Bloating and gas in the stomach can be uncomfortable and humiliating, especially after a heavy meal or during stressful situations. However, there are simple and effective methods to relieve this discomfort and eliminate gas immediately.
- Herbal teas:
Hot tea, including peppermint, spearmint, ginger, and anise, can help relieve gas-related stomach discomfort by relaxing intestinal muscles and facilitating efficient gas and feces flow. However, for persistent diarrhea, avoid anise due to its minor laxative effect.
Peppermint supplements, available in capsules or candies, can alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and gas by relaxing gastrointestinal system muscles, facilitating gas flow more easily.
Ginger, an anti-inflammatory natural treatment, can reduce stomach fermentation, alleviate gas and bloating, and improve digestion. Consuming ginger in food, like savory recipes or pickled ginger slices, can also alleviate gas. Ginger tea can be made by boiling fresh ginger slices or chewing on a piece.
- Consider over-the-counter medications such as activated charcoal.
Activated charcoal, a porous material used to trap gas, can cause constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting in the medical world. However, smaller dosages can reduce adverse effects. Consuming activated charcoal before or after meals can prevent bloating and flatulence. Consult a healthcare expert before use, especially if using drugs, as it may interfere with their absorption.
Antacids neutralize stomach acids causing gas, while anti-flatulent medications like Gas X alleviate fullness, pressure, and bloating associated with flatulence and burp. Resolving gas accumulation can indirectly alleviate back discomfort by easing or eliminating gas accumulation.
Regular exercise stimulates the digestive system, promoting gas passage and reducing gas accumulation. It drives stool and gas out of the colon, leading to more regular bowel movements. Short strolls can also stimulate the digestive system, making frequent exercise crucial for optimal gut health. Yoga can help relax abdominal muscles, allowing trapped gas to escape through positions like child’s pose (Balasana), joyful baby pose (Ananda Balasana), and wind-relieving pose (Pawanmuktasana).
- Baking soda: Baking soda can help to neutralize gastric acid, which can help relieve bloating. Try an 8-ounce glass of water with 1/2 teaspoon of dissolved baking soda. It is crucial not to use this remedy for a lengthy period of time or to take more than 1/2 teaspoon at a time, since potentially dangerous side effects such as dehydration or a burst stomach may occur.
- Heat: Heat may be emotionally calming, as well as relaxing stomach muscles and relieving discomfort. To ease gas and discomfort, use a heating pad or a warm bath. Put a layer of clothes between your naked skin and the heat to protect it from burns. If you suffer from regular gas discomfort, consider bringing a heating pad to work.
- Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds are well-known for their ability to naturally relieve intestinal gas. A safe quantity is estimated to be about one teaspoon. Try chewing on some seeds to see if they assist.
- Apple cider vinegar: Many individuals use apple cider vinegar (ACV) as a natural remedy for gas, bloating, and indigestion. Simply combine 1 tablespoon ACV with a cup of tea or warm water. You can drink this mixture on a daily basis or if you feel gassy.
- Massage: Massaging the abdomen gently might stimulate the digestive system and help with gas movement. Use the “I LOV U” technique, which entails making circular massage strokes in the shape of the letters I, L, U, and O in the direction of your bowel movements through the colon and small intestine. This can assist increase gas movement and relieve stomach discomfort.
- Try deep breathing: Deep breathing techniques might assist in relaxing the abdominal muscles and releasing trapped gas. Experiment with the following technique: inhale deeply with your nose, allowing your belly to expand, and then gently exhale through your mouth. This method should be repeated multiple times to encourage relaxation and relieve gas.
- Clove oil: Clove oil may aid in the relief of gas, bloating, and indigestion. Take a clove oil tablet after meals to boost digestive enzymes and minimize gas production.
- Eat slowly and at regular intervals: Eating swiftly might result in increased air intake, leading food to become stuck in the stomach and produce gas. As a result, it is critical to take your time.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough of water can help digestion and avoid constipation, both of which can lead to gas.
Things to avoid:
- Chewing gum
- Soda, other carbonated beverages, and beer
- Smoking
- Drinking through straws.
- Food triggers like artificial sweeteners (such as sorbitol and aspartame), cruciferous vegetables, artichokes, asparagus, pears, apples, and peaches until symptoms improve. Avoid dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt, as they may contribute to extra gas for some people.
- Drinking fluids too cold or too hot. Drink fluids at room temperature
Final thoughts
Natural remedies such as herbal teas and lifestyle modifications can provide rapid relief from gas and enhance digestive health. Yoga, deep breathing, massage, and exercise can promote gas passing and relieve abdominal pressure. Gas accumulation is often due to dietary habits, so small everyday changes can help reduce it. Over-the-counter medications like antacids and activated charcoal can sometimes help relieve gas pain, but if they don’t improve the condition, or if gas pain affects personal and professional tasks, consult a healthcare professional.
