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Flatulence

During prostate cancer treatment, especially radiotherapy, it is common to experience bloating and flatulence. Gas is a normal outcome of digestion, which can increase by the consumption of certain foods and by the air we generate when we eat.

WHAT DO WE RECOMMEND?

Eat well seated, slowly, and try to chew without taking in too much air.

FOODS THAT CAN GENERATE GAS
  • Carbonated beverages (or drinks containing gas) unless this has been eliminated.
  • Certain types of vegetables: cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin, leek, asparagus, radish, spinach, Brussels sprouts, cucumber, carrot, artichoke, and onion.
  • Legumes: beans, lentils, peas, soya beans and chickpeas.
  • Some fruits: plums (fresh or dried), sultanas, bananas, apples, pineapple, and apricots. An excess of fruit in general and the peel of the fruit.
  • Dairy and dairy products in abundance: especially the fattiest, matured and aged ones.
  • Whole grains or wholemeal cereals and their bran.
  • Artificial sweeteners and foods containing artificial sweeteners (sweets, chewing gum, diet drinks).
  • Fatty foods in general: butter, fatty cold meats, pastries and baked goods, biscuits, chocolates…
  • Nuts and dried fruit.
  • Chewing gum, sipping drinks with a straw…

Although these foods produce the most gas, individual tolerance is very variable. Try not to eliminate them, but to try them on different days, in small quantities…

It is important to ensure that all food groups are consumed (fruit, vegetables, cereals, fish, etc.) and not to base the diet on foods such as white rice, pasta, white bread, etc., as they do not contain fibre and could lead to constipation.

Avoid fatty cooking methods: frying, battering, and stews containing a lot of fat.

Some suggested recipes:

White fish papillota with green sauce

Tortilla ‘Rolls’

Chicken skewers with apple

Avoid the use of condiments such as pepper, paprika or chilli.

Mint, sage, coriander, summer savory, rosemary, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, chamomile, anise, or fennel.

Some suggested recipes:

Pear and mint slushie

Apple in the microwave with cinnamon

Ginger and mint jelly

Avoid eating heavy meals.
Avoid lying down immediately after a meal.
Avoid chewing gum and smoking.
Avoid drinking liquids through a straw.
Exercise regularly.