Flatulence Reduction Diet

DEFINITION

The aim of the diet for Flatulence is to eliminate the foods that are causing excessive gas production, while retaining a nutritionally adequate diet.

DESCRIPTION

If you are experiencing excessive flatulence, it is important to consult your Doctor to rule out an underlying medical condition.

A trial diet will help you determine which foods are causing excessive gas production. This can be done two ways:
1. Eat as you normally would, but eliminate one category of gas-producing foods for at least one week. If the gas production does not decrease, return this category of foods to your diet and eliminate another category for a week. Continue doing this until gas production has reached a tolerable level. OR
2. Restrict all categories of gas-producing foods for 3-4 days. Reintroduce one food at a time and include that food in the diet for 3-4 days. If the food is not causing excess gas production, keep it in the diet. If it is causing excess gas production, eliminate it from the diet and continue the process with the other foods.

COMMON GAS-PRODUCING FOODS

1. Legumes: beans (including dried), peas, baked beans, soy beans, kidney beans.
2. Milk and milk products: milk, icecream, cheese.
3. Vegetables: cabbage, radish, onion, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cucumber, sauerkraut, kohlrabi, asparagus.
4. Root Vegetables: potatoes, carrots, turnips.
5. Fruits: prunes, apricots, apples, raisins, bananas.
6. Cereals/Breads: All foods that contain wheat and wheat products including cereals, breads, pastries.
7. Fatty foods: pan or deep-fried foods, fatty meats, rich cream sauces and gravies, pastries.
8. Liquids: carbonated drinks, medications or powders.

N.B. Some gas-producing foods can be tolerated in smaller amounts and tolerance to certain foods can be acquired.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

The following diet has been suggested for this condition.

BREAKFAST

1. 1/2 cup of orange juice
2. 1 cup puffed rice cereal
3. 2 rice cakes
4. 1 cup Skim milk
Coffee or tea if desired

LUNCH

1. 90g chicken breast
2. 1/2 cup steamed rice
3. 1 cup steamed spinach
4. 1/2 cup cranberry juice
Coffee or tea if desired

DINNER

1. 60g lean roast beef
2. 1/2 cup cooked carrots
3. 1/2 cup rice noodles
4. Small lettuce and tomato salad
5. 1/2 cup canned peaches
6. 1 cup Skim milk