Whether we’d like to admit it or not, everyone gets gas from time to time. Gas is caused by swallowing air and the breakdown of food in your digestive tract. The consequences are usually burping, feeling bloated, or passing gas. Here are 6 foods that cause gas:

1.Beans: When you think of foods that cause gas, beans are probably at the top of the list. Beans contain a lot of raffinose, which is a complex sugar that the body has trouble digesting.Raffinose passes through the small intestines into the large intestines where bacteria break it down, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane gas, which exits through the rectum.

2.Dairy products: Lactose is a sugar that’s found in milk and most dairy products,including cheese and ice cream. People who don’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase have difficulty digesting lactose, which is known as lactose intolerance.Increased gas is one symptom of lactose intolerance.If you suspect you’re lactose intolerant,you might reduce your symptoms by trying nondairy replacements such as almond milk or soy “dairy” products, or taking a lactase tablet before eating foods with lactose.

3.Whole grains: Whole grains such as wheat and oats contain fiber, raffinose, and starch. All of these are broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, which leads to gas.In fact,rice is the only grain that doesn’t cause gas.

4.Vegetables: Certain vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, and cauliflower are known to cause excess gas. Like beans,these vegetables also contain the complex sugar, raffinose.However,these are very healthy foods,so you may want to talk with your doctor before eliminating them from your diet.

5.Sodas: Sodas and other carbonated drinks can add significantly to the amount of air you swallow.When air gets into your digestive tract,it has to pass through somehow.This causes burping and may also increase how much gas you pass. Swapping soda for juice, tea, or water (with no carbonation) may help you reduce gas.

6. Processed foods: Processed foods are packaged goods, such as breads, snack foods, cereal, and salad dressing. These contain a variety of ingredients, including fructose and lactose. This combination can lead to increased gas.