Gas Bloating
Gas bloating is a very common problem. It usually occurs when there is excessive gas in the stomach or gastrointestinal tract which is not released. People who experience bloating also experience pain, flatulence, frequent belching or burping and a rumbling stomach.
Factors Causing Stomach Gas Pain
- Vegetables such as asparagus, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and broccoli
- Beans and lentils
- Milk products like cheese, yoghurt and ice cream
- Drinks like apple juice, pear juice and soft (carbonated) drinks with high-fructose corn syrup
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Ulcers
- Lactose intolerance
- Pancreatitis
- Appendicitis
- Celiac disease
- Gallstones
- Diverticulitis
Ways to Get Rid of Gastric Troubles
Having an unhealthy lifestyle and/or an improper diet usually is the main cause of gas trouble. But there are several home remedies that can give you instant relief from gas.
1. Herbs
Certain herbs can be used to relieve flatulence because of their carminative properties. These herbs help increase fat digestion by stimulating bile flow. They also reduce and prevent gas formation. Some of the herbs with carminative properties that can be used to treat gas problem in stomach are cardamom (elaichi), chamomile, fennel (saunf), ginger (adrak), peppermint, coriander seed (dhania), cumin (jeera), fenugreek (methi) and orange peel.
2. Triphala
Triphala is a Sanskrit word which means three fruits. Triphala is an ayurvedic remedy made from the combination of three fruits namely Haritaki, Bibhitaka and Amalaki. It is used to improve digestion and bowel movements along with other health benefits. It also helps to detox the body. Taking triphala will improve your digestion and get rid of gas and stomach ailments.
3. Aloe Vera
The yellow-brown pulp of aloe vera leaf contains anthraquinones such as aloin which is a powerful laxative. This laxative property of aloe vera aids in digestion and is also used to treat constipation. It also helps reduce bloating due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Note: Using too much aloe vera can have side effects.
4. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds (methi) have many health benefits. It acts as a gastric stimulant and is also rich in dietary fiber. It is also used to reduce heartburn and acid reflux. It also reduces bloating and gas. Using fenugreek seeds improves digestion and gets rid of all gas problems.
5. Papaya
Papain (papaya proteinase I) is an enzyme found in papaya. Several studies have found it to be useful solution for gas problems. Papain which is present in papaya helps improve digestion by breaking down proteins. It is known to have anti-inflammatory and mild laxative properties which reduce bloating and constipation. It is also a good source of dietary fiber. All these properties are very important for a healthy digestive system. No wonder this tasty fruit is a common remedy when it comes to treating gastric problems.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms like bacteria and yeast which are intended to have health benefits. Certain foods like yogurt, dietary supplements and products for external use such as skin creams are all some products marketed as probiotics. These probiotics are known to treat digestive disorders like diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBD). It can also help reduce gas and some probiotics can also help reduce bloating.
7. Mint
Spearmint commonly called as mint has 0.05% of menthol and has a very sweet flavour to it. Spearmint contains high amounts of carvone terpenoid which is the main reason for its medicinal properties and fresh smell. It has diuretic, antiviral, decongestant, antispasmodic, stimulant and tonic properties. It is a very effective and common gas problem solution. It is known to reduce bloating and gas formation in the stomach. It also helps digestion by increasing bile secretion.
8. Peppermint
Peppermint can improve digestion and reduces stomach bloating. It also has a soothing effect which helps relieve stomach problems. It also relieves flatulence and helps indigestion.
9. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a very easy and delicious way to treat stomach gas. Lemon juice stimulates the secretion of bile in the liver which helps in improving digestion. Lemon juice also helps in reducing bloating, constipation and gas pains.
10. Ajwain
Ajwain (carom seeds) is a common spice used in India. It is known to have stimulant, antispasmodic and carminative properties. Ajwain is also a great source of dietary fiber. It also acts as a digestive stimulant. It is used in Ayurveda to cure all stomach ailments because of its amazing health benefits. It is also proved to have anti-inflammatory properties and it helps reduce bloating. A study conducted on rats also showed that ajwain, when added to the diet, reduced food transit time and also improved the activity of digestive enzymes and/or caused a higher secretion of bile acids. To conclude, ajwain is a great remedy and can provide instant relief for those suffering from gas problems.
11. Turmeric
Curcumin, the main component of turmeric is one of the most powerful antioxidant. It is also proved to have anti-inflammatory properties. Multiple studies have shown that turmeric can be efficient in treating Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBD) and also believed to treat people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It is also efficient in treating gas and improves digestion by increasing the production of bile. It also reduces bloating due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Using turmeric or drinking turmeric milk is an effective remedy to treat gas.
12. Garlic
Garlic is considered to be a super food. It stimulates the digestive system and increases appetite. It helps the intestines to function properly and reduces bloating. It can also be used to treat other stomach ailments. Using garlic as a part of your regular diet can be helpful to get rid of gas problems.
Note: Eating raw garlic may result in heartburn, nausea, gas, diarrhoea and other side effects.
13. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is another common home remedy used to treat gas problems. It contains probiotics which helps the digestive system and gives an instant relief from all the symptoms of gas like stomach pain, indigestion, acid reflux etc. It can also be consumed by people with lactose intolerance as it is easier to digest.
14. Ginger
Ginger is known to have carminative properties. It helps increase bile flow which in turn improves digestion. Ginger also helps treat other stomach problems like diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion. It also helps relieve flatulence. Drinking ginger tea can be a very effective home remedy to treat stomach gas.
15. Apple Cider Vinegar
Even though apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, it has an alkalizing effect which can neutralise the stomach acid. It also contains prebiotics which help the growth of probiotics or the good bacteria in our gut. It can also help reduce gas and bloating.
16. Cloves
Clove has stimulating and carminative properties. It is very effective in treating gas problems, flatulence, indigestion and acid reflux. Cloves are also a good source of dietary fiber which is good for digestion. They are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties which reduce bloating.
17. Asafoetida (Hing)
Asafoetida or hing has been used to improve digestion since ancient times. It is one the most effective home remedy to relieve flatulence and improve digestion.
18. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is one of the oldest and most widely used medicinal plants. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, carminative and antispasmodic properties. Chamomile is used to treat various stomach problems such as flatulence, diarrhoea, indigestion, anorexia etc. Due to its ant inflammatory properties it reduces bloating and calms stomach cramps.
19. Jeera Water
Jeera (cumin) water is known to be very effective in treating stomach problems like gas, acid reflux, indigestion etc. Jeera is known to increase the activity of digestive enzymes and helps to improve digestion. It also reduces bloating and uneasiness in the stomach. Jeera water is an excellent home remedy to treat gas and other stomach related problems.
20. Basil Leaves
Basil is widely used in Italian cuisine and other places across the globe. It is also popular for its medicinal values. Basil leaves are known to improve digestion and appetite. It is also known to have carminative properties and is used to treat gas, diarrhoea and constipation.
Follow These Tips to Prevent Gastric Upset
- Avoid fatty, fried or spicy foods
- Stay well hydrated.
- Avoid carbonated (soft) drinks
- Eat and drink slowly
- Try to avoid fruits, vegetables and other food sources which can cause gas
- Eat smaller meals frequently throughout the day instead of eating larger meals at once
- Exercise regularly
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