How much gas is too much?
Does large amounts mean a healthy flora of bacteria is present in ones colon?
Does odoriferous gas mean the presence of harmful bacteria?
What can be done to maintain an 'ideal' GI flora, and keep gas levels at a desired or healthy amount?
I will try to start the discussion off with some of the information I have found at eMedicine:
http://www.emedicine.../article_em.htm
And to regulate gas:Most people produce about 1-3 pints a day and pass gas about 14 times a day
The primary components of gas (known as flatus, pronounced FLAY-tuss) are 5 odorless gases: nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and oxygen.
The characteristic odor is attributed to trace gases such as skatole, indole, and sulfur-containing compounds.
An estimated 30-150 grams of this undigested food reach the colon in the form of carbohydrate every day. But this amount can vary with diet and how well your GI tract is functioning.
The unpleasant odor often associated with flatus is generally attributed to trace sulfur-containing compounds, produced only by particular bacteria not found in everyone.
Beano is an enzyme supplement that may be useful with bean ingestion. It contains the sugar-digesting enzyme that the body lacks to digest the sugar in beans and many vegetables. Beano has no effect on gas caused by lactose or fiber. You can buy the enzyme over-the-counter. Add 3-10 drops per serving just before eating to break down the gas-producing sugars.
Activated charcoal tablets (Charcocaps) may provide relief from gas in the colon. Gas can be reduced if tablets are taken before and after a meal. The usual dose is 2-4 tablets taken just before eating and 1 hour after meals.