We all have experienced that very unpleasant feeling of gas in our stomach. It can lead to bloating and makes the abdominal parts painful with constant burping leaving a person irritable and frustrated. While gas is usually harmless and temporary, persistent gas can disrupt daily activities and cause discomfort. Fortunately, there are many easy home remedies available that can provide instant relief from gas-related discomforts.
Before we head on to remedies, let's understand what causes gas in the first place. Many factors can cause gas, which include the following:
When one eats large amounts of food, the digestive system is overpowered, leading to overabundance production of gas since the body needs to process the food eaten.
Certain foods cause gas because of their composition. Some of these include beans, lentils, broccoli, and carbonated drinks which are commonly known to cause gas. Foods that have large concentrations of fiber or complex carbohydrates digest slowly, hence releasing more gas.
You could be swallowing air if you are chewing gum, sipping through a straw, or smoking. This air gathers in your stomach and intestines and leads to gas.
A host of disorders such as IBS, lactose intolerance, or celiac diseases may lead to an individual swallowing more gas than usual. Gas is usually a byproduct of the body's failure to break certain foods down properly.
Knowing the causes helps you manage your symptoms best by avoiding what triggers you to build up gasses.
When you are experiencing gas discomfort, these remedies will immediately relieve you. Most of them involve natural ingredients that work gently on your digestive system:
Ginger is highly known to be taken mainly for digestion. It acts as a breaker of proteins in your stomach and thus helps the digestion process to flow smoothly and without gas. You can take ginger tea, chew on a few bits of ginger root, or take capsules after your meal to avoid gas.
Another ingredient for peppermint oil is menthol, which relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract to let the free passage of the gas out. The relief would be prompt when it is administered orally in the form of peppermint capsules or by chewing peppermint gum. A soothing remedy for the digestive system is the use of peppermint tea.
Fennel seeds are one of the most common treatments for trapped gas and bloating. They act by breaking down gases in the body that cause discomfort, such as indigestion. You can chew fennel seeds after eating or soak them in boiling water to make a cool, palatable tea. Fennel seeds can also be added to meals for their mild sweetness and digestive benefits.
Many people in India use carom seeds for cooking. They help reduce gas and ease indigestion, and thymol enhances the secretion of digestive enzymes. Chew a small amount or mix it with warm water for quicker relief.
Cumin is another digestive powerhouse that can help to dissipate gas in your stomach. Some of the properties of cumin work by breaking down foods in the body, thus improving digestion. You can add cumin to your meals or boil it in water, and then it is cumin tea. That will not only ease out the gas but also calm down your upset stomach.
Certain yoga poses and deep breathing exercises, like the wind-relieving pose (Pawanmuktasana), can help release trapped gas and aid digestion. Wind-relieving pose, also known as Pawanmuktasana is specially designed to remove gas from the body. Deep breathing exercises can also calm your diaphragm, letting out the trapped air.
Also, read: Best Exercise for Fatty Liver
If you can easily identify what your trigger foods are, try avoiding them. Certain foods are more common culprits when it comes to gas production, such as beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables, and carbonated beverages. A great way of figuring out what you are sensitive to is by keeping a food diary.
Also, read: Understanding Food Choices and the Fatty Liver Diet
In addition to the above remedies, here are some lifestyle changes that you can make to help preclude gas from forming in the first place:
While home remedies can cure most instances of gas, there is a need to be sensitive enough to know when the gas could be a sign of a worse situation. For instance, one should see a doctor if the gas is persistent or severe and when accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or blood in the stool. Such could mean an infection, blockage, or gastrointestinal disease, requiring medical attention.
Gas in the stomach can be painful but can be handled if treated by remedial medicine as well as through changes in their lifestyles. Ginger, peppermint, fennel seeds, carom seeds, and cumin are very natural remedies that one can use right away to get rid of gas and bloating. Along with the remedies, adopting healthier habits like eating slowly, not consuming carbonated drinks, and staying active might simply prevent the emergence of gas as a chronic issue.
Although these treatments can provide immediate relief, the reasons for frequent gas need to be addressed. If lifestyle changes do not keep the gas away, it might be time to consult with a healthcare provider and seek out an extensive review.
Q1: What are the most common causes of gas in the stomach?
A: Overeating, certain foods, swallowing air, and digestive disorders can all contribute to gas buildup.
Q2: Are there any quick home remedies for gas relief?
A: Yes, there are several effective home remedies. Ginger, peppermint, fennel seeds, carom seeds, and cumin are all known to help reduce gas and bloating.
Q3: How can I prevent gas in the future?
A: You can help prevent gas by eating slowly, chewing your food thoroughly, avoiding gassy foods, and limiting your intake of sugary and carbonated drinks.
Q4: When should I see a doctor about gas?
A: If you experience severe or persistent gas accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or blood in your stool, it's important to consult a doctor.
Q5: Can exercise help relieve gas?
A: Yes, gentle exercise like walking or yoga can help stimulate your digestive system and relieve gas.
