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Fear of Embarrassment

When it comes to discussing your health, there’s no doubt that digestive issues are an uncomfortable subject. Most people don’t look forward to describing intestinal gas, burping or irregular bowel movements - even in the privacy of a doctor’s office.

According to the National Institutes of Health, an average person passes intestinal gas at least 14 times a day. The truth is, these problems occur for everyone. Intestinal gas rears its ugly head for two major reasons: swallowing air or digestion. Occasional stomach growling does not always originate from hunger. If there is excess air, or eating foods that the small intestine cannot digest, grumbling will likely occur whether you’ve eaten recently or not. Some foods, like beans, broccoli or apples, are the culprits of excess gas. Because these are healthy foods, don’t completely eliminate them from your diet if you’re experiencing gas; try eating less instead.

Burping is another occasional digestive flare-up. Caused by excess air in the stomach, activities like chewing gum, drinking carbonated beverages and eating too quickly may increase the likelihood of burping.

Don’t let embarrassment stop you from taking control of your health. Although these issues are mild, a physician can always answer your questions and ensure you aren’t experiencing symptoms caused by a larger problem.