people get older, their enzyme levels decrease; over time, people may experience more gas after eating foods that contain lactose.
Fructose
Fructose is naturally present in onions, artichokes, pears, and wheat. It is also used as a sweetener in some soft drinks and fruit drinks.
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is a sugar found naturally in fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and prunes. It is also used as an artificial sweetener in many diet foods and sugar-free candies and gums.
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