Many home remedies can help prevent or release trapped gas.
1. Let it outHolding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to oid these symptoms is to let out the gas, if possible.
If it seems the gas will not come out, consider the possibility of constipation. If it persists, worsens, or is very painful, a person may need medical treatment.
2. Pass stoolA bowel movement can relieve gas. Passing stool will usually release any gas trapped in the intestines.
Home remedies may help relieve constipation. If not, a pharmacist can advise on over-the counter options.
3. Eat slowlyEating quickly or while moving can cause a person to take in air as well as food, leading to gas-related pain.
Tips for slowing down eating include taking meals around a table with other people and chewing each bite of food 30 times. Breaking down food by chewing aids digestion and can prevent a number of related complaints, including bloating and indigestion.
4. Avoid chewing gumAs a person chews gum they tend to swallow air, which increases the likelihood of trapped and painful gas.
Sugarless gum also contains artificial sweeteners, which may cause bloating and gas.
5. Say no to strawsDrinking through a straw or from a bottle or can may cause a person to swallow air.
To oid gas pain and bloating, it is best to sip from a glass.
6. Quit smokingResearch suggests there is a link between smoking and digestive problems, including bloating. It may also cause a person to breathe in air, increasing the risk of gas.
Quitting or oiding smoking may help manage digestive and other health problems.
7. Choose non-carbonated drinksCarbonated drinks, such as sparkling water and sodas, can increase gas in the stomach. This can cause bloating and pain.
8. Eliminate trigger foodsEating certain foods can cause trapped gas.
The foods below may cause gas to build up:
artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sorbitol, and maltitolcruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflowerdairy productssome fiber supplementslegumes, a group that includes beans and lentilsKeeping a food diary can help identify trigger foods.
Some of these foods provide essential nutrients. Rather than oid them entirely, it might be better to consume a smaller amount in one meal or to try different ways of preparing them.
9. Herbal teaSome herbal teas may aid digestion, including managing gas.
These include teas made with:
anisechamomilegingerpeppermintAnise can act as a mild laxative, so it may help if gas is due to constipation.
10. Fennel seedsFennel seeds are a popular digestive aid around the world. People use the seeds and extract for flatulence, stomach pain, and other symptoms. Some animal research suggests it may help protect the lining of the digestive tract.
People can fennel seeds to salads, stews, and other dishes. In some places, people chew a pinch of fennel seeds after eating to help with digestion and freshen the mouth.
However, there is a lack of research to confirm the safety or effectiveness of using fennel seeds for bloating.
11. Take peppermint supplementsSome people take peppermint oil capsules to resolve issues like bloating, constipation, and trapped gas. Some research suggests it may help, but more investigations are needed.
Always choose enteric-coated capsules. Uncoated capsules may dissolve too quickly in the digestive tract, which can lead to heartburn.
Peppermint inhibits the absorption of iron, so people should not take these capsules with iron supplements. They may not be suitable for people with anemia.
12. Clove oilClove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, and indigestion.
There is not enough evidence to show it is effective or safe for flatulence, but some research suggests it may he ulcer-fighting properties.
Consuming clove oil after meals can increase digestive enzymes and reduce the amount of gas in the intestines.
13. HeatPlacing a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen can help relieve gas pain and discomfort. The warmth relaxes the muscles in the gut, helping gas to move through the intestines. Heat can also reduce the sensation of pain.
14. Apple cider vinegarOne case study has suggested apple cider vinegar may help manage functional dyspepsia, symptoms of which include bloating.
Add a tablespoon of the vinegar to a glass of water and drink it before meals to prevent gas pain and bloating. It is important to then rinse the mouth with water, as vinegar can erode tooth enamel.
15. Use activated charcoalActivated charcoal pellets taken by mouth may help treat or prevent gas. The charcoal traps the gas and removes it as it lees the body in the stool.
It is best to speak with a doctor before taking activated charcoal and to follow their instructions.
16. Take probioticsProbiotic supplements add beneficial bacteria to the gut. They are used to treat several digestive complaints, including infectious diarrhea.
Some research suggests that certain strains of probiotics can alleviate bloating, intestinal gas, abdominal pain, and other symptoms of IBS.
However, more investigations are needed to establish which probiotics are most helpful.
17. ExerciseModerate exercise — such as walking or doing yoga — may help remove gas from the body.
18. Deep breathingDeep breathing may he beneficial effects on the autonomic nervous system. In this way, it may also benefit the functioning of the digestive system.
However, deep breathing may not work for everyone. Taking in too much air can increase the amount of gas in the intestines.
19. Over-the-counter remediesSeveral products can get rid of gas pain fast.
One popular medication, simethicone, is marketed under the following brand names:
Gas-XMylanta GasPhazymeAnyone who is pregnant or taking other medications should discuss the use of simethicone with a doctor or pharmacist.
20. Address digestive issuesBloating and gas pain may be a sign of an underlying problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or lactose intolerance.
A doctor can help a person create a treatment plan involving medical options and home remedies.
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