Q. I have a lot of trouble with wind and was wondering what to do?

The question in full:

Q. I have a lot of trouble with wind and was wondering what else I can do. I've already cut out really windy foods like cabbage and any sort of beans like baked beans but I still seem to have problems which is so embarrassing.

A.  You can also eliminate other notorious gas-producing foods such as wheat bran, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, curries, onions, corn and heavy grain breads. In addition, tips that have worked for others are:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Keeping your bowl motions soft and regular (don't get constipated)
• Daily exercise
• Eliminate a sugarfree sweetener called sorbitol which is found large quantities in sugarfree chewing gum, diet cordials and naturally pear or apple juice. It is not broken down in the digestive tract and ends up being consumed by the friendly bacteria in your large bowel so creating lots of gas (flatulence)
• Watch you're not swallowing air when chewing
• Cut out fizzy drinks and gaseous beer which introduce air and can make you burp and belch

If the wind persists, perhaps it's wise to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist to check for Irritable Bowel Syndrome or lactose intolerance, as these are often the underlying reason for flatulence as well as for bloating and loose motions.

Do you suffer from excess gas? Do you have any more tips for how to minimise the problem?