If you have ever had to deal with excessive stomach gas and bloating, you know how uncomfortable and painful it can be. Although these symptoms often accompany gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal gas and bloating can happen without any serious underlying medical condition.
What causes stomach gas and bloating?
Each time you eat, good bacteria in your intestines act on the ingested food during digestion. This natural process produces some gas which seamlessly leaves the body as farts and burps.
Sometimes, however, the amount of gas can become excessive to the point of causing discomfort and bloating. Common causes of excess gas and bloating include:
- Carbonated drinks
- Chewing gum
- Eating too fast or talking while eating
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Food allergies
- Lactose intolerance
The good news is that you can treat many types of gas and bloating at home!
How to treat excess gas and bloating at home
If you feel uncomfortable due to excess stomach gas, you can try the following home remedies for relief:
1. Pass stool
One simple way to release trapped gas is by moving your bowel. When you do this, trapped gas will naturally move with your intestines until it passes out of the body. You can increase bowel movement by eating high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drinking plenty water can also help.
Read Also: 5 simple ways to keep your gut healthy
2. Engage in physical activity
Do you know that movement and exercise can improve peristalsis? Once your gut is moving, gas will be propelled forward and out of the body. Physical activities that can help increase bowel movement include dancing, walking, jogging, and swimming.
3. Treat your constipation
When you are not passing stool as you should, gas will naturally back-up and accumulate in your gut. If your gas and bloating is caused by constipation, make attempts to treat it fast.
4. Try ginger
Ginger is known for its antioxidant properties, but do you know that it also helps to relieve stomach gas? Research has found that ginger has gastrointestinal benefits that help to combat flatulence, gas and bloating.
5. Natural tea
Many natural herbs and spices can help to treat gastrointestinal issues like gas and bloating. Next time you have feel bloated, consider sipping some natural teas made from herbs like peppermint, cumin, chamomile, etc.
6. Do an abdominal massage
Massaging your abdomen in a certain way can help to move trapped gas out of your body. Fortunately, you can do a personal abdominal massage to relieve bloating.
7. Get medications to relieve gas and bloating
Some over-the-counter pills or suspensions can help to relieve your symptoms. Common medications include antacids, or simethicone-containing drugs. Visit your local pharmacy for recommendations.
A word from HealthFacts
Simple home remedies can be used to treat stomach gas. However, if your symptoms persist for too long; or cause you intense pain; or is associated with weight loss, fever, and other complaints, visit your doctor for expert care.
Your doctor can identify the underlying cause of your gas and bloating and recommend appropriate treatment.
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