Knowing how to get rid of trapped gas is something we can all appreciate, as it may help save us from a potentially embarrassing moment. Having trapped gas is a very common problem and affects all of us at some point, with others having this problem on a daily basis. Gas pains are often accompanied by uncomfortable bowel sounds emanating from our intestinal track that often make use think we need to find a bathroom right away or need to covertly pass some gas without anyone noticing.
Intestinal gas builds up in the digestive tract of every human being. Gas is just one of the products of food being broken down and digested, often leading to burping, belching, or flatulence. A person can produce about one to three pints of gas each day, which can lead you to pass gas through the anus 14 to 23 times in a single day. Certain medical conditions may promote you to be more susceptible to producing gassy symptoms, but in the majority of cases, it often is the result of eating gas producing foods.
Trapped gas treatment: How to get rid of trapped gas
Over-the-counter medications
- Drugs containing simethicone. Going under many different brand names such as Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, and Phazyme, Simethicone is an anti-foaming aged used to reduce bloating, discomfort, pain. It helps to break down gas bubbles in the gut. It is advised to discuss the use of this type of medication with your doctor before incorporating them into your treatment plan.
- Beano is an enzyme based dietary supplement that is used to help reduce gas in the digestive tract. The product can be added to foods known for producing gas to help to reduce the occurrence of an upset stomach and flatulence.
- Lactase supplements are used by those suffering from lactose intolerance and can help to digest lactose found in dairy products.
Deodorizing products
- While these products don’t prevent the production of gas, they make flatulence more tolerable and less noticeable.
How to get rid of trapped gas naturally?
Dietary modifications to get rid of trapped gas pain
- Foods containing high amounts of fiber should be avoided. These may include beans, peas, oats, barley, passion fruit, figs, bananas, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, artichokes, and sweet potatoes. However, you may resume fiber consumption once the problem has resolved. If you are lactose intolerant, it is advised to avoid all dairy. Artificial sweetener found in many gums and soft drinks such as sorbitol and mannitol can also cause excessive gas and should be avoided. Additionally, any trigger foods such as alcohol, caffeine, and fried foods should be cut out of your diet.
- Those affected by trapped gas should try to eat more insoluble fibers if constipated, which can be found in whole grain bread and green vegetables. However, it is important to note that some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome may not tolerate isolable fiber well. It is also a good idea to drink a lot of water as it helps promote digestion and soft stools.
Lifestyle modifications to get rid of trapped gas pain
- Participating in regular exercise helps to move the muscles of the abdomen and subsequently the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Exercise is a great way to help your body relieve gas faster and more quickly, helping to reduce pain that is often associated with it. Exercise can simply be walking or a light jog which can be nearly anywhere. Yoga is another type of exercise that can help relieve gas quickly and effectively. Regular exercise can also help you relieve stress making you less likely to engage in bad habits such as smoking and eating junk food.
- Additional lifestyle recommendations include:
- Avoid chewing gum and hard candy, as you tend to swallow more air when consuming them
- Avoid smoking as you are inhaling a lot of air as well
- Chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing excess air
- Cut out gas triggering foods from your diet
- Avoid straws as they are sucking a lot of air as well
- Incorporate more exercise into your daily routine.
- Avoid tight fitting clothes around the waist
- Eat smaller meals less hastily
- Try fasting to give the stomach a rest
- Undergo a colon cleanse
Home remedies to get rid of trapped gas pain
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Warm lemon water: Being careful not to scald yourself, drinking warm lemon water can be a quick way to help get rid of gas immediately. The warm of the water may help to help soothe the digestive tract, getting rid of stomach pains. Lemon water also helps to detoxify the entire body.
Peppermint tea: Peppermint has been widely known for helping to settle the stomach and relieve gas quickly. Those suffering from chronic gas related issue may also find that the use peppermint can reduce symptoms during all times of the day. Peppermint contains properties laced with methanol which can have an antispasmodic effect. This can help calm the intestinal muscles involved in releasing gas.
Chamomile tea: A great option for relieving trapped gas if you are not a fan of peppermint. Chamomile also has antispasmodic properties which help in relaxing gastrointestinal muscles and even helping to relieve gas from indigestion and heartburn
Dandelion tea: A great alternative to the previously mentioned teas as it also helps in treating trapped gas pain. Dandelion has also been known to be used as a spice.
Caraway seeds: Also known as Kala jeera, this seed can be made into a tat to help with the healing of gastric disorders. This can be done by adding one teaspoon of caraway seeds to one cup of boiling water, letting it steep for a few minutes, then drinking it. caraway seed eat is best consumed before lunch or dinner.
Pumpkin: Can help in decreasing the amount of gas produced in the intestinal tract. Pumpkin is quite a versatile food as it can be baked, broiled, and steamed making a welcome compliment to any dish,
Cloves: Eating a few raw pieces can help relieve gas pain almost immediately. While the taste of cloves may be too pungent for some, clove oil may be a suitable alternative. Clovers are great for relieving bloating and gas pain in the stomach.
Anise seed: This seed has antispasmodic properties which help to relax the digestive system and reduce pain. It also has the added ability in aiding in the expulsion of accumulated gas, relieving bloating.
Buttermilk: Helps to heal gastric problems as well as keeping the gastrointestinal track fit and healthy. Freshly churned buttermilk is one of the best remedies for curing indigestion
Black pepper: A food having historical roots stemming from ancient India, black pepper can be a great choice for the treatment of acidity and indigestion. The properties of black pepper help with increasing stomach acid which can help with digestion. To effectively treat gastric irritation, take powdered black pepper with jaggery. Black pepper can also be used in combination with butter milk for synergistic effects
Asafoetida: A type of dried gum/latex derived from the root of a perennial herb, asafoetida can be added to some water and taken three times a day for trapped gas relief. It can also be mashed into bananas and consumed that way.
Cardamom: A commonly used spice in many dishes, cardamom can be easily incorporated while cooking vegetables or rice. You can even chew raw cardamom pods two to three times a day to help relieve gassy issues. Drinking it as part of a tea may also be beneficial. To do this, prepare fresh ginger, a few cardamom pods, and a teaspoon of fennel seeds. Let the mixture steep, then drink as many times a day as desired.
Fennel: Chewing on the seeds of this flowering plant can provide instant relief for trapped wind. Fennel can also be consumed by making it into a tea.
Apple cider vinegar: Can help soothe an upset stomach, it is best consumed after mixing with a warm glass of water.
Cinnamon: Having a bounty of medical applications, cinnamon can also help in relieving gas pain. Start by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of warm milk, then add some honey. Now stir and drink. You can also make a cinnamon tea to help relieve gastric troubles
Baking soda and lemon: The combination of these two ingredients provide relief from gas pain. It is advised to stir in baking soda until fully dissolved before drinking.
Carom seeds: A long-used home remedy that is used in curing nausea, indigestion, and other gastric problems, it can also be used to treat trapped gas. Crush about a half-teaspoon on carom seeds and mix with salt and asafetida, then chew and swallow it with a glass of water.
Gooseberry: Known for alleviating many different problems related to the stomach, hair, skin, heart, etc. For relieving constipation, drinking gooseberry juice on an empty stomach.
Guava leaves: Can help relieve bloating and other digestive problems by first boiling the leaves and drinking the mixture once cooled.
Celery leaves: Chewing on this vegetable stock raw can help relieve gastric pain and irritation.
Activated charcoal: A common emergency treatment used to prevent drug overdose or poisoning, activated charcoal can also be found in tablet form in your local pharmacy. Taking them right before and one hour after meals can effectively reduce gas buildup.
Coconut water: A great source of electrolytes including protein, coconut water can provide relief for gas pain as well. You can drink coconut water on a regular basis to help reap its beneficial effects.
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Herbal tea: Mint, raspberry, chamomile, and blackberry herbal teas are great for speeding up the digestive process.
Parsley: Fresh parsley aids the digestive process. It can be added to a variety of dishes.
Having trapped gas can be very uncomfortable, often making us more irritated and unable to concentrate. By following the recommendations outlined in this article, you can be sure you have given trapped gas treatment your best shot. If you are still experiencing trapped gas symptoms, it may be time to visit your doctor to get an expert opinion.
Related: Yoga and sleeping positions to relieve gas and bloating