Terrible Gas

A little problem that I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to help. Now after all the enemas, colonoscopy and other embarrassing things we do to figure out this illness, I really have to problem discussing this.

I have gas. Bad, terrible gas. My partner at work is going insane from it, and now with it being so cold in the winter, its too cold to keep the windows of the car open, but he says my stench is killing him slowly. And I have become (no pun intented) the butt of the joke at work regarding bad gas.

I've tried beeno, and such, but is there anything out there to reduce gas? Any prescriptions that will stop it? It actually becomes painful if I don't "release" and try to hold it in. So, I don't. Changing my diet isn't really that much of an option as I am training hard and need the protein.

But maybe there is a food that will help reduce it? It's a lot, it's often, and it is bad.

Can somebody help a poor guy out?

I have sympathy for you and everyone around you since  my husband suffers from the same condition.  The smell was so bad that it woke me up in the nighttime and we ended up sleeping in separate bedrooms.  I also would recommend probiotics because it is the only thing that works for him.

You have to try various probiotics because everyone is not the same.  Try reading the book Probiotics Revolution (recommended by relativequantum).  It is really an eye opener.  The book is written by Gary Huffnage.  He suggest opening the probiotic capsule and put it in your mouth where it can start working through the digestive system from the mouth on.  I have been doing it with my 14 year old daughter for the last week and I have definitely seen an improvement in her allergies.

I hope this helps.

Ok, any probiotics specifically that anyone can suggest? And quincy, I have had the gas on and off since getting this, but its gotten worse lately. Not affected by any shift, or food, and no to the artificial sweeteners. I cant stand the taste of them to be honest.

I take the enemas twice a week or so, and i make my own food always, usually 6-8 meals a day. protein shakes, protein bars, steak, chicken, cottage cheese, eggs, etc. lots of protein, medium carbs, low fat. but ive eaten this way for about 10 years. i do cheat here and there though........oh, and i drink a ton of water. :)

Probiotics, probiotics, probiotics. I'd personally recommend Custom Probiotics or Natren. They're pricey, but very effective. I've tried cheaper store bought brands that did nothing for me. You might find a good quality digestive enzyme supplement helpful, too.

If you're weight training, are you taking a protein supplement or MRP? These can cause digestive problems and gas, even in non-IBDers. If you're using a whey protein, make sure it's a whey protein isolate, not a concentrate. If even the isolate bothers you, try a hydrolized whey protein. If that's still a problem, try an egg white protein. Protein from real food sources is best, but I know it's hard to get all the protein you need without supplementation.

My son has had problems like this.... and me too during a flare up. I found a great site ... www.marysherbs.com Dr. Mary is fantastic! I mentioned some conditions my son was having. She told me what herbs to take, etc. and low and behold he hasn't had problems in months. For him I think she mentioned taking "liver cleanse".... and some other things. You can write to her and within a couple of days she'll write back. She doesn't charge anything and the herbs are some you can get at your local healthfood store. I like Nature's Sunshine herbs they are fresh and effective.

Try her and let me know how you're doing!

Probiotics should help, but you also have to look at what you're eating as well.

Hopefully, your not eating anything like red beans (or any kind of bean) because they cause gas in most people. Some years ago I tried bulking up by lifting weights, etc. and I drank protein shakes...but it caused alot of gas, so maybe you should look into that.

NBT

The other thing you can add is a protein digestive enzyme....it was recently suggested to take Bromelain...and that is good for you to consider when consuming protein. I find I have more gas when I take the multiple digestive enzymes....but I do take both depending on what I've consumed..etc.

One thing that might help with the gas is caraway seeds...you can chew them. They're stong, but could help.

As for the protiotics....I use Natural Factors Protec...they have rhamnosus in them which is primo for gut health/UC/. I also add oone Primadophilus Reuteri capsules or the Pearls....you can consider the Pearls that don't need to be refrigerated. Good idea for when you're working.

It's possible you're taking too much protein (I can't use ANY whey protein, hydrolized or isolate..painful discomfort!!!..as well, they do contain artificial sweeteners if they're flavoured)....but do look into the Bromelain when you take any protein. I'm grateful for the suggestion from whomever it was .... thank you!

There is also rice protein which could be another consideration...also there's Hemp Protein....pretty good when mixed with V8 juice.

I think you should consider different sources of protein....I've found that it doesn't matter if you've used it for ages...you've had some changes in your digestive tract through surgery..etc...are on different meds, stress..etc...so that can change the way we digest stuff.

How is baby doing??? girl, boy? I was having so much trouble with the anti-spam filter when baby was born, I didn't even respond...so now that you're on the board again.. I hope mom and baby are doing fine.

Oh, Bob....please consider that if you have lots of painful gas that seems to feel very uncomfortable in the rectum...that could be a sign of some inflammation starting. I would suggest you do the enemas for a week straight and see if that helps...or at the very least add a few more during the week sleep-time. I've found that when you insert the nozzle, squeeze a bit right in the anus, and continue squeezing until you reach the full insert...that gets a good amount right at the area where the UC inflammation is hard to get at.

Anyway....hope you feel better soon...keep us posted
quincy

I am suspecting protein as well. In the past, I have noticed smelly farts associated with particular brand/type of protein shakes, protein bars and vitamins. Not sure if you are taking any vitamin pills but some of those were very horrible for me, especially the store brand names, such as CVS, etc. Switching to Centrum seems to have helped..also Centrum Silver seems to be better in that regard.

I saw my GI yesterday for a wellness visit, and I asked him about bad gas. I've started having it a lot more recently, and I'm not sure whether to attribute it to my UC (even though I am in remission) or to my pregnancy. He asked me if I was eating a lot of carbohydrates. I said yes... a ton. He said cut back - that the carbs/sugars are likely causing the gas. I never realized that carbs could cause gas but apparently, they can. So, you may want to consider limiting your sugar intake to see if that helps.

If you are worried about your protein intake I would try a new product on the market. Its an all natural Whey Isolate. NO artificial sweetners It is sweetened with a natural herb called Stevia!! It is the best tasting protein powder out there. It is all natural!! I myself a friends use this and gas is not a problem! Also it contains Zero Carb and Zero fat You can find it on ** Let me know what you think

Post Edited By Moderator (Red_34) : 2/4/2009 12:31:02 PM (GMT-7)

My gas is terrible too. I have bad bathroom odors in general. Someone posted about some products to eliminate odors in another post but I am not sure if they work well. I've never found any product to stop the gas before it starts but I do think avoiding gassy foods helps. Cabbage and beans always make me gassy.

I just saw this product on Amazon...the GasBGon Flatulence Filter Seat Cushion! It looks like a cushion that absorbs the smell and sound, so it might help in your office and car.
I have no idea if this works or not, but just thought I'd pass it along...if it works maybe I'll sew it to some pants and wear it around!

http://www.amazon.com/GasBGon-Flatulence-Filter-Cushion-Patented/dp/B0006YXVX8
Good luck!