Natural Remedies for Gas and Bloating

A gas-filled abdomen is medically termed as flatulence, an often-painful experience. A gassy stomach can lead to heaviness, stomach cramps, heartburns and bloating. Bloating is the condition when excessive gas gets trapped in the abdomen. If this gas is not released, it causes a lot of discomfort.
Gas collects in our stomach in two ways – when we eat and drink or when we swallow air which causes entry of unwanted nitrogen and oxygen in our abdomen. This happens mainly when we digest our food.  Gases like methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen get released and collected inside our stomach.

Our daily food choices depend a lot on gas accumulation. Foods rich in carbohydrates like cabbage, lentils, chickpeas and beans are not easily digested. Sugary fruit juices also have the same properties. While passing through the colon, these food particles get broken down by the gut bacteria which releases a lot on gas. Accumulated and unreleased, this gas makes us feel uneasy and uncomfortable.

Below are mentioned some well-known remedies for stomach gas and bloating.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is easily found in medical stores and can be bought without a doctor’s prescription. It can easily cure unwanted trapped gas.
Activated charcoal’s effectiveness increases over time. So the best method is to build its consumption gradually. It can prevent symptoms like constipation and nausea.
However, always remember that activated charcoal has one side-effect. It causes black colouration of your stool. No need to worry since it is harmless and goes away once you stop taking charcoal products.

Probiotics

Researchers have identified plenty of uses of probiotics. They can cure intestinal gas, bloating and abdominal pain.
Certain diseases like intestinal diarrhea are cured by probiotic supplements. They contain good bacteria which is beneficial for our gut.

Avoid Straws

Straws force us to swallow air. A lot of air enters our body while we suck on them. Drinking huge gulps of soda from a can also have the same side-effect.
To resist gas and bloating, always stay away from straws.

 Ajwain

Carom seeds or ajwain contain an ingredient called thymol that secretes gastric juices necessary for digestion. Its properties make it an effective remedy for bloating, indigestion, gas etc. Chew some carom seeds after a meal to aid digestion and get instant relief from heaviness in the stomach. Or mix a teaspoon of carom seeds with black salt. Have this after each meal and you’ll get complete relief from bloating.

Ginger

Ginger is a popular Ayurvedic treatment which resolves gas and bloating problems. Because of its carminative properties, ginger offers effective relief against gas. It also stimulates digestive juices like bile that help with digestion. Mix one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger with a teaspoon of lime juice. Consume this after meals for quick relief.

Triphala

Triphala is an ancient herbal powder which helps in fighting flatulence. It is a strong digestive aid, made of three fruits – haritaki, amla, and bibhitaki. Ayurveda believes that a mixture of these three enhances metabolism and boosts the intestinal system.

Triphala stimulates gastric enzymes, improves food absorption, and reduces cholesterol levels. Moreover, it stimulates the peristaltic action of the intestinal lining, which makes it a powerful remedy for bloating and flatulence.

While it has a pungent taste, it is worth the trouble. You can mix half a teaspoon of Triphala with water and drink it before going to bed. Or you can opt for tablets. Do note that Triphala shouldn’t be consumed by pregnant women.

Heeng (Asafetida)

Heeng, also called asafetida, terminates growth of bad bacteria in the gut that is responsible for gas problems. Heeng has many anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic, anti-flatulent, and anti-inflammatory properties excellent for relief from irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, and gas problems.

Mixing half a teaspoon of heeng in lukewarm water and drinking it curbs bloating since it acts as an anti-flatulent. It is also advisable to add heeng to foods that are difficult to digest. If you frequently experience gas troubles, add heeng to milk, potatoes, chickpeas and soya-related products to strengthen your digestive tract.

Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds have nutritional oils which stimulate salivary glands and aid digestion. It prevents the formation of excess gas.
Also known as Jeera water, it is a great remedy for bloating and reduces stomach and abdominal pain. It stimulates digestive enzymes’ secretion, thus resolving gut issues.
After your meal, take a small tablespoon of jeera seeds and boil it in two cups of water for around fifteen minutes. Strain and drink it after it cools down to fight gas problems.
For quick relief from stomach infections and heartburns, try Gas-O-fast. Gas-O-Fast tablets work quickly to help you get rid of acidity from the root cause. These tablets contain digestive enzymes that offer instant relief from acidity and heartburn. Offered in several flavours, Gas-O-Fast instantly dissolves in water, leaving a fruity taste in your mouth.