Gas, which is a natural part of digestion, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and pain, as well as chest pain, gallstones, and appendicitis. It can also produce bloating and flatulence, disrupting normal activities.
Here are a few tips on how to get relief from gas pain and improve digestive health.
DIET
Diet changes to get ride of gastric gas include eliminating certain items while increasing the consumption of others.
- High-fiber foods. High-fiber foods such as onions, beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, asparagus, artichokes, apples, pears, prunes, peaches, bran, and whole wheat may produce gas.
- Carbonated beverages. Choose non-carbonated liquids such as water or herbal tea over carbonated ones since they emit carbon dioxide gas, which can induce stomach gas.
- Fried or fatty foods. Reduced consumption of fried or fatty meals may help with gas clearance symptoms, as fat slows digestion and permits food to ferment.
- Dairy. To ease symptoms and improve digestion, reduce dairy consumption, try lactose-free dairy products, or supplements with lactase.
- Read labels. Lactose sensitivity can create problems with dairy products, so look into low-lactose or lactose-free alternatives. Indigestible carbohydrates in sugar-free meals, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, can also produce flatulence.
- Water. Drinking water with meals and using fiber supplements can help avoid constipation, improve digestion, break down food, and minimize gas buildup. To minimize air swallowing, aim for eight glasses per day, sipping in between meals.
- Herbal tea: Herbal teas such as anise, chamomile, ginger, and peppermint help with digestion, gas management, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and indigestion, while peppermint oil capsules are indicated for heartburn avoidance.
- Apple cider vinegar: Diluting a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water or tea helps relieve intestinal gas, bacterial discomfort, and functional dyspepsia symptoms while washing the mouth with water can prevent dental enamel erosion.
- Clove oil helps improve digestive enzymes and minimize gas in the intestines when taken two to five drops after meals.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda can help to reduce bloating by neutralizing gastric acid. To use, combine 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with water; however, avoid long-term usage or consuming more than 1/2 teaspoon at once.
SELF-CARE
Making lifestyle modifications can help decrease stomach acid and relieve gastric discomfort.
- Try smaller portions. Overeating stresses the digestive system, resulting in increased gas production. Choose smaller, more frequent meals to optimize food processing and decrease acid reflux.
- To avoid air inhalation and gas discomfort, refrain from chewing gum, sucking on hard candies, and sipping via a straw.
- Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly, and don’t gulp. Sit down during meals and eat slowly, using a fork between bites if necessary.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking can cause an increase in the volume of air you ingest.
- Exercise. Constipation and gas discomfort can be relieved with regular activity, such as walking or yoga, which releases trapped gas from the colon. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.
- Check your dentures. When you eat and drink with poorly fitted dentures, you may swallow too much air. If they do not fit correctly, see your dentist.
- Heat: Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad to the belly to relax stomach muscles, reduce discomfort, and facilitate gas flow.
- Massage: Massage your belly gently to encourage digestion and promote gas flow. Press down on the sore spot and massage in circular strokes towards your colon.
- Probiotics: Probiotic supplements and probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can help support a healthy gut flora, improve digestion, and reduce gas production.
OVER-THE-COUNTER REMEDIES
- Alpha-galactosidase is recommended by doctors for galactosemia sufferers to help break down carbohydrates in beans and vegetables.
- Lactase supplements can assist digest lactose, lowering gas symptoms in lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Simethicone can break up stomach gas bubbles, although its efficacy is limited.
- Activated charcoal may help cure acid reflux but lacks proven benefits. Tablets and pellets cure intestinal gas, whereas pellets trap and eliminate gas in the stool.
The Bottom Line
Dietary and lifestyle adjustments can help relieve gas pain and cure acid reflux. If no changes are noticed after a few weeks, see a doctor to rule out any underlying digestive concerns. Over-the-counter drugs such as simethicone, activated charcoal, and herbal treatments may help decrease stomach acid help in getting rid of gastric gas. For moderate gas, relieve yourself as soon as you feel the urge to pass gas or have a bowel movement. Changes in eating and drinking habits, such as eating smaller, more often meals and avoiding foods and beverages that aggravate gas symptoms, may help relieve gas.
