How Much Gas Is Normal?What Gas Relief Products Can and Can't Do

Gas can feel awkward to bring up at an appointment. If you’re wondering whether yours is normal, here are the numbers and what helps.

What’s normal

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)¹:²

• People pass gas an average of 8 to 14 times a day, and up to 25 is considered normal.
• People typically belch up to 30 times a day.
• Some gas symptoms are normal, especially during or after meals.

Bloating is common too. Studies suggest 16% to 31% of people experience it.¹ Only about half of people who feel bloated have a visibly larger belly.²

Where gas comes from

Gas enters your gut when you swallow air and when bacteria in the large intestine break down carbohydrates that weren’t fully digested.² Odor can come from sulfur in the gas.²

Everyday products that add to gas

NIDDK lists:²³

• Chewing gum and hard candy, which make you swallow more air
• Fizzy drinks and drinking through a straw
• Sugar-free candies and gums with sweeteners ending in “-ol”
• Loose dentures, which can increase swallowed air
• Foods high in fiber, fructose or lactose, plus cruciferous vegetables and beans

What gas relief products do

• Simethicone chewables and capsules are labeled to relieve pressure, bloating and fullness from gas. Follow the daily limit on the label.⁴
• Lactase products help if lactose intolerance is the cause.³ Our guide to dairy and bloating explains.
• Enzyme blends are often sold for gas, but most people don’t need them. See our article on digestive enzyme supplements.

NIDDK advises talking with your doctor before using supplements or probiotics.³

Habits that help

NIDDK suggests eating more slowly, sitting down to eat, eating smaller and more frequent meals, skipping fizzy drinks and straws, and getting dentures checked for fit.³

When to see a doctor

Talk with your doctor if gas bothers you, your symptoms change suddenly, or you also have belly pain, constipation, diarrhea or weight loss.² Conditions such as celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome can cause gas symptoms.³

Try: “I’ve had more gas and bloating than usual for a couple of months. Could this be a food intolerance, IBS or something else we should test for?”

Bloated by Dinner includes a Belly Clock log and a Test-It list with a visit script. Use them to record meals, gas and bloating so your clinician can see the pattern. See the book.