However, traditional barbecue fare - hot dogs, baked beans and alcohol - may leave you gassy during the fireworks extravaganza. Patricia Raymond, M.D., gastroenterologist and assistant professor of Clinical Internal Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School, says that we all experience flatulence and that there are ways to reduce the symptoms and prevent it from occurring on a regular basis. Though it may seem obvious, altering one's diet is the best way to avoid gas in the first place.

"What a person eats can directly affect the amount of gas they experience," says Dr. Raymond. "Therefore, it is important to recognize reactions that you have several hours after eating or drinking certain products, such as dairy or vegetables, for example."

According to Dr. Raymond, here are some guidelines for reducing and preventing gas:

CharcoCaps provides fast, natural relief of intestinal gas pain, pressure and bloating. This over-the-counter activated charcoal brand stimulates and supports the body's own defenses against intestinal gas and the embarrassing symptoms associated with it by adsorbing the gas. CharcoCaps comes in easy-to-swallow capsules, and is available in the stomach-care aisle of leading drug stores, mass market retailers and supermarkets for a suggested retail price of $6.99 (for 36 capsules).

Visit www.charcocaps.com for additional information, to download the new online food diary, or to take the Gas Etiquette Quiz for a chance to win a monthly pre-paid gas(oline) card (while supplies last).

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information or to speak with Patricia Raymond, MD, please contact Laurie Lindenbaum at 914-241-0086, ext. 26.