Ask a doctor - Why do I get flatulence straight after meals?

Q. Why do I get flatulence straight after meals?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Flatulence (or passing gas) is a perfectly normal part of digestion that occurs when the body breaks down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the food you eat. While everyone experiences flatulence to some degree, the amount and intensity can vary person-to-person.

The most common explanation for why you may get flatulence straight after meals is due to specific dietary factors like eating too many high-fiber foods or foods containing lots of sugar alcohols such as fructose, sorbitol and mannitol. These ingredients are not fully digested by your body so they reach your large bowel where healthy bacteria break them down causing them to produce more gases than usual resulting in increased flatulence.

Other things that can influence your risk of post meal flatulence include consuming dairy products (like milk), artificial sweeteners used in low calorie sodas or drinks which contain sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol and xylitol). People may also be sensitive to certain spices like cumin, garlic or chilli pepper which could contribute to increased gas production after meals.

If you feel that you’re experiencing more gas than normal after meals it would be worth speaking with your doctor who can help diagnose any underlying issues that could be contributing this symptom as well as advise on how best to reduce excessive post meal flatulence if necessary.