Although it might be embarrassing, passing gas is totally normal.
But, if you’re very gassy at night, find out the culprits.
Gas can present itself in different ways, including bloating, belching and flatulence (aka farting).
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And while having some gas is normal, excessive gas may be a sign of a digestive issue.
Is Bloating at Night Normal?
Why Are You So Gassy at Night?
Gas comes up whenever you swallow air, and when bacteria in your large intestine break down undigested carbohydrates.
There are many reasons why you might experience more gas at night.
Most of the reasons are related to eating, drinking and swallowing air.
When you eat fast, you may swallow more air, which increases the risk of developing gas.
Drinking through a straw can worsen this because it increases the amount of air being swallowed.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gumis a gas-producing habitbecause while you chew, you swallow air.
The2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americanssuggests that adults consume 22 to 34 grams of fiber daily.
Fiber adds bulk to meals, increasing feelings of fullness.
Consuming Certain Types of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy sourceand provide vitamins and minerals.
Instead, it just sits there, producing gas and bloating.
This isn’t necessarily bad, because delayed gastric emptying increases feelings of fullness.
Upon swallowing, food enters the esophagus and passes into your stomach.
Food is then mixed with acid in your stomach and broken down further.
Next, the large intestine absorbs water and any remaining nutrients, changing the waste from liquid into poop.
Your poop is stored in the rectum until it is pushed out of the body during a bowel movement.
While gas can be produced during this process for different reasons, there are ways to reduce it.
Drinking fluids will help push the fiber through your digestive system.
Eat Slowly
Slower eating reduces the chance of swallowing air.
This also means a greater likelihood of less gas.
Reduce Intake of Trigger Foods
Everyone responds to food differently.
This will help you discover if any foods are causing your gas.
If you need help finding your trigger foods, consider working with a registered dietitian.
This means they add beneficial bacteria to your gut.
But being more gassy at night can be a result of certain eating and drinking behaviors.
Once you figure out why you are so gassy, you might come up with a solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eating regular meals throughout the day may help to alleviate gas.
Slowly increasing your fiber intake while simultaneously increasing your water intake can also help you to reduce gas.
Various culprits can result in more gas at night.
Most of the time an increase in gas is food-related.
This can help you to discover the cause.
Trapped gas can cause discomfort, so don’t hold it in.
If you might, relieve it by burping, passing gas or attempting a bowel movement.
Deep breaths, gentle movement, massage, heat and drinking tea or hot water withapple-cider vinegarmay also help.
If you experience trapped gas often, consult with your medical provider.
After an evaluation, they may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
