Flatulence occurs because the digestive tract is filled with gas. This condition is caused by eating too fast, chewing gum, smoking, fizzy drinks, and eating vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli. The gas that appears will be expelled through farts (exhaling) and belching. So what does flatulence have to do with enzyme deficiency?
The human body has three types of enzymes, namely proteases, lipases, and amylase, to digest and also break down the food we eat. If we experience digestive disorders that cause flatulence, this condition could be related to a deficiency in the digestive enzymes above.
Various Conditions Cause Constant Farting and Burping
The pancreas functions to produce digestive enzymes, disorders of the pancreas organ will indirectly interfere with the body's digestive system.
Lactose intolerance is another digestive disorder that can also cause flatulence. Lack of the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the small intestine, prevents the body from processing a naturally occurring sugar called lactose, which is normally found in milk.
Lactose that cannot be broken down, digested, or absorbed properly will then enter the large intestine where digestive tract bacteria work. The more food leftovers are processed by bacteria, the more gas is produced by these bacteria. Excess gas is what makes the stomach bloated.
How to Overcome a Bloated Stomach
Enzymes do have an important role in digestion. Together with other chemicals in the body, enzymes help break down food particles, even destroying toxins that enter the body through food.
Taking enzymes or medications that contain enzymes can also help prevent impaired absorption of nutrients by the small intestine, and relieve symptoms of indigestion that result, such as flatulence.
However, the amount of enzyme needed varies from person to person. Generally, your doctor will recommend that you take a special enzyme replacement medication. The recommended dose will be determined, among other things, based on the function and condition of your pancreas. The dose can be started from the lowest and then increased gradually, or according to the doctor's observations.
It should be noted that drugs containing enzymes are not drugs to treat diseases caused by enzyme disorders, such as: exocrine pancreatic iinsufficiency (EPI) or inherited metabolic disorders. The drug is given to relieve symptoms or complaints that arise due to enzyme disorders, one of which is flatulence.
In addition to the various medicines above, here are some ingredients that you can easily find at home that are believed to help with flatulence, namely:
- Pineapple
This fruit contains bromelain which is a protein-digesting enzyme. Bromelain is known to be good for flatulence.
- Turmeric
This warm, bitter and yellow kitchen spice contains curcumin which works to reduce swelling and conditions associated with inflammation. Turmeric is also useful for treating various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including reducing gas levels.
- Peppermint
The content of peppermint can help overcome flatulence and relax the muscles in the digestive tract.
- Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and is also used to help with any digestive disorders. The content of ginger will make the digestive system calm, and make the digestive tract muscles relax. This benefit can relieve flatulence.
Flatulence, farting, and belching can also be caused by: aerophagia, which is when you swallow too much air as a result of chewing or drinking too fast, and eating certain foods and drinks that produce a lot of gas. To overcome this, massage in the abdominal area can also help overcome flatulence. Gently massage your belly for 15 minutes twice a day, for three days. Taking probiotics can also help reduce flatulence, but if you have lactose intolerance, it's not advisable to take dairy-based probiotics, such as yogurt.
Make sure you consult a doctor if flatulence is accompanied by other complaints, such as abdominal pain, high fever, diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, heartburn, and stools mixed with blood. These symptoms indicate a more serious medical condition, and need to be examined and treated by a doctor.
