NANP Board Practice Exam

What should be considered in cases with chronic gas and bloating?

1. Inadequate fiber intake

2. Inadequate digestive enzymes

3. High protein diet

4. Daily exercise regime

The correct answer is: Inadequate digestive enzymes

In cases of chronic gas and bloating, considering inadequate digestive enzymes is essential. Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down food substances into smaller, absorbable components. When there is a deficiency in these enzymes, the body struggles to properly digest certain foods, leading to fermentation and gas production in the gastrointestinal tract. This can result in symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and excessive gas. Inadequate fiber intake, while relevant to digestive health, primarily impacts bowel regularity and can lead to constipation, which is somewhat different from the issue of bloating caused by gas. A high protein diet can contribute to gas if the individual has trouble digesting proteins, but it does not directly address the underlying need for digestive enzymes. Daily exercise regimes can improve overall digestion and help alleviate bloating symptoms, but they do not specifically target the enzymatic breakdown of food. Therefore, focusing on digestive enzymes provides a direct solution to the specific issue of chronic gas and bloating.