Scripps Cancer Center

Gas and Bloating

Medical Nutrition Therapy

About

Bloating is when the abdomen feels full or tight and it may be due to solids, liquids, or air in the digestive system. Symptoms may be relieved from belching, having a bowel movement, or passing gas. Different cancer treatments may cause these side effects including chemotherapy, radiation therapy to the abdomen, certain medications, and abdominal surgery.

Oftentimes the foods typically recommended for health might not be well tolerated during cancer treatment due to these side effects. Once treatment ends, the side effect of gas and bloating will improve and including the more nutritious foods can be a focus once again. It is important to manage this side effect to feel comfortable and maintain quality of life during treatment.

Nutrition Tips

• Ways to reduce gas and bloating

  • How and what to eat

    • Chew and eat slowly

    • Aim for 5-6 small meals/snacks instead of large meals

    • Choose probiotic-rich foods

      ◊  Examples: yogurt, kefir, tempeh, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut

    • Try ginger, peppermint, and fennel tea

  • Foods to limit

    • Deep-fried or high-fat foods

    • Highly processed "fast food"

    • Carbonated beverages

    • Alcohol

    • Sugar free gum and candies - avoid items that contain sugar alcohols

      ◊  Examples: sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol

    • Nutrient rich foods that can cause gas (note: do not avoid completely - use a food diary before decreasing or eliminating these from the diet and be sure to include them again when side effects become more manageable, or treatment subsides)

      ◊  Beans

      ◊  Whole grains: whole wheat and bran

      ◊  "White" versions of foods may be better tolerated, such as white pasta, white bread/bagels, and white rice

      ◊  Fruit: prunes, apples, peaches, pears

      ◊  Vegetables: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, asparagus, cauliflower, raw onions, raw garlic

  • Keep a diary

    • Everyone is different and what causes gas and bloating in someone may not for someone else

    • Document what you eat and drink along with gastrointestinal side effects (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, etc.)

      • If you notice specific foods that cause discomfort, decrease the amount of those items in the diet

      • When feeling better after treatment, slowly increase these foods and drinks back into the diet, pending tolerance

  • Swallow less air

    • Avoid using straws, if able

    • Avoid chewing gum and hard candies

    • Avoid talking when eating

    • Be mindful when chewing not to take in air

    • If wearing dentures, make sure they fit properly

Lifestyle Tips

• Go for a walk

  • Being upright and moving throughout the day may help relieve bloating

  • Go for walks after you eat to help move food along your digestive system

  • Self-massage, such as the ILU (I Love You) massage

    • For more information, visit: https://pelvichealthsolutions.ca/

  • Yoga poses - speak with your doctor or physical therapist to discuss if this is safe for you

Contact the healthcare team if:

• Considering taking a medication or supplement to help manage gas and/or bloating

• Have not had a bowel movement or passed gas in three days

• There are preexisting gastrointestinal issues