What About Probiotic Supplements
If probiotic-rich foods are good for digestion, is it better to just pop a pill? Probiotic supplements may play a role in managing gas and bloating, concluded a May 2019 Advances in Therapy review.
But for now, the research is unclear on the best probiotics for gas and flatulence we dont know which probiotic strains or combination of probiotics work best in treating certain diseases or health conditions, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Whats more, you might experience some unintended side effects. Probiotics could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, flatulence or bloating in the first few days after taking them, the Cleveland Clinic says.
In all, some studies have shown minor benefit and some have not, Dr. De Latour says.
Instead of focusing on supplements, she recommends sticking with a well-rounded, plant-based diet and avoiding foods that seem to trigger gas for you.
Does Constipation Cause Gas
Yes, Veloso says. Anything that slows down the digestive process, such as a low-fiber diet, use of opioid medications or an anticholinergic drug can put the brakes on timely bowel function.
Veloso says eating a diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated and exercising is a good long-term approach for beating bouts of gas and cramping. If these measures dont improve constipation and gas, a polyethylene glycol laxative can help, she notes.
Does Drinking Water Help Relieve Gas
While it may seem counterintuitive, drinking water may help to reduce bloat by ridding the body of excess sodium, Fullenweider says. Another tip: Be sure to drink plenty of water before your meal too. This step offers the same bloat-minimizing effect and can also prevent overeating, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Ginger Helps The Body Expel Intestinal Gas
Ginger is recognized as a medicinal herb with multiple therapeutic virtues, including the ability to relieve excessive gas and bloating.
Ginger mainly targets the stomach, and its beneficial effects can be enhanced by consuming it with artichoke, which also acts on the small bowel. These two ingredients are present in the commercially available digestive product called Prodigest.
A study supported the efficacy of Prodigest in reducing the symptoms of functional dyspepsia, including bloating, abdominal pain, epigastric heaviness, and nausea, among other discomforts.
How to use:
Add ginger to various dishes as a flavor enhancer. Alternatively, chew on a few slices of ginger, or steep them in hot water to make ginger tea and consume it.
Note: The gastroprotective properties of ginger need to be substantiated by more studies. Moreover, further clinical trials are needed to address the correct dosage and preparation.
The pungent compounds gingerol and shogaol in ginger stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, enabling smoother and easier digestion with lesser gas production.
Another Sure Alternative For Faster Result Eno
Eno is clinically proven to provide fast relief from acidity and its symptoms such as bloating and upper abdomen discomfort.9 Eno gets to work in 6 seconds10 and helps balance excess acid in your stomach with just one dose. Eno works with your body and gets to work faster than any leading liquids and tablets antacid products#11-12.
Eno works on9
- Burning sensation in the throat, chest and stomach
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Upset stomach due to heartburn or acid indigestion
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Home Remedies For Gas Relief
If you have chronic gas problems and you only have TUMS at home, dont worry. There are a number of at-home remedies that can help stop gas production or reduce trapped gas and bloating. These include:
- Probiotics. Taking daily probiotic supplements may help reduce gas by altering and improving the bacterial environment of the digestive tract. Its worth noting that there are many different
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- Could a medical condition be making me gassy?
- What tests can determine the cause of intestinal gas?
- What steps can I take to cut down on intestinal gas?
- What foods or drinks should I avoid?
- Whats the best treatment for my gas symptom?
- How can I tell the difference between gas and something more serious?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
While intestinal gas is common, the symptoms belching, flatulence, bloating and stomach discomfort can be embarrassing and even painful. Gas is sometimes a symptom of a more serious health problem. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. The right treatment can ease gas symptoms so you can go about your day in confidence.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/11/2020.
References
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What Causes Gas In The Digestive Tract
Gas in the digestive tract comes from two sources:
-
Aerophagia . This is usually caused by eating or drinking rapidly, chewing gum, smoking, or wearing loose dentures.
Belching is the way most swallowed air leaves the stomach. The remaining gas is partially absorbed into the small intestine and a small amount goes into the large intestine and is released through the rectum.
-
Breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestine Some carbohydrates are not digested or absorbed in the small intestine because of a shortage or absence of certain enzymes. The undigested or unabsorbed food then passes into the large intestine, where harmless and normal bacteria break down the food. This process produces hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and, in about one-third of all people, methane gases, which are released through the rectum.
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 .
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Red Flags You Shouldnt Ignore
Gas is usually not a medical emergency, but when accompanied by certain worrisome symptoms, its a good idea to speak with your doctor. Colon cancer is one potential concern, van der Linden says. If is in the lower part of the colon and causing a partial blockage, it could make things back up a little bit easier, he says.
Additional warning signs of a potentially serious health issue that requires medical attention include:
- Bloody stool
- Changes in frequency of bowel movements
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
Avoid Foods That Cause Gas
What you eat often plays a major role in the development of gas and bloating.
The foods that lead to gas can vary from person to person, but they typically contain carbohydrates and include sugars, starches, or fiber.
Common foods that cause gas
A lot of the so-called gassy foods, or foods that have a high potential for producing intestinal gas, carry many nutritional benefits.
Therefore, it is important to accurately identify the foods that your system has the most difficulty with rather than to willy-nilly cut out an entire group of foods, such as vegetables, because of their gassy reputation.
Use a food diary and keep a careful record of what you eat and whether or not you experience gas afterward. You may find that your body can handle smaller amounts of gassy food without a problem. Plus, you can enjoy the foods best for keeping gas away instead.
Foods that may lead to gas include:
- Beans
- Lentils and peas
Low FODMAP diet
Researchers identified groups of compounds in foods called FODMAPs that commonly contribute to gas and bloating in people with irritable bowel syndrome .
IBS is a condition in which the colon is sensitive to certain triggers and leads to abdominal pain and digestive symptoms, including gas and bloating.
The low-FODMAP diet for IBS developed by researchers swaps high FODMAP foods for low FODMAP foods to try to reduce gut fermentation that may contributes to IBS symptoms.
Lactose intolerance
Fiber adjustments
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What Are The Common Symptoms Of Excessive Gas
The passage of gas through the digestive tract causes no symptoms in most people. It is normal to pass gas daily. When gas becomes bothersome, it is due to an excess of gas.
Excess gas can be accompanied by symptoms, such as:
- Burping
- Feeling stuffed and suffocated
- Increase in the size of the abdomen
- Chronic stress
- The pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincter do not relax the way they should. This issue is called dyssynergia.
Try It Steps To Avoid Gas Pain
Since constipation causes gas and cramping, you should try to exercise regularly, stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, Veloso says.Here are some other tips:
- Dont drink with a straw.
- Choose noncarbonated beverages.
- If your symptoms persist, see your doctor to rule out food sensitivities, and other conditions.
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Gas & Bloating Due To Sibo
In my clinical experience, the #1 cause of severe bloating and gas is SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. SIBO occurs when the bacteria from your colon and large intestine overgrow and colonize in your small intestine. These bacteria feed off of and ferment the undigested carbohydrates in your small intestine, causing a buildup of hydrogen and/or methane gas. If you have SIBO, you must overcome this gut imbalance before you can banish bloating and gas for good. Take this quiz to find out if SIBO is the root cause of your digestive symptoms.
Treating your SIBO is a 3-step approach that works to eliminate the overgrowth and restore your guts natural balance. My SIBO Breakthrough® Program is a step-by-step process to help you beat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth for good. With the SIBO Breakthrough® Program, not only do you get information, supplements, and a solution, you also get the support you need to take on these three steps and banish bloating and gas for good.
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 donât 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.
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When Gas Is A Symptom Of Something Else
If excessive gas is persistent or severe, consult your doctor it could be a sign of a more serious digestive condition, such as:
- Lactose intolerance This is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. I test with a milk challenge, says Bickston. The patient drinks a pint or two of milk it can be any percent fat. What follows tells the patients whether they should limit their milk intake. If avoiding milk reduces your symptoms you may be lactose intolerant.
- Irritable bowel syndrome Patients who meet the diagnostic checklist for irritable bowel syndrome suffer more pain at the lower levels of the abdominal cavity, he says.
- Colon cancer Excess gas is rarely the main symptom of patients with colon cancer, Bickston notes. But it does trigger my reflex to remind patients to get screened for colorectal cancer.
- Upper gastrointestinal disorders Occasional belching is normal, but frequent belching may be a sign of an upper gastrointestinal disorder. These include peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease , or gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying.
Also, warns Bickston, if you’ve had abdominal surgery, a hernia, or significant weight loss or weight gain, never dismiss your gas-like symptoms as normal. Get them checked out.
As annoying as it might be, some gas is a natural by-product of the bodys digestive system. But if your gas is excessive, painful, or chronic, talk to your doctor about possible causes and remedies.
Does Quitting Smoking Cause Bloating
Quitting smoking can leave you with a bloated stomach and constipation. Nicotine stimulates intestinal transit and aids bowel movements, and habitual smokers often develop nicotine dependency.
A distended abdomen can be a withdrawal symptom of quitting smoking, which can take a month or two to subside. In the meantime, increase your fluid intake and eat a fiber-rich diet to encourage better digestion.
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What Causes Gas & Bloating
There are two main causes of gas in the digestive tract .
When Bloating And Gas Is Not Normal
In most cases, bloating and gas are just regular parts of the digestive process. Good bacteria in your gut ferment foods that are not fully digested in your small intestine.1When you eat too many gas-producing foodsor too much fiber and not enough waterits normal to experience some abdominal pain, gas, and the distension that makes your tummy feel full and tight. Gas can also be caused by swallowing too much air, which can happen if you chew gum, eat too quickly, or drink through a straw.2
If youre curious about how to get rid of gas and bloating, start by drinking plenty of water, eating smaller meals slowly, and ditching straws and gum. As youll see, eating foods that reduce gas, and avoiding certain foods that cause it can also help. However, there are two underlying gut issues that you should get tested for if your digestive symptoms are extreme and dont respond to these lifestyle measures.
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What Is The Treatment For Excessive Flatulence Or Gas
The goal of treatment of flatulence is to reduce gas and smelly odor. Medical intervention includes treatment with antibiotics if bacterial overgrowth of the GI tract is suspected or evidence of parasitic infection is seen.
- Some promising studies have investigated feeding nonoffensive strains of bacteria to push out the bacteria that are offensive, although no established treatments are available at this time.
- Regulation of bowel function is essential. Constipation should be treated with increased dietary fiber or certain laxatives.
- In cases where anxiety causes the person to swallow air, the doctor may suggest the person seek mental health counseling to change habit patterns.
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Start An Exercise Regimen
Some people can enjoy dairy products like ice cream as long as they stick to working out not only helps you stay fit, but it can also help get rid of gas pain. Heres the scoop: exercise helps lower your odds of constipation, and as a result, limits the amount of gas your colon releases. So try and move regularly, as in 30 minutes, three to four days a week.
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What Causes Bloating And Gas
As I discussed above, dehydration, a high-fiber or fatty diet, and chewing gum or drinking from a straw can contribute to digestive symptoms such as bloating and gas. Food allergies and intolerances can also contribute to excess bloating and gas common offenders include dairy, gluten, and sugar.
If removing inflammatory foods, drinking more water, and eating smaller portions doesnt get rid of your bloating and gas, or if you continue to feel pain from excess bloating and gas, you may have an underlying health issue such as SIBO or IBS.
Take Some Deep Breaths
Deep breathing may help relieve gas. But this only tends to work if it’s something you practice regularly.
Since deep breathing from the diaphragm is so effective for reducing stress, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to do it. You can then use this breathing technique as needed for future gas attacks.
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