Whether caused by food, drink, stress or bad habits like sucking in air, gas can be painful, embarrassing or distracting. It’s an unwelcome condition that usually arrives at inopportune moments, like when speaking in front of a group or in close quarters on public transportation.
The good news is that gas problems are easily treatable. They require a stricter attention to diet, lifestyle and particularly stress reduction. All are easily attainable with greater thought and care to what is going into the body.
Gas: The Fermentation Situation
Gas is produced in the intestinal tract through fermentation. Foods are gradually broken down and stripped of nutrients in the digestive process, and slower-to-digest foods can produce gas. How quickly the body can expel fermentation from the system will go a long way in decreasing the amount of gas produced. Gulping food or drinks increases the risk of inhaling excess air, which can build up in the system and produce gas.
Estimates are that two-thirds of Americans have gas, and perhaps the figure is higher. Practically anyone who eats and drinks will have an issue with gas at some point because gas is a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by certain common foods and activities.
The key with gas is controlling it so that it does not embarrass or cause pain, diarrhea or other issues that can compromise the quality of life. It’s also wise to know whether it’s a sign of underlying medical problems within the intestinal tract or elsewhere in the body. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an annual medical examination that can pinpoint any developing issues.
There are many over-the-counter medications and home remedies that can help control gas problems.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Most drug stores will carry Beano, an over-the-counter medication that can be added to beans, broccoli and other vegetables to help cut the gas they may produce. Beano must be ingested with the first bite of food and will only control small amounts of gas.
Activated charcoal is another over-the-counter remedy that may bring effective relief of gas problems. Similarly, simethicone (sold as Gelusil, Gas-X and other names) helps to break up gas bubbles.
Those commercial products generally work well in controlling small amounts of gas. But they are only effective if consciously taken, and carrying medications around may be problematic for many. Thus, there are also home remedies that may prove equally effective.
HOME SOLUTIONS
- Cut back on carbonated beverages. Soda, beer and other beverages contain carbon dioxide gas. Drinking less of them helps. If you must drink them, take care not to guzzle and swallow large amounts of air with the beverage.
- Water can dilute and move food. Fermenting food passes through the intestinal tract, and some of it may linger, causing gas. Water can help speed food through the system, thereby helping the intestinal tract get rid of fermenting food by providing lubrication that helps speed things along
- Tea works well. Peppermint tea is a soothing drink and has excellent anti-gas properties while acting as a diuretic. Other teas work well to ease flatulence.
- Cut back on dairy – Lactose intolerance is a common issue and may not be as noticeable as a gas cause. Try to reduce intake of ice cream, cottage cheese and other dairy products to see if it makes a difference.
- Apple cider vinegar – This is an old-fashioned cure once used as a remedy to a variety of ailments and is a great digestive aid. Mix a few spoonfuls in water at the start of your day to help control gas.
- Baking soda – A cup of hot water and a few teaspoons of baking soda act as a cleanser and a great way to calm chest pains related to gas. Sip slowly to avoid adding air to the intestinal tract.
- Exercise – Body stimulation can help the intestinal tract’s natural movement and help move fermenting food along. It doesn’t have to be vigorous and may be as simple as parking farther away in the lot or taking the stairs occasionally.
- Some foods maximize gas. Beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, apples, pears, bran muffins, ice cream and whole-wheat bread are gas creators. But even foods that are not chewed, like sugar-free gum and hard candies, can cause problems.
- Fried foods - Fried and fatty food can be a source of bloating. Fat takes longer to pass through the system and thus has more opportunity to create gas. Try including more baked and grilled foods in the diet to see what a difference it can make.
- Warm Water and Lemon - There’s a world of goodness to be found in some hot water and lemon, perhaps with a dash of black pepper. It provides fluids that can wash out the impurities in the system that may cause gas, and it is tastier than plain water.
- Chewing gum: Chewing gum is akin to priming the pump on the well. Some of the enzymes produced by the habit can build up gas. See if you can cut back on the amount you chew daily to see if it makes a difference.
- Hard candies. Constantly sucking on hard candies stimulates a sugar rush in the body, which, like chewing gum, can allow gas to build up. Unconsciously sucking in air also can provide opportunities for gas build-up.
- Loose dentures – Some people have the habit of sucking air in through their teeth. Loose or ill-fitting dentures can cause excess air to enter the stomach, much as sucking on hard candies or chewing gum.
- Stress – Slow down, chew thoroughly, and make sure not to gulp food or drink.