Schoolyard jokes aside, a poor digestive system is no laughing matter. If you’re tired of being uncomfortable (and embarrassed) because of burping, bloating or passing gas, here’s what you need to know.

1. Change what you eat

If chugging carbonated beverages and snacking on high-fat foods are daily rituals, you may want to consider modifying your diet.

• Milk and milk products such as cheese and ice cream contain lactose — a common sugar that many people have difficulty digesting.
• Onions, artichokes, pears and some soft drinks contain fructose, another sugar that can be tough to digest.
• Dietary fiber, found in beans and wheat bran, also tends to produce intestinal gas.

So watch what you eat and mind your portion sizes.

2. Change how you eat

When it comes to excessive gas and bloating, how you eat is just as important as what you eat. If you wish to avoid heartburn or reflux:

• Eat and drink slowly
• Steer clear of large meals
• Refrain from eating within three hours of bedtime

3. Mind your size

Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over, increases your chances of developing a host of digestive diseases from reflux to irritable bowel syndrome and even colon cancer.

Again, watch what you eat and make exercise a regular part of your daily routine – it’s easier than you may think. But remember: excessive or unexplained weight loss can also signal digestive problems such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome or cancer. If you’ve lost more than 5 to 10 percent of your usual body weight and you’re not sure why, visit your healthcare provider.

4. See your pharmacist

While there’s no magical pill for digestive difficulties, products that contain antacids and simethicone, for example, may help you belch away excess stomach gas. And the digestive enzymes lactase and alpha-galactosidase may relieve excess gas caused by dairy products and beans, respectively.

Before you buy over-the-counter or herbal products, consult your pharmacist for professional gut-saving advice.

5. Get checked out

Not listening to your body’s feedback can be downright dangerous so don’t ignore these important signs. The following symptoms may indicate a potentially serious (yet possibly treatable) digestive problem, so schedule a visit with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

• Difficulty swallowing and pain in your chest
• Persistent heartburn (reflux)
• Persistent hiccups
• Unintentional weight loss
• Blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal pain that awakens you at night
• Bloody diarrhea