The G.I. Tract
(from an Air Force manual)
Gastrointestinal pain is discomfort caused by the expansion of gas trapped within the digestive system as one ascends. As these gases expand in the stomach and intestines, relief is obtained by belching or passing flatus. Descending can also clear the gas problem.
Gastrointestinal Gas Expansion Problems
1. Symptoms
a. Discomfort in abdominal area
b. Mild to severe pain
c. Possible breathing problems
d. Cramps
2. Prevention
a. Avoid gas forming foods or foods that disagree with you
b. Avoid eating irregularly and/or hastily
c. Limit gaseous fluid intake
3. Treatment
a. Pass gas by belching or passing flatus [farting]
b. Massage effected area
c. Reverse direction of pressure change
d. See a flight surgeon
Avoid gas-forming foods: While individual jumpers will have differences in food tolerances, the following foods are possible gas-formers and should be avoided:
Vegetables
Beans (especially soybeans)
Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower
Corn, Cucumbers, Green Peppers
Lentils, Onions, including Leeks, Scallions and Shallots
Pimentos, Radishes, Rutabagas
Sauerkraut, Turnips
Fruit
Avocado, Melons, Raw Apples
Eggs
Meats
Tough, High fat pork products, Soy extended*
Ground Beef and Patties
Breads And Cereals
Doughy Breads (heavy and/or not completely baked)
Bran Cereals and Bread
Other
Poorly cooked foods
Highly spiced foods or spices in excess
Foods with excessive fat
*NOTE: Soy protein has been added to ground beef to reduce the food cost. However, increased flatulence may be associated with soy-extender.
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