Excess gas can feel extremely painful when it gets trapped in the stomach or intestines. Show
There are many home remedies to release abdominal pain caused by gas, from baking soda, to special yoga poses, herbs, teas, and more. In this article, I’ll go over some of the most common home remedies. I’ll also explore common causes of gas and bloating, symptoms, and how to prevent gas buildup in the first place. Home Remedies for GasWhen gas is trapped in the stomach, it can feel like a sharp stabbing pain. It can also feel like a dull ache or indigestion. In some cases, gas pains can be so sharp or sudden that they can send people to the emergency room. Gas is a normal part of the digestive process, but it should move efficiently through the gastrointestinal tract. When it doesn’t pass through easily, gas pains can develop. The following home remedies can help to alleviate gas pains and bloating. MovementWalking around after meals or when you feel pain can help move gas through the digestive system. Abdominal massageUsing a gentle massage technique can help trapped gas move through the GI tract. Try this:
Yoga posesStretching the body can help to move gas through the digestive system. Start by lying on your back. With your feet together, raise your legs straight up. Bend the knees and put your arms around them, drawing the knees into the chest. Raise your head to touch the knees. Hold the pose for 20 seconds or longer and repeat as needed. Alternatively, you can also lie on your left side, knees curled into your chest, to help encourage gas to transit through the GI tract. TeasIf you experience gas pains or flatulence, avoid carbonated beverages. Instead, sip on warm liquid, like peppermint, chamomile, fennel, or ginger tea. HerbsCooking spices in your kitchen could be the remedy you need for painful gas. Get a glass of warm water and mix one of the following spices into it, then drink:
Baking sodaDissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water and drink it. This can help reduce acid and bubbles in the stomach. Be cautious about following this carefully, as consuming too much baking soda on a full stomach could lead to stomach rupture. Apple cider vinegarWhile there is no scientific evidence to support apple cider vinegar as a gas remedy, it is safe to try and is frequently used as a traditional remedy. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm or room temperature water and drink it. Over-the-Counter Remedies for Trapped GasIf home remedies don’t work or you want faster, more proven options to provide relief, there are OTC remedies for gas pain. Enzyme preparationsIf gas pains are caused by problems digesting and breaking down food, enzyme preparations can help to reduce gas. Lactose intolerance is a common source of gas and bloating. OTC products that can help provide relief include:
If legumes or beans cause the gas symptoms, alpha-galactosidase can help prevent it from developing. Beano is a popular OTC enzyme medicine. These work best when taken preventively but may also work to dispel symptoms after these foods are eaten. AdsorbentsAdsorbent medications work by breaking up gas bubbles and allowing them to pass through the digestive system. Simethicone is a popular over-the-counter gas remedy. Products that contain this active ingredient include:
Causes of GasGas can be caused by many different things, from eating too quickly to consuming foods your body has trouble digesting and beyond. DigestionDigestion begins in the mouth and continues in the stomach and small intestine. Each part has a specific enzyme and process, but many things can disrupt this. Gas and other digestive symptoms can occur when digestion happens too rapidly or lacks the necessary enzymes. How your body is able to digest food is impacted by:
When you eat many foods known to cause gas, like beans and broccoli, your gas symptoms may be a normal part of digestion. But if you avoid foods that typically cause gas and still experience gas pains, you may not be chewing your food properly, eating too fast, or lacking the necessary enzymes to complete the digestive process. Food intoleranceWhen you eat foods that you are intolerant to, like dairy products, your body lacks the enzyme to break it down fully. This results in gas and other digestive symptoms. People who have Celiac disease or non-Celiac gluten sensitivity may also experience gas problems among other symptoms. Bacterial overgrowthSmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a digestive condition that happens when bacteria that should remain in the large intestine start colonizing the small intestine. This leads to painful gas, excessive bloating, and other digestive problems. ConstipationDiets containing insufficient fiber or water can easily lead to constipation. When this happens, bowel movements become hard and dry. If constipation is a persistent problem, the intestines can become impacted, which is a severe form of intestinal obstruction. Constipation is defined as having less than 3 bowel movements per week, but uncomfortable symptoms can be felt if a person cannot have daily bowel movements. When stools cannot easily be eliminated, gas also becomes trapped. Lifestyle factorsMany seemingly harmless habits can lead to gas buildup, including the following:
Health conditionsUnderlying health conditions can also cause problems with gas. Consult a healthcare provider if gas pains become chronic or do not resolve with home care. It could be a sign that you have a digestive condition. With treatment, all of the following conditions can improve:
Symptoms of Gas in StomachGas pains can come on suddenly. Gas in the stomach can produce symptoms such as:
Preventing Trapped GasYou can reduce the risk of having gas pains in many ways:
When to Seek Medical Attention for Trapped GasIf you have recurring gas pain, check in with a medical provider. If your gas pains occur with other symptoms, be sure to tell a healthcare professional, especially if you experience any of the following:
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do you get rid of gas quickly? Physical activity, like walking around, doing some yoga poses, or stretching, is a quick way to help release trapped gas. If that does not work, over-the-counter medication like simethicone (Gas-X) can collect the gas bubbles in the stomach, making it easier to get them out of the body. How can I reduce stomach gas at home? Walk around after meals to help food move more effectively through the stomach and intestines. This can improve digestion and help reduce uncomfortable symptoms like gas and bloating. What should I drink when I have gas? If you have gas, consider drinking warm liquid — like tea — to help soothe the gastrointestinal tract and help it move more efficiently. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. How can I get immediate relief from gas in my stomach?Here are some quick ways to expel trapped gas, either by burping or passing gas.. Move. Walk around. ... . Massage. Try gently massaging the painful spot.. Yoga poses. Specific yoga poses can help your body relax to aid the passing of gas. ... . Liquids. Drink noncarbonated liquids. ... . Herbs. ... . Bicarbonate of soda.. Apple cider vinegar.. What immediately relieves gas pain?The most common medications that claim to relieve immediate symptoms are activated charcoal and simethicone (Gas X, Gas Relief). Peppermint and peppermint oil have the best record as digestive aids, but there are many other foods that may help.
What home remedy stops gas?Natural remedies for gas include:. Peppermint tea.. Chamomile tea.. Anise.. Caraway.. Coriander.. Fennel.. Turmeric.. |