Why Do I Get Gassy When I Skip a Meal?

So, it has come to my attention lately that if I skip a meal, "Marvin" gets very gassy. Is there some reason for this?

Lee

Not sure of the exact reason, but maybe it's because when your bowels are empty, it can cause a buildup of acid, but don't quote me on that. It is common, though, for ileostomates. I'd say it's common for most people, but a colon can collect a lot of gas before it gets passed. Hunger pains, empty stomachs growling, and stuff like that are all possible signs of gas building up. I had my colon removed 20 years ago and miss the ability to hold gas in until I can go somewhere safe to let it out, lol.

The output of gas is either from air that you swallow or food that you eat.

So am I swallowing air just because I am breathing? Because there was no food in my stomach, so it couldn't be food.

Hi Lee, I saw your question and I saw different responses, to some degree they are correct. I did not read an obvious answer—although your stomach was empty, you still have fermenting bacteria working in your gut. Things our stomach can't digest sometimes enter the intestine and are broken down by bacteria. Artificial sugars, and some natural ones like prunes, are fermented. Fibers such as cabbage and broccoli also ferment and produce gas. Here is a fun thought—eat some carbs and add some yeast like in beer!!! You can fill balloons!!

Anyone try Gas-X?

I need a beer, or maybe vodka would be better. But nope, I don't have any. I know carbonated beverages cause gas. I try to avoid them. It was just curious to me that Marvin could be so gassy with nothing in my stomach yet.

Lee