Body language: passing gas

What it means: Flatulence, like burping, is a normal way the body expels swallowed air or gases produced during digestion. It’s normal to pass gas up to 20 times a day. Certain foods can also trigger gassiness, such as beans, popular sugar substitutes like xylitol and sorbitol (they’re poorly absorbed carbs), some fat-free potato chips, fructose (a sugar found in many processed foods) and lactose (dairy woes, anyone?). Dairy can also lead to stinky gas, as can sulfurous foods such as broccoli and cabbage. You may get more gassy during your period if you’re typically prone to diarrhea or constipation, or if you succumb to chocolate cravings (the sugar-and-carb combo ups gasiness).

What to do: Eat slowly, and cut down on beans, processed foods and sodas for less risk of cutting the you-know-what later.

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