If you’ve got it, it’s one of the most embarrassing problems you can have. Bad gas. Try as you might, this one is a hard one to cover up. In fact, you may avoid leaving the house on days it’s particularly bad as you don’t want the embarrassment that comes with passing wind when others are around. As much as you try and hold it, sometimes, it’s happening whether you like it or not.

But, taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture here, what is your flatulence telling you about your health?

Let’s take a closer look at what this gas might mean. If it’s an odd occurrence here and there, chances are it’s nothing to worry about. But, if your gas is almost always present, it’s time to find the root cause.

Gas And Food Intolerance

One of the most common causes of gas production in the body is due to a food intolerance. Usually the culprit for most people is lactose, so if this is the reason behind your issues, cutting dairy for one week should resolve the issue.

Still suffering?

The next thing to try would be all gluten-containing foods. For some people who are gluten sensitive or intolerant, consuming this will produce more gas than normal.

Gas And Lack Of Healthy Bacteria

If you’ve ruled out food intolerances, you might want to consider the possibility that it’s an issue with the level of probiotics in your body. These good bacteria assist with the digestion process, breaking down your food and eliminating gas related issues.

If you just finished a round of antibiotics (which likely wiped out all your healthy bacteria along with the bad bacteria it was designed to target), this is likely the source of your gas.

If you haven’t just finished antibiotics, it could just be that you are not maintaining enough in your system. Many factors can deplete your levels such as stress or a poor diet.

Adding a good probiotic product should help you resolve this issue.

Gas And Fiber Consumption

Recently upped your fiber intake? That could be the primary reason why gas is starting to cause a problem for you as well.

Too much dietary fiber, especially when increased dramatically over a short period of time will also influence your gas production. Ideally you should be adding about 5 grams of fiber per week to your diet until you reach your ideal recommendation of around 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men.

If you are consuming above this level in your diet, you may want to cut back slightly as that could also be what’s leading to your gas issues.

Gas And Speed Eating

Finally, the last reason you may be experiencing more gas than normal is if you’re racing with your meals. Speed eating causes you to take in more air than you should, which can lead to the development of gas.

This is a clear signal to slow down. The good news is that by paying attention and doing so, you’ll also likely recognize your satiety signals better, which is your body’s way of telling you that you’ve had enough food.

Don’t be so quick to brush that gas off as just an embarrassing situation. It could be telling you important information about your health.

Shannon Clark holds a degree in Exercise Science from the University of Alberta, where she specialized in Sports Performance and Psychology. In addition to her degree, she is an AFLCA certified personal trainer and has been working in the field for over 12 years now. She is a regular contributor to Bodybuilding.com and has also been named 'Writer Of The Year' two times running. She's also contributed well over 400 articles to a variety of different websites dedicated towards muscle building and athletic performance.