8 September 20261 min read
Why Does Gas Build Up, and How Do You Reduce It?
Some gas is a normal part of digestion. It becomes a problem when there is too much of it — and the cause is usually how you eat rather than what you eat.
ASWritten byAarogyaSutra Editorial Team
The short answer: gas comes from two places — air swallowed while eating and drinking, and bacteria in the gut breaking certain foods down. Both are normal processes.
Common causes
- Eating quickly and not chewing properly
- Talking while eating
- Cold drinks and soda
- Chewing gum
- Rajma, chhole, chana, cabbage, onion
- Difficulty digesting milk
- Stress and irregular meal times
- A lot of fried food
What actually helps
- Eat slowly and chew properly
- Walk for ten minutes after a meal rather than lying down
- Cut back on fizzy drinks
- Soak pulses overnight and change the water before cooking
- Hing, ajwain and jeera — traditionally added while cooking, and many people find they settle things
- Eat smaller amounts more often rather than one heavy meal
Should you avoid gas-forming foods?
Not necessarily. Rajma, chhole and cabbage do produce gas, but they are also good food. Rather than dropping them, reduce the quantity, soak them properly, and let your body adjust gradually.