Home Remedies For Gas

Introduction:

Gas is a substance that has no fixed size or shape. The gas present inside the digestive tract comprises air and other gases.¹ Gas is a topic that people find difficult to discuss, but everybody has gas in the intestine. Gas can affect the daily life of people by causing a sense of fullness (bloating), abdominal cramps, belching (burping) and flatulence (accumulation of gas in the stomach). Some people are more sensitive to gas and develop the above symptoms to even normal amounts of gas.² Gas in the intestine is a natural consequence of food digestion; anyone can feel gassy now and then. On average, a person passes gas up to 21 times a day.³

What Causes Gas?

Causes of gas in the intestine include:

Digestion of Food

The large intestine normally contains many bacteria, some fungi, and viruses. These microorganisms help in digestion. The bacteria in the large intestine break down carbohydrates and create gas in the process.⁴

The small intestine lacks enzymes to digest some carbohydrates present in sweet and fibrous foods. The undigested food passes into the large intestine, where it is broken down by the bacteria. This breakdown forms hydrogen and carbon dioxide gas. In some people, methane gas is also formed.³

Swallowing Air

People swallow air (containing nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) without noticing whenever they eat, drink, chew, or smoke. People with loose dentures may also swallow too much air. Most of this swallowed air is expelled through the mouth by burping. But the intestine may absorb some air, which is removed when people pass gas.³

You swallow more air when you:

1. Chew gum
2. Suck on hard candy
3. Smoke
4. Eat or drink too fast
5. Wear loose-fitting dentures⁴
6. Drink carbonated or fizzy drinks

Temporary discomfort and bloating is a common occurrence in abdominal gas build up when this is associated with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, it should be attended by a physician to diagnose the exact cause.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Symptoms of Gas:

The symptoms associated with gas vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms of gas in the intestine are belching, bloating and distension (enlarging due to pressure) and flatulence (passing gas). Having some of these symptoms is natural, especially during or after meals. But these symptoms may become a problem if they occur frequently or affect daily activities.⁴

1. Belching

Belching is the release of gas from the stomach by the mouth. A person burps up to 30 times a day. Some people may burp more than others. In such cases, people burp a lot because they swallow too much air and release that air before it reaches the stomach.⁴

Long-term belching may indicate an upper gastrointestinal disorder like peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.⁵

Also Read: Effective Home Remedies for Burping

2. Bloating and Distension

Bloating is characterised by the feeling of fullness or swelling in the stomach. When the abdomen becomes larger than usual, the doctors call it distension. Some people may feel abdominal pain or discomfort because of bloating.⁴ 

Also Read: Simple Home Remedies For Bloating

3. Flatulence

Flatulence is passing gas through the anus. The gas that passes is called flatus. Some people may pass gas more often. Experts suggest passing gas up to 25 times a day to be normal. People who have a problem with flatulence may feel they pass too much gas or that the gas has an unpleasant odour. This odour may be due to the presence of sulphur in the flatus.⁴

Chronic gastritis remains a relatively common disease in developing countries. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in children in the Western population is approximately 10%, but about 50% in developing countries. Treatment of this by appropriate antibiotics by consulting a gastroenterologist is must.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Suggested Home Remedies for Gas:

Following are some home remedies for gas:

1. Chamomile Tea

You can drink chamomile tea to aid in digestion. Drinking chamomile tea promotes digestive health and helps to manage stomach ailments like gas.⁶

2. Peppermint Tea

Drinking peppermint tea is beneficial for many digestive issues. You can add peppermint tea to your diet to get relief from gas.⁶

3. Caraway Fruits

Caraway fruits help the digestive system by getting rid of the gas accumulated in the stomach and relieving abdominal pain.⁷

4. Ajwain

Ajwain can be found throughout India and possesses gas relieving activity. It is an important remedy to manage flatulence and abdominal pain.⁸

5. Heeng

Heeng is used as a digestive aid in foods. It possesses gas releasing activity by helping to remove acuminated gas from the stomach.⁹

6. Amla

Eating amla or Indian gooseberry aids in digestion and helps get rid of the gas accumulated in the stomach.¹⁰

7. Ginger

Ginger has essential digestive properties. It reduces intestinal cramps and bloating and prevents flatulence and dyspepsia (indigestion). It also possesses gas-relieving effects and helps manage the problem of gas.¹¹

8. Haldi

Haldi has many health benefits for humans. It is beneficial for many digestive tract problems. It has gas-relieving properties and helps manage the problem of gas.¹²  

9. Combination of Ajwain, Anise, Caraway and Rock Candy

Powder of ajwain, anise, caraway and cumin with little rock candy can be used daily to aid digestion and manage gas.⁷

10. Change the Eating Habits

You can make the following changes in your eating habits to avoid or relieve gas.

• Divide the meals into smaller ones and eat more frequently.
• Avoid talking while eating or drinking.
• Eat slowly.
• Consume less of the foods that increase the gas production in the intestine.
• Sit down while eating, and don’t eat on the go. 
• Avoid chewing gums and sucking on hard candies.¹³

11. Lifestyle Changes

You can make the following changes in your day-to-day life to manage the issue of gas:

• Avoid smoking
• If you wear dentures, talk to your dentist to make sure they fit correctly.¹³

12. Diet Changes

You can make the following changes in your diet to deal with the problem of gas:

• Some people experience more gas symptoms after consuming certain foodstuffs, like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, collard greens, and legumes like lentils, beans, and peas. Avoiding or eating less of these foods helps avoid the problem of gas.
• Foods that contain a lot of fibres, lactose or fructose should be avoided.¹³

Also Read: Simple Home Remedies For Indigestion

Though there are studies that show the benefits of the given herbs and home remedies in this condition, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these herbs and home remedies on human health.  Thus, these should be only taken under the guidance and supervision of your ayurvedic physician.

When to Seek Medical Help?

You should contact a healthcare provider if you have gas along with these symptoms:

• Long-lasting diarrhoea or sudden onset of diarrhoea
• Chest pain or signs of heart attack
• Rectal bleeding, bloody or fatty stool (yellow, greasy-looking with a foul odour)
• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Weight loss³

You must not rely on home remedies for the treatment of this condition you should consult a qualified doctor for any advice for the condition.

Conclusion:

Gas in the intestines is a normal occurrence. Still, it can affect the day-to-day life of people by causing a sense of fullness, bloating and flatulence. Involving certain seeds and spices in the diet can help manage gas and aid in digestion. However, gas can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious health problem. If the symptoms get more frequent or interfere with your daily activities, consult your health care provider.

Also Read: 8 Best Home Remedies for Upset Stomach

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Gas in the Digestive Tract | NIDDK [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 24]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract
2. Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence – American College of Gastroenterology [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 24]. Available from: https://gi.org/topics/belching-bloating-and-flatulence/
3. Gas and Gas Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Management & Prevention [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 25]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7314-gas-and-gas-pain
4. Symptoms & Causes of Gas in the Digestive Tract | NIDDK [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 25]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract/symptoms-causes
5. Gas in the Digestive Tract | Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 25]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gas-in-the-digestive-tract
6. How To Decrease Bloating | Natural Remedies for Gas and Bloating [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 25]. Available from: https://www.brighamandwomens.org/patients-and-families/meals-and-nutrition/bwh-nutrition-and-wellness-hub/special-topics/gas-beat-the-bloat
7. Mahboubi M. Caraway as Important Medicinal Plants in Management of Diseases. Natural Products and Bioprospecting [Internet]. 2019 Feb 1 [cited 2022 Mar 25];9(1):1. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30374904/
8. Bairwa R, Sodha RS, Rajawat BS. Trachyspermum ammi. Pharmacognosy Reviews [Internet]. 2012 Jan [cited 2022 Mar 25];6(11):56. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358968/
9. Mahendra P, Bisht S. Ferula asafoetida: Traditional uses and pharmacological activity. Pharmacognosy Reviews [Internet]. 2012 Jul [cited 2022 Mar 25];6(12):141. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3459456/
10. Gaire BP, Subedi L. Phytochemistry, pharmacology and medicinal properties of Phyllanthus emblica Linn. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2014 Dec 9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25491539/
11. Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A. Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Science & Nutrition [Internet]. 2019 Jan 1 [cited 2022 Mar 25];7(1):96. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341159/
12. Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess Y el, Rizk AA, Sadaka C, Zgheib R, Zam W, et al. Turmeric and Its Major Compound Curcumin on Health: Bioactive Effects and Safety Profiles for Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnological and Medicinal Applications. Frontiers in Pharmacology [Internet]. 2020 Sep 15 [cited 2022 Mar 25];11:1021. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522354/
13. Treatment for Gas in the Digestive Tract | NIDDK [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 25]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract/treatment

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