Home Remedies for Intestinal Gas:

Intestinal gas or flatulence results when there is incomplete break down of consumed food in the stomach and small intestine. The digestive process causes the food to break down into molecules which can then be used as fuel by the body. If this process does not take place properly, the food that travels to the large intestine is still undigested. It undergoes fermentation and the bacteria that are naturally present in the large intestine begin to produce gases such as hydrogen, methane and hydrogen sulfide. This is known as intestinal gas. It causes bloating in the stomach and is relieved only when it leaves the body as an expulsion of air through the anus, called flatulence.

Intestinal gas may be caused by certain foods that we consume. These foods may not be properly digested and absorbed by the body. These include soluble fibers and sugars, which are difficult to digest. These foods remain semi-digested as they move into the large intestine. Here they are broken down by bacteria, which cause the production of gas. The foods that usually cause this condition include raffinose, which is a sugar found in sprouts and cabbage; soluble fiber, which is found in lentils, beans and certain vegetables and fruits; lactose, found in milk and milk products; fructose, found in some fruits, vegetables and soft drinks; and sorbitol, found in fruits and also used in artificial sweeteners. Another cause of intestinal gas is swallowed air. We constantly swallow air throughout the day. This air is then released through belching. Sometimes the air travels to the large intestine, from where it is expelled as flatulence. An excessive amount of air is usually swallowed when we eat or drink very fast, while chewing gum, while smoking or due to ill-fitted dentures.

Intestinal gas is known to be relieved by chewing on aniseed or fennel seeds after eating. Leaves of fresh holy basil may also be chewed first thing in the morning in order to prevent intestinal gas. Taking a solution of lime juice, honey and warm water is very effective in stimulating proper digestion, thereby restricting the production of gas in the large intestines. Sucking on a piece of ginger after eating a meal works well in alleviating intestinal gas. You can also soak the piece of ginger in lemon juice and salt before taking it. Some type of activity must be performed after taking meals to aid digestion. Immediately lying down or sitting after meals will hamper digestion, thereby allowing gas to be produced. Meals must be taken at least two to three hours before sleeping. To reduce the amount of air that is swallowed, remember to take meals slowly and chew well before swallowing.