Gas ?

In our culture, a lot of chronic abdominal symptoms are chalked up to the so called “gas problem”. This term can refer to a whole spectrum of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, heart burn, reflux, early satiety and excessive flatulence. The most common  reasons for these can be constipation,  gastroesophageal reflux disease and gallbladder disease. Still, an evaluation for more serious issues like cancer is sometimes necessary because, the symptoms even from cancers in early stages can be subtle. So, it is better to have a thoughtful evaluation by a physician to try and understand the root cause of these symptoms, instead of ignoring them. 

High fiber food, good water intake and regular exercise are essential for a healthy life. Overnutrition leading to overweight, especially in the affluent classes in our society, is the single most important factor associated with poor health outcomes. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole (i.e. unpolished) grains are some of the most important components of a healthy diet. In terms of exercise, incorporating 45 min to an hour of intense physical activity at least 5-6 days a week is a good goal. The bottom line is, we have to maintain the energy balance, that is, not consume more calories than we need. 

Healthy diet and exercise on the other hand, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. A good lifestyle can maintain a healthy body weight, while also helping you feel better from the abdominal standpoint, irrespective of the specific diagnosis.

Further Reading