Question: I have constant gas. I’ve tried some diet changes but nothing seems to work. It seems like a funny problem to some people, but I’d like some relief. Do you have any suggestions? I’m a 70-year-old man.

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

If your gas is caused by another health problem, treating the underlying condition may offer relief. Otherwise, bothersome gas is generally treated with dietary measures, lifestyle modifications, or over-the-counter medications. I hope you have already avoided the right foods that might be causing this problem.

Try to add a product called Beano to beans and vegetables to help reduce the amount of gas they produce. Try eating several small meals throughout the day instead of two or three larger ones, eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and don't gulp. Avoid chewing gum, sucking on hard candies and drinking through a straw, don't eat when you're anxious, upset or on the run, don't smoke, and exercise regularly.

Supplements of the enzyme lactase (Lactaid, Dairy Ease), which helps you digest lactose, may help if you are lactose intolerant. You might also try dairy products that are lactose-free or have reduced lactose. Over-the-counter products that contain simethicone (Gas-X, Gelusil, Mylanta, Mylicon) help break up the bubbles in gas. Charcoal tablets (CharcoCaps, Charcoal Plus, others) also may help. You take them before and after a meal.