How to Reduce Bloating & Gas

You have probably had times when you feel bloated and gassy. This could be the day after you have had a particularly healthy meal or the day after you have munched on lots of fried or spicy foods. Gas is a common problem for many people and when you feel bloated and gassy, you want to find relief. The good news is that there are ways that you can reduce bloating and gas. Here are some good tips on remedies for flatulence. Flatulence refers to excessive intestinal or stomach gas and many people are commonly seen suffering from flatulence problems. Knowing what causes flatulence is the first step in treating this problem. Flatulence can be caused by 3 main factors which include swallowed air, breaking down of undigested foods and lactase deficiency. Sometimes people tend to swallow excess air while eating or even just out of habit and this can be a major cause of flatulence. Chewing gum or tobacco, drinking too fast, carbonated beverages, loose dentures and hyperventilating is what causes flatulence problems due to excess intake of air. Belching and burping can get rid of some of the excess air but the remaining air goes into the small intestine and may get absorbed or may move further into the large intestine to be expelled through the rectum. The best flatulence treatment in such cases would be to eat slowly and chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing extra air in the process. Sometimes the body does not absorb and digest some of the carbohydrates obtained from food in the small intestine itself due to the absence of specific enzymes. Therefore the undigested food moves into the large intestine where certain bacteria help in breaking down the food. During this process a number of gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen and even methane in some cases are produced. These will then be expelled through the rectum. This is what causes flatulence after eating in some people. However, it is not necessary that the same foods will cause gas in different people.

Some bacteria present in the large intestine can even eliminate the gas that other bacteria produce and this is probably what causes flatulence and bloating more in some people as compared to others. It has also been observed that foods which are richer in carbohydrates as compared to proteins and fats are more likely to cause flatulence problems. Foods like beans, onions, starchy foods, red wine, dark beer and foods rich in fiber like oats, peas and most fruits are known to cause flatulence in many people. Many people have a lower ability to digest lactose which is found in foods like milk, dairy products, certain cereals and breads and this kind of lactase deficiency can also cause flatulence. Therefore, a well balanced flatulence diet can be very helpful to people suffering from this problem. Foods that are generally disallowed in such diets include citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, tangerines and grapefruit, peas, beans, soy and vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and carrots. Avoiding such foods in the diet is very important for excessive flatulence treatment.

A common question that most people ask is what causes flatulence to smell? Certain types of foods like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli themselves can cause smelly flatulence. However in most other cases if treatment is neglected, such flatulence problems cause smelly gas. In such cases the flatulence is tinged with fecal matter and results in smelly gas. When some fecal matter remains in the bowel and does not get passed, the bowel works hard to remove it and it is usually in the form of gas. It is very rare that such gas would not be smelly especially when it contains traces of fecal matter. Flatulence problems in women are very common during pregnancy, after childbirth and even during menstrual periods. During pregnancy many women complain of excess gas and most often consider it a result of their diet. However, the heightened level of the progesterone hormone in the body is what causes flatulence during pregnancy. Progesterone reduces the working of the digestive system during pregnancy and as a result food takes longer to get digested leading to bloating and flatulence.

Chew slowly:

Did you know you can get gas from eating fast? When you take excess air in while you eat, that air has to come out somewhere. Gulping your food and not chewing thoroughly will cause those familiar feelings of bloating. Slow down while you eat and this will certainly help your problem. Chew your food well and you will find that you may reduce the bloating and gassiness. Talking while you are eating can also contribute to this problem.

flatulence Treatment

There are many products on the market that are designed to help you with your gas and bloating. Antacids, such as Tums or Rolaids are perfect for this problem. Mylanta, Lactaid and Bean-o are other products that will help reduce the bloating after a meal or gas-causing snack. Many people take these products before they eat a meal that they know causes problems. Bean-o and Lactaid are both helpful. The best treatment for flatulence and bloating in pregnancy is to avoid eating foods which can cause excess gas in the body. It is also helpful to chew food properly and avoid talking or lying down while eating food to prevent flatulence problems. There are a number of natural cures for flatulence problems which can be easily prepared at home. Mixing warm water with half a teaspoon of powdered ginger can be a great natural remedy for flatulence. Similarly drinking warm water mixed with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar daily can effectively cure flatulence. Another good treatment for flatulence is chewing peppermint leaves. Menthol found in peppermint leaves can naturally cure flatulence and bloating problems. Drinking water mixed with lemon juice and half a teaspoon of baking soda is another one of the natural remedies for flatulence problems. Herbal teas prepared using rosemary, coriander, fennel or sage can also help in reducing intestinal inflammation and the formation of gases. Flatulence treatment using natural ingredients is the best and most effective way of tackling flatulence problems and also cheaper compared to other commercial treatment options.