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Reply to "how to ride out gas pains"

Gas is better prevented than treated. Because once it is there, it will distend the gut and cause pain. Stretch receptors are the only source of pain detection in the gut, so that is why gas causes more pain than anything else.

Of course, once gas has formed, the only way to get rid of the pain is to pass the gas. That means that slowing things down actually increases your pain!

So, avoid foods that tend to be gas producing. Most people are surprised at what is on the list. Check out the list here:
https://www.j-pouch.org/diet.html
Beano can help because it is an enzyme and can help digest those leftover carbs. Gas-X and all the other brands of simethicone only serve to allow you to pass the gas, NONE of them actually make gas disappear.

Swallowed air also contributes, so avoid straws, chewing gum, and eating fast.

Chewing well can reduce gas, because your food digests better and there is less for the bacteria to work on down the line (bacteria acting on undigested food is what creates the gas). On the same line of thinking is the recommendation for frequent small meals, rather than the 3 large meals.

DO NOT SKIP MEALS! While it may seem counter intuitive, skipping meals actually increases gas production and cramps, as the gut just churns and works on your own mucous.

I don't buy the notion that holding it in and suffering in pain is the way to faster maturation of the pouch. I think what they mean is to not run to the toilet at the first inkling of an urge, but to wait for the urge to be rather strong. The intent is not for you to be tortured!

And of course, tincture of time... can't be said enough that time is what will cause the most improvement. I think I can say that pretty much every single one of us has been there.

Jan Smiler
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