Dodge the Bloat: Five Culinary Culprits to Steer Clear of for a Gas-Free Existence

The Sweet Side of Sorbitol

Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, found in sugar-free candies, gums, and some diet drinks, can also cause bloating and gas. Sorbitol is slowly and poorly absorbed in the small intestine and, thus, ends up in the colon, where it's fermented by bacteria, generating gas.

Sorbitol is also a type of sugar alcohol found naturally in some fruits like apples, pears, and peaches. If these fruits cause discomfort, limiting your intake may help reduce gas. Also, be conscious of your consumption of products labeled as "sugar-free" or "no sugar added," as they might contain sorbitol or other sugar alcohols like xylitol and mannitol.