Joined
·
744 Posts
Bacterial gasses are bioactive and can affect intestinal transit. Most people are predominantly methane or hydrogen producers. In IBS, hydrogen producers tend to be diarrhea-predominant and methane producers, constipation-predominant.
Overproduction of gas is generally caused by carbohydrate maldigestion. Carbohydrates are made up of fibre and starch, which is ultimately broken down into sugars. Fibre, starch and complex sugars can all be problem foods if they aren't digested properly, either because we lack the proper enzymes, or because there is a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine which ferments undigested food, causing excess gas.
Testing has shown that methane producers have a longer gut transit time compared to hydrogen producers. Methane may cause segmental, non-propulsive contractions which also slow gut transit. Methane may also restrict serotonin, a neurotransmitter that modulates peristalsis.
In the following study, it is believed that methane may increase the perception of pain in the colon. Methanogens oxidise hydrogen to create methane. Hydrogen sulfide, also a neuromodulator, is believed to have analgesic, pain reducing properties.
Methanogens in Human Health and Disease
http://www.nature.com/ajgsup/journal/v1/n1/full/ajgsup20126a.html
"Although not directly studied, it is also possible that methanogen overgrowth relative to sulfide-reducing bacteria could enhance abdominal pain by attenuating production of hydrogen sulfide, a known gaseous neuromodulator with significant antinociceptive effects."
"Patients with methanogenic flora had weaker anal sphincter pressure and rectal hypersensitivity compared with nonmethanogenic patients."
Methane gas may not only increase pain sensation, but also have a detrimental affect on anal sphincter sensitivity. This means that even a moderate amount of gas may exert a pressure on a compromised anal sphincter.
Methane gas can be minimised by a low-flatulogenic diet which is based on meat and fish, moderate fats, and well-cooked low FODMAP vegetables.
Overproduction of gas is generally caused by carbohydrate maldigestion. Carbohydrates are made up of fibre and starch, which is ultimately broken down into sugars. Fibre, starch and complex sugars can all be problem foods if they aren't digested properly, either because we lack the proper enzymes, or because there is a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine which ferments undigested food, causing excess gas.
Testing has shown that methane producers have a longer gut transit time compared to hydrogen producers. Methane may cause segmental, non-propulsive contractions which also slow gut transit. Methane may also restrict serotonin, a neurotransmitter that modulates peristalsis.
In the following study, it is believed that methane may increase the perception of pain in the colon. Methanogens oxidise hydrogen to create methane. Hydrogen sulfide, also a neuromodulator, is believed to have analgesic, pain reducing properties.
Methanogens in Human Health and Disease
http://www.nature.com/ajgsup/journal/v1/n1/full/ajgsup20126a.html
"Although not directly studied, it is also possible that methanogen overgrowth relative to sulfide-reducing bacteria could enhance abdominal pain by attenuating production of hydrogen sulfide, a known gaseous neuromodulator with significant antinociceptive effects."
"Patients with methanogenic flora had weaker anal sphincter pressure and rectal hypersensitivity compared with nonmethanogenic patients."
Methane gas may not only increase pain sensation, but also have a detrimental affect on anal sphincter sensitivity. This means that even a moderate amount of gas may exert a pressure on a compromised anal sphincter.
Methane gas can be minimised by a low-flatulogenic diet which is based on meat and fish, moderate fats, and well-cooked low FODMAP vegetables.
