The Best Treatments For Gas And Bloating
Did you know that lemon is a natural detoxifier? It acts as a cleansing agent, which, Taz explains, helps to eliminate unwanted bloat from the body. She recommends sipping on hot lemon water in the morning. Or try balancing your digestive system with this caffeine-free herbal tea.
Additional reporting by Amy Schlinger
Like what you just read? Youll love our magazine! Go here to subscribe. Dont miss a thing by downloading Apple News here and following Prevention. Oh, .
Whats Important To Remember About Gas
- Everyone has gas in the digestive tract.
- People often believe normal passage of gas to be excessive.
- Gas comes from two main sources: swallowed air and normal breakdown of certain foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestine.
- Many foods with carbohydrates can cause gas. Fats and proteins cause little gas.
- Foods that may cause gas include the following:
- Beans
- Vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, artichokes, and asparagus
- Fruits, such as pears, apples, and peaches
- Whole grains, such as whole wheat and bran
- Soft drinks and fruit drinks
- Milk and milk products, such as cheese and ice cream, and packaged foods prepared with lactose, such as bread, cereal, and salad dressing
- Foods containing sorbitol, such as dietetic foods and sugar-free candies and gum
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/11/2020.
References
Gas: Whats Normal And What Isnt
7 min Read Time
Everyone burps and passes gas. Some do these things more often than others. It can be loud and sometimes smelly, but gas is a normal part of the digestive process even if its uncomfortable or embarrassing.
Understanding what causes gas can help you feel less self-conscious and find some relief. Its also important to recognize when gas, bloating and belly pain are actually warning signs of a more serious health condition, according to Brian van der Linden, MD, an HCA Healthcare gastroenterologist.
Recommended Reading: What Is Good For Stomach Acid Reflux
What Causes Nausea And Vomiting After Passing Gas
Increased passing gas and Nausea or vomiting. WebMD Symptom Checker helps you find the most common medical conditions indicated by the symptoms increased passing gas and nausea or vomiting including Constipation , Constipation , and Lactose intolerance. There are 58 conditions associated with increased passing gas
Behaviors Food Choices And Activity
Eating behaviors and other habits such as gum chewing, gulping foods and drinking with eating can cause us to swallow air. Bulky foods such as lettuce, cabbage, and dense breads not chewed into small enough pieces increase swallowed air.
Typically, swallowed air contains oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It tends to not have a foul smell, but it does contribute to the discomfort associated with gas.
People vary widely in how sensitive they are to gas production. Keeping a food record to document incidences of gas in relation to foods eaten can shed light on whether food or behavior may be aggravating the situation.
You May Like: Can Chlamydia Cause Stomach Pain
What Even Causes Gas Pain
Why does gas sometimes hurt so bad that you want to cry and check yourself into the ER? Good question. There are a few main causes of gas to keep in mind:
1. Youre swallowing a lot of air: We touched on this above, but its worth emphasizing as a gas pain cause. While its unlikely that youre actually trying to suck down a bunch of oxygen, certain habits like regularly using a straw, drinking a lot of carbonated beverages, eating too quickly, and chewing gum can cause you to take in more air than normal. When this causes gas, its typically via burping, since the air comes back up before it can go all the way to your stomach.
2. Youre eating foods youre sensitive to: Your stomach and small intestine dont entirely break down certain carbohydrates you eat, so they end up getting to your large intestine intact, according to NIDDK. There, bacteria make gas as they process these undigested sugars, fibers, and starches. Certain foods, like dairy products and cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, are more likely to cause gas than others, but everyones triggers are different.
3. You have a health condition: Gas can happen if you have health conditions that affect your digestive system, like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or Crohns disease, or bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Which Foods Cause Gas
Most foods that contain carbohydrates can cause gas. In contrast, fats, and proteins cause little gas.
Sugars
The sugars that cause gas are raffinose, stachyose, verbascose, lactose, fructose, and sorbitol:
- Raffinose, stachyose, verbascoce are indigestible oligosaccharides present in large amounts in legumes, especially beans. Smaller amounts of this complex sugar are found in cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, other vegetables and whole grains.
- Lactose is the natural sugar in milk. It is also found in milk products, such as cheese and ice cream, and processed foods, such as bread, cereal, and salad dressing. Many people, particularly those of African, Native American, or Asian background, have low levels of the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose. Also, as people age, their enzyme levels decrease. As a result, over time people may experience increasing amounts of gas after eating food containing lactose.
- Fructose is naturally present in onions, artichokes, pears, and wheat. It is also used as a sweetener in some soft drinks and fruit drinks.
- Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, prunes, and some liquid forms of medications. Excess amounts can lead to diarrhea. It is also used as an artificial sweetener in many dietetic foods and sugar-free candies and gums.
Starches
Fiber
Read Also: How To Flatten Stomach Naturally
Consider If Dairy Is Actually The Culprit
If you’re currently in the fetal position dealing with gas pain, think back to how much cheese, milk, and ice cream you had recentlyeven if you don’t think you’re lactose intolerant. You can spend years having zero issues when you drink a venti latte in the A.M., followed by a grilled cheese sandwich at lunchuntil you suddenly do.
As most people age, they start making less lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar in dairy products, Dr. Staller says. This is one cause of lactase deficiency and lactose intolerance. As your digestive systems bacteria try to break down lactose without enough lactase to do the job, you may experience annoying symptoms like more painful gas than usual.
Many people in their 20s and 30s have symptoms and dont suspect that its the dairy products, Dr. Staller says. If you think dairy is behind your painful gas, try cutting it out for a few weeks and see where that gets you.
Artificial Sweeteners And Cancer
Since the 1970s, debate about whether there is a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer risk has raged.
It was ignited when animal studies found an increased risk of bladder cancer in mice fed extremely high amounts of saccharin and cyclamate .
However, mice metabolize saccharin differently than humans.
Since then, more than 30 human studies have found no link between artificial sweeteners and the risk of developing cancer .
One such study followed 9,000 participants for 13 years and analyzed their artificial sweetener intake. After accounting for other factors, the researchers found no link between artificial sweeteners and the risk of developing various types of cancer .
Furthermore, a recent review of studies published over an 11-year period did not find a link between cancer risk and artificial sweetener consumption .
This topic was also evaluated by U.S. and European regulatory authorities. Both agreed that artificial sweeteners, when consumed in recommended amounts, do not increase cancer risk .
One exception is cyclamate, which was banned for use in the United States after the original mouse-bladder-cancer study was published in 1970.
Since then, extensive studies in animals have failed to show a cancer link. However, cyclamate was never re-approved for use in the United States .
Summary
Based on the current evidence, artificial sweeteners are unlikely to increase the risk of cancer in humans.
Also Check: How Can You Neutralize Stomach Acid
What Is Trapped Gas Is It Normal
Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion process in human beings and animals. An individual produces one to three pints of gas per day on average. This gas is released from our body 10-13 times throughout the day in some ways. But if gas builds up in your stomach it will be unpleasant, painful and discomforting. Splenic-flexure syndrome may occur due to gas trapped at bends in the colon.
Understanding the causes, trapped gas symptoms, and the process of gas accumulation in the stomach is your answer to how to get rid of trapped gas.
Natural Ways To Cure Gas Pains:
1.Gulp Hot Water :
This is one of the first remedies to consider when you need relief from gas pain. Sometimes we dont have enough time for ourselves. In that case we need to look for a quick solution. Take a cup of hot water and gulp it. I guess this is the most easiest and user friendly way to get rid of annoying gas pain.
2.Drink Peppermint Tea :
tea is quick and simple.
- Take a cup of warm to hot water
- Add with it a peppermint tea bag or you can add fresh peppermint leafs.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes
- After 5 minutes drink your peppermint tea.
3.Drinking Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile is very efficient for curing many health issues and problems, including gas pains. This is an efficient gas pain reliever when brewed, requiring only a chamomile tea bag and a cup of boiled water. Drink chamomile tea after eating any food.
4.Eat Yogurt:
Those who suffer from frequent gas pain should eat yogurt every day, as this food contains many pro-biotic elements which have been proven to help bring relief.
5.Chew Ginger or Drink Ginger Tea:
Ginger is one of the best natural choices for relief of uncomfortable gas pains due to its anti-inflammatory capacity. Whether you choose to chew some ginger or drink ginger tea instead, this method will help you relief gas pains.
6.Drink Lemon Juice:
Lemon contains citric acid which is scientifically proved to break down the gas causing foods in your intestine, such as those high in carbohydrates.
7.Eat Papaya:
8.Lemon honey mixture:
Recommended Reading: What To Do When Your Stomach Is Bloated
Commit To Keeping Your Fiber Intake In Check
Fiber is a key part of a healthy diet and digestive system. It bulks up your stool, which helps you stay regular instead of getting constipated. But on the flip side, having too much fiber can make you gassy as the bacteria in your colon works to break this tough nutrient down, Dr. Farhadi says.
If you find that youre always in pain after you eat a salad with both broccoli and Brussels sprouts, its really best to avoid those foods until you feel betterand to try to space out when you eat them in the future.
Which Supplements Help With Bloating
If the foods and teas above along with movement arent cutting it, you may want to consider the following supplements.
Prebiotics and probiotics reduce bloating
As previously discussed, prebiotics are food for the good bacteria in your gut. This is important to help them grow and outnumber the bad bacteria, like the ones that cause gas. Probiotics are good bacteria that help digest and absorb your food among MANY other things.
Digestive enzymes help your body naturally reduce bloating
Your body requires enzymes to fully digest the food you consume. Some people lack one or more digestive enzymes for a variety of reasons. Enzyme production also naturally declines as we age, so digestive enzyme supplements can be extremely helpful when it comes to bloating.
Fiber packs a bunch in reducing your bloat
If youre backed up, eating often leads to bloating since theres only so much food and waste your body can hold. This is why its important to get plenty of fiber in your diet. High fiber fruits and veggies include spinach, artichoke, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans, onions, sweet potatoes, raspberries, and avocado. If you don’t feel like eating much, a fiber supplement or a delicious collagen fiber snack bar might be better options for you.
Keep in mind that fiber works by drawing fluid into your digestive tract, which can also make you feel bloated. So its important to go slow. If the addition of fiber causes discomfort or further bloating, give it a rest.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Stomach Discomfort
Cayenne Pepper Minimizes Belly Bloat
A substance known as capsaicin, found in cayenne peppers, can be magical when it comes to bloating. It works by increasing the flow of digestive juices to help break down food. It also helps release gas.
Further, capsaicin has antioxidant powers and may even help keep unfriendly bacteria away.
I recommend adding a teaspoon of dried cayenne powder to warm water. Maybe even with a squeeze of lemon juice. If you need to sweeten it up a bit, try a pinch of stevia or monk fruit.
How To Get Rid Of Gas Pains Quickly
You may be relieved to know that gas pains are a very common problem among people. There are many individuals who suffer from gas pain on a daily basis. These pains are usually accompanied by undesirable sounds which can also make you feel uncomfortable. I know you are laughing silently after seeing this line. But to be honest, it is one of the most popular issues which opt for reason to laugh but yet frequent. Gas pains occurs when gas is formed in the intestine and is not released by the body during the digestion process, but remains trapped within the intestine instead.
Don’t Miss: How To Know If Its Stomach Flu Or Food Poisoning
Have Some Peppermint Oil Or Peppermint Tea
Its not just for your breathpeppermint can act as a spasmolytic, meaning it may help stop your intestines from spasming too much , says Dr. Staller. While this mechanism has mainly been studied in regard to irritable bowel syndrome, the muscle contractions in that disorder are the same ones that can make gas feel so terrible, he says.
Doctors arent totally sure whether its better to take peppermint in a capsule form or via something more standard like a mint or peppermint tea, so feel free to try whatever you have handy .
The Symptoms Of Gas Pains:
As with any other medical problem, gas pain has its own particular set of symptoms. Once you know these symptoms, it becomes easier to find a remedy for your problem. Here are some of the most common symptoms of gas pains:
Abdominal Pain :
This is one of the most common symptoms that will accompany gas pain.
Chest Pain :
Despite the fact that chest pain can also point to other, more serious causes, this is also a symptom of gas pains.
Recommended Reading: Why Does My Stomach Bloat After I Eat Anything
Add Some Lemon In Your Diet To Reduce Bloating
Lemon juice is a great digestive aid. It stimulates the release of bile from your liver, which helps keep food moving seamlessly through your digestive tract. Lemon juice also improves nutrient absorption, and may even help flush excess water. I recommend squeezing some fresh lemon in warm water. You can also add it to tea.
What’s New In Intestinal Gas
One study has shed additional light on the role of intestinal gas and the way in which it causes symptoms. Investigators studied 30 patients whose primary complaint was flatulence , and 20 healthy people without issues related to gas. The investigators studied the patients’ and controls’ production of gas and symptoms on their normal diet, during and following a standard meal, and during and following a meal that contained foods known to cause more gas . During the basal period on their usual diet, not surprisingly, the patients had more symptoms than the controls and evacuated gas more often than controls . Interestingly, however, the patients and controls produced the same total volume of gas while on the standard meal. This would suggest that the patients were NOT producing more gas than the controls. Two explanations for these observations would be 1) that the basal diet contained more gas-producing foods, or 2) that patients were more sensitive to gas in other words, they developed more discomfort producing the same amount of gas as controls .
Don’t Miss: Do Stomach Ulcers Go Away
Final Notes For Gas Pains:
As you can see, there are many causes that can lead to the formation of uncomfortable gas in your intestine. Not only can this gas be painful, but it can also cause uncomfortable feelings and embarrassment. Thankfully, there are also many natural methods you can try when looking for a quick and effective way to cure gas pains. You can try any of the cures listed above and probably find one that works best for your situation to quickly get rid of the gas in your intestine.
How To Get Rid Of Stomach Gas
Although stomach gas is not life-threatening, it can be extremely embarrassing. Therefore, persons suffering with excessive gas in the stomach can rely on below measures to rid excessive gas buildup.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
You can always rely on apple cider vinegar to treat indigestion and stomach gas. There are many enzymes in ACV responsible for alkalizing your body and promoting better digestion.
Take a glass of warm water and add 2 tsp. of ACV to it. Mix well and leave it for a few minutes to cool to room temperature. Then, drink twice a day. You can use this remedy even when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
2. Ginger
One of the best remedies to deal with stomach gas is to use some ginger. It has antiemetic properties, so it reduces nausea and works amazingly well to help expel intestinal gas. Some studies have also found that ginger may trigger the process of gastric emptying. It also helps soothe the intestinal tract.
Take equal amounts of ground ginger, cardamom, and fennel. Mix well and add a teaspoon of this mixture along with some asafetida to a cup of water. Have it twice a day to relieve indigestion. You can also drink ginger tea or simply chew on raw ginger pieces for relief.
3. Baking Soda and Lemon
Also called sodium bicarbonate, baking soda acts as an antacid and helps expel stomach gas. Combine it with lemon juice to make it even more effective.
4. Cinnamon
5. Fennel
6. Change the Diet
7. Other Remedies
Don’t Miss: What To Take When You Have Gas In Your Stomach