How to Avoid Gas and Bloating

Over 50 percent of people never discuss concerns about gas and bloating with their doctors, but Dr. Roshini Raj says patients should put their self-consciousness aside for the sake of their health. "They're embarrassed," she says, insisting that people should be upfront with symptoms "because it can be a sign of an underlying GI disorder that's potentially more serious," like celiac or Crohn's disease.

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If you're concerned about gas, Raj recommends staying away from larger amounts of lentils, beans, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. "They're great for you, but certain people get more gassy with them," she says. "Introduce them slowly to your diet, and you will get more used to it."

There are also a few more unexpected behaviors that can cause blowing, like chewing gum. "A lot of people don't realize that when you're chewing gum, you swallow air," Raj says. "And that then goes into your intestine and can cause a lot of gas." Another habit to avoid? Drinking out of a straw, which also causes extra air intake.

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So what should we eat if we want to avoid bloating? Raj says many people consume papaya and pineapple for easing gas, and "ginger is another great GI remedy. It helps with nausea; it can help with bloating and gas as well."

To learn Raj's answer to the pressing question, "Should you hold in a fart?" check out this episode of "Daily Shot."