One other thing: perhaps you don't have enough stomach acid. I know you eat a lot of veggies, but do you notice problems after eating protein? Many people think they need to alkalize their stomach and consequently reach for stomach alkalizers. But if lack of stomach acid is the problem--and it often is, what they should be taking is Betaine Hydrochloric Acid, or Betaine HCL. You can get it through a health food store or Amazon.
I wish that this information would be shared outside of this venue. Vegetables can cause very distressing discomforat, Pain is your only the first problem.
Since it is a change from normal, go see your MD about this. As others have suggested, it could have many causes but it is important to rule out the really dangerous causes, if only to give you peace of mind. (My Dad thought he was having heart attacks 30 years ago, finally went to the MD and found out it was a hiatial hernia.)
If it ends up being gallbladder, try Turmeric and/or Milk Thistle herbs. I also think that yogurt with active cultures is a good thing at any age, my favorites are Fage or Danon Lite.
When was your last colonoscopy? Obstructions are painful because the bowel above the blocked area stretches as it fills with food and digestive juices. The pain is intense and may occur in waves as the bowels try to push their contents through the obstructed area. Get checked.
As several others have suggested, see your doctor who is probably a primary. If your doctor feels you need a gastroenterologist you will be referred to one. There many causes for what we consider "gas pains", which might be a secondary reaction to something else.
Just to add - you might have more than just gas. Get an upper and lower GI CT done because at 72 years you could be dealing with something more serious. This nurse recommends it is time for a doctor's visit.
Food combining is an important factor too. Fruits should always be eaten alone for best digestion. Fats like to be with proteins. Veggies seem compatible with all foods but fruit. Carbs like to be with veggies but not also protein. Try what works for you.
Yes, go LIla. Probiotics very important. I switched milk products to goat products: goat yogurt, goat cheese, and find that easier to digest, and I love the taste. Trader Joe's has some great products. I also bought Super Green Drink which is a powerhouse of a green powder for smoothies or supplement. It has probiotics in it as well as chlorella, and a host of other goodies. Tastes good in pineapple juice, especially if blended with a banana. I put the flaxseed in there and sip it throughout the day. Costs $19 but lasts a few months. Cheaper than other supplements. That's just me doing my own research. Every BODY is different.
Also remembered other tips: peppermint tea or ginger (fresh grated) tea can help ease stomach gas and headaches.
Because vegetables CREATE GAS! The bacteria increases in the gut, and swells and you will get increased gas. Decrease your consumption. All vegetables in NOT a great thing. Get some protein, fats (yes, the good ones) and carbohydrates in your diet too. Everything in moderation!
There are two other possibilities I can think of. The first is that you might need probiotics, which are friendly bacteria, like we find in yoghurt with live active cultures. (If you have taken antibiotics, they would kill the friendly bacteria.) The second possibility is you might need prebiotics. Prebiotics are what feed probiotics. Resistant starch, such as in cold potatoes (not hot) or cold noodles, can be sources of resistant starch. You might want to do a search on resistant starch. Not much is known about it yet, but there is some info about it out there.
Beano is helpful while you have gas, if it is a digestion problem, but it seems logical to look for the cause first. What else are you eating? What's in the sauce? What are you eating along with vegetables? meat? tofu? nuts? Is there a pesticide in the veggies you bought? Are you reacting to a grain? An elimination diet is helpful: one week no grains, another week no meat, etc. Look it up online. Are you also constipated? Try ground flaxseed in juice, 3 tablespoons (or depending on your need) with breakfast to make elimination easier.
Parasites or candida are other possibilities.
I once was battling gas daily: I found out it was a cheap supplement I was taking!
Margie; I'm going to suggest that you visit your doctor today. I don't want to be alarmist, but in many women, heart issues often present in a way that makes us thing that they are gas pains. Please don't assume that what you are having are gas pains unless they are relieved by passing gas. Tell your doctor that you are having pain and where the pain is. If you are out of pain completely when you pass some gas, then yes, Beano is the way to go!
Food allergies can cause gas. You can become allergic to a food after years of eating it with no consequences. Many of our artificial sweeteners can cause gas. It is possible to find some of these artificial sweeteners in items you are not anticipating contain artificial sweeteners. Reading labels becomes important. Doctors and testing are necessary to diagnose true food allergies. Sensitivities might simply require observing when symptoms occur and relating them to a particular food or active. A doctor can certainly help you sort this out.
Many of us experience changes in our digestive systems as we age. Or as Maggie suggests there may be gall bladder issues or some other fixable disorder. You may want to try Beano (available over the counter) to see if that reduces the pain caused by gas. It definitely is worth a trip to the doctor to have yourself checked out.
If it ends up being gallbladder, try Turmeric and/or Milk Thistle herbs. I also think that yogurt with active cultures is a good thing at any age, my favorites are Fage or Danon Lite.
Also remembered other tips: peppermint tea or ginger (fresh grated) tea can help ease stomach gas and headaches.
one week no grains, another week no meat, etc. Look it up online. Are you also constipated? Try ground flaxseed in juice, 3 tablespoons (or depending on your need) with breakfast to make elimination easier.
Parasites or candida are other possibilities.
I once was battling gas daily: I found out it was a cheap supplement I was taking!