Benjamin Franklin wrote a whole pamphlet on the subject. He suggested that if people added to their diet certain perfumes and flowers, they would soon be breaking wind as delectable as summer breezes. Of course, two hundred years later, our intestinal air is, well, as succulent as ever. Most of us, like it or not, do have our own ‘factory-installed’ Whoopie Cushions. The flowers didn’t work and flatulence prevails. Certainly one of those health issues in the realm of the genuinely annoying rather than medically serious, flatulence can still cause considerable discomfort, noise, and embarrassment. (Unless you’re about eight years old, in which case, expect considerable popularity among your peers.)

The truth is some degree of flatulence is perfectly normal, a natural part of the digestive process. Most people break wind at least 15 or more times a day. If you’re in the "more" group, however, and it's distressing you or others around you, seriously think about trying WholeHealthChicago’s recommendations for cutting down on intestinal gas.

Much of the problem has to do with what you eat, of course, so we’ll show you what to avoid and offer some additional remedies as well--herbs, digestive enzymes, and even simple ways to change the odor causing bacteria in your intestines.

Learn About Flatulence