Dealing with gas can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Fortunately, several effective home remedies can help relieve gas and restore comfort quickly.
What causes excessive gas?
Excessive gas can be caused by several factors, including:- Swallowing air: This usually happens when you try to gulp down, eat or drink quickly, chew gum, smoke, drink fizzy drinks or sleep with your mouth open. Air swallowed during these activities can build up and accumulate in the digestive tract and cause gas.
- Digestive disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, or coeliac disease can cause excessive gas.
- Dietary factors: Certain foods such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and lentils are known for triggering intestinal gas. Dairy products can also cause gas as they contain complex carbohydrates that are difficult to digest.
- Medications: Some medications like antibiotics or medicines containing sorbitol can also cause excessive gas.
- Bacterial overgrowth: Sometimes there is microbial imbalance in the digestive system, leading to increased gas production.
- Stress: Stress and anxiety can sometimes aggravate digestive problems, including gas.
10 common symptoms of excessive gas
Excessive gas can be accompanied by the following symptoms:- Flatulence (Farting)
- Belching (Burping)
- Abdominal bloating
- Feeling of fullness even after eating little food
- Constipation or changes in bowel movement
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Changes in weight
Home remedies for excessive gas
Excessive gas, while normal, can be unpleasant. Here are some home treatments that might help relieve gas and associated symptoms:- Peppermint: Peppermint tea contains antispasmodic qualities that can help relax the muscles in your digestive tract, decreasing gas.
- Ginger: Ginger is well-known for its ability to improve digestion and decrease flatulence. You can eat a tiny piece of fresh ginger or sip ginger tea.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea can help relax stomach muscles, decrease gas and bloating.
- Charcoal: Activated charcoal can help absorb excess gas in the digestive tract. It is accessible as a supplement; it is advised to use with caution and observe the dose directions.
- Apple cider vinegar: To prevent gas, dilute a spoonful of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink before each meal.
- Fennel seeds: Chew a teaspoon of fennel seeds after each meal to help avoid gas and bloating.
- Probiotics: Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, reducing gas production. Probiotics are available in the form of live cultures in yoghurt and pills.
- Warm compress: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to your belly will help relax the muscles and alleviate gas pain.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout the day keeps things moving in your digestive tract and avoids constipation, which can cause gas.
- Avoid trigger meals: Certain meals, including beans, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower), and carbonated beverages, have been linked to increased gas production. Avoiding these may help you save gas.
- Exercise: Exercise can help transport gas through your digestive system and alleviate discomfort.
- Mindful eating: Eating slowly and properly can help limit the quantity of air you ingest, which can lead to gas.
When should I call the doctor?
If you are experiencing severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, persistent bloating that does not go away, or significant discomfort despite home remedies, you should consult a doctor. These symptoms may signal underlying digestive problems or other medical illnesses that necessitate diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare practitioner. Early management can assist in determining the cause and avoiding further problems. Book a telehealth appointment with a doctor to discuss your health needs.Can a telehealth doctor help?
Yes, a telehealth doctor may be beneficial for problems like excessive gas. They can evaluate your symptoms, provide home remedies or prescription medications, prescribe suitable treatments if necessary, and suggest further examination if your symptoms demand it. Telehealth enables you to speak with a healthcare physician remotely via video or phone chat, making it more convenient and accessible to address digestive issues without having to visit a physical clinic. If your symptoms are severe or necessitate a physical examination, they may suggest an in-person appointment for additional assessment.Frequently Asked Questions
Can broccoli get rid of excessive gas?
Broccoli itself cannot eliminate excessive gas, as it contains certain fibres that contribute to gas production. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in fibre and contain Sulphur, the odour-causing compound. When these foods are broken down by gut bacteria, they produce hydrogen sulphide which smells. You could alleviate smelly gas by limiting these foods.What can I drink to stop gas?
To mitigate gas and bloating, there are several drinks you can consume. Ginger tea or warm ginger water may prove to be beneficial as ginger has inherent anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive system. Peppermint tea, Chamomile tea, or herbal teas made with fennel, carom, or cumin seeds may help reduce gas. Additionally, drinking warm water with lemon may improve digestive function and help flush out toxins, possibly minimising gas accumulation. It is essential to listen to your body and see which beverage works for you in managing gas symptoms.Does drinking hot water relieve gas?
Drinking hot water can potentially help relieve gas and bloating for some people. Warm or hot water can promote relaxation of gut muscles and stimulate digestion.What position helps you release gas?
Some positions that aid in releasing gas ae as follows:- Walking: Walking enhances gastrointestinal muscle activity, which helps release gas.
- Squatting: Doing squats helps to release gas as it relaxes the colon.
- Various yoga poses such as wind-relieving pose, child’s pose, supine twist, seated forward bend, and knee-to-chest pose assist in releasing trapped gas.
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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