Stomach gas and bloating are disorders that could seem as simple as typical discomfort. However, it could even be a symptom of a more serious, underlying condition. Gas accumulates in the body as a natural byproduct of the digestive process.
However, when this gas is not passed out through flatulence or burping, it builds up in the gut and causes bloating. Read on to find some tips to get relief from stomach gas and bloating.
Remedies to get relief from stomach pain due to gas
Quick relief
Avoid resisting the sensation of passing gas: Many people try to avoid passing gas so that they are not embarrassed in public. However, doing this will lead to the accumulation of gas and more bloating. It is advisable to try and find a somewhat private place and pass gas to stop any stomach pain. If you find it difficult to release gas, try taking a short yet brisk walk or lying down and relaxing your muscles.
Consume chamomile or mint tea: Both mint and chamomile can soothe the stomach and aid with digestion. One can consume these teas available in the form of tea-bags after steeping it in hot water.
Take activated charcoal supplements: These can relieve cramps due to gas and bloating. It is relatively more effective as compared to other remedies for stomach pain due to gas. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking these, especially if you are on any other medications.
Apply a hot water compress: For immediate relief, lie down and place a hot water bottle or compress across your stomach. It will help relieve abdominal pressure due to gas and bloating. This remedy truly helps people get relief from pain due to excessive stomach gas and bloating.
Lifestyle changes
Avoid foods that tend to cause bloating: Several foods contain compounds that are difficult for stomach bacteria to break down. While not all of these foods cause gas in all people, it is advisable to take note of the following list of foods and examine how each of them affects your digestive system:
- Beans, peas, and other legumes
- Fibrous fruits and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli
- Dairy products made from cow’s milk
- Artificial sweeteners
- Carbonated beverages like soda water
Change the order in which you eat different foods: The body naturally produces hydrochloric acid to break down proteins whenever you start a meal. If you eat carbohydrates first, the acid gets used up before you begin eating protein. Then, the undigested protein ferments and causes gas and bloating.
Thus, it is helpful to start with proteins like meat or fish before moving on to the carbohydrate portion of your meal. You can also take over-the-counter hydrochloric acid supplements which can provide relief from bloating and gas.
Eat less food at a time and chew food well: Quite often, people experience the sensation of bloating because they eat too much at one go. Eating smaller portions during meals can help. It is also necessary to chew your food well for two reasons:
- In the first place, chewing more will cut down the amount of air swallowed with the food, which is one cause for bloating.
- Additionally, chewing more means that you tend to eat more slowly, which translates into eating smaller portions and thus feeling less bloated.
Go gluten or dairy-free: Dairy products contain lactose, which is hard to digest for some people. Lactose-free dairy alternatives include almond or soy milk. Gluten is a hard-to-digest protein found in wheat, rye, and other grains, and one can substitute them with gluten-free options.
Cut down on sugar and simple carbohydrates: These are difficult for the body to digest. Going on a sugar-free diet may help you if you experience bloating after eating sugary food. However, one should not pick artificial sweeteners as well because this ingredient also leads to bloating.
Add healing herbs and spices to your diet: Several herbs and spices have carminative properties which means that it helps to expel gas from the system. Most prominent among them are ginger, peppermint, dill, basil, caraway, parsley, and cumin.
It is recommended to consume these foods in their original form rather than herbal supplements, as the latter may interact adversely with any medication that you are already taking.
Eat fermented foods: Fermented foods contain probiotics, which aid in digestion. Thus, it is one of the best remedies for stomach pain due to gas. Some foods that are rich in probiotics are kefir, kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut, and tempeh. These probiotics are also available as dietary supplements.
Have digestive aids: Several over-the-counter medicines can help relieve bloating. Lactase drops or tablets are useful for those with lactose intolerance, and people should take it before consuming dairy products.
Beano is a supplement that contains alpha-galactosidase, a compound that helps break down beans and other hard-to-digest vegetables. One should take these digestive aids before the meal so that the body is ready to digest food by the time you start eating.
Other disorders that can lead to stomach gas:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This ailment occurs in the colon and causes symptoms like cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Leaky gut syndrome: It occurs due to a perforation in the epithelial lining of the gut, causing toxins to leak into the blood, resulting in bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and skin diseases.
- Celiac disease: This is a digestive complaint that occurs due to an inability to process gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains.
- Crohn’s disease: This is a gastrointestinal complaint that can become very serious without timely medical intervention.
