Everything you should know about treating gas problems
Gas can be quite embarrassing to deal with, to say the least. However, the problem of a gassy stomach extends far beyond just embarrassment and can actually be a very painful experience indeed. Also known as flatulence, a gassy stomach is characterized by the excessive buildup of gas inside the digestive tract. Before trying to treat the problem, one should understand the underlying reason for the same.

Here is information about the causes of gas, its symptoms, and more.

What are some of the causes of gas?

• When one swallows more air than is required it causes gas. This usually happens when chewing gum, drinking carbonated or fizzy drinks, eating or drinking too fast, smoking, sucking on hard candy, or wearing loose-fitting dentures.
• Gas is also caused by undigested carbohydrates, which bypass the stomach and small intestine and are broken down by bacteria present in the large intestine.
• Drinking fizzy, carbonated drinks can cause gas.
• Conditions like small intestinal bacterial growth, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can produce more gas in the body.
• Health Conditions like lactose intolerance, dietary fructose intolerance, and Celiac disease can affect the body’s ability to digest carbohydrates effectively, leading to the formation of gas.
• Health ailments like dumping syndrome, abdominal hernias, abdominal adhesions, intestinal obstructions, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer, etc., which can affect the way gas moves through the intestines can cause painful gases.

What are the common symptoms of gas?

Some of the symptoms of gas include:

• Burping or belching more frequently.
• Passing a lot of gas at frequent intervals.
• Bloating characterized by the swelling of the abdomen.
• Abdominal discomfort and pain.

What are some home remedies to get relief from gas?
Before turning to medications and pills, one can try using these simple remedies for gas treatment that can be prepared at home:

• Mix a teaspoon of carrom seeds in water and drink once a day. Carrom seeds contain thymol, which helps in digestion by secreting digestive, gastric juices.
• Boil two teaspoons of cumin seeds in water for 15 minutes. Cool the mixture, strain it, and drink the juice after meals for relief. Cumin seeds contain essential oils that prevent excess gas formation in the stomach.
• Mix half teaspoon of asafoetida powder in lukewarm water and drink the solution for gas relief. Asafoetida is known to contain anti-flatulent properties that inhibit the growth of gut bacteria in the large intestine.
• Grate a piece of ginger, mix with a few drops of lemon juice, and swallow the mix after meals. A natural carminative agent, ginger is great for flatulence.
• Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) in a glass of warm water and drink it after meals for instant relief from gas problems.
• Mix a pinch of black salt and roasted cumin powder in a glass of buttermilk. Drink it every day for improved digestion and relief from gas.

What are the dietary changes to control gas?

• Reducing the intake of high fiber foods like beans, broccoli, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, etc. Sticking to a healthy intake of fiber foods after consulting a nutritionist.
• Reducing the intake of dairy products. One can substitute them with lactose-free products instead.
• Reducing/eliminating sugar substitutes.
• Reducing the intake of carbonated beverages.
• Regulating the intake of fiber supplements.
• Drinking more water after meals and at regular intervals throughout the day.

What are the lifestyle changes to get relief from gas and its symptoms?

• Eating small portions of food, as this prevents the formation of excess gas in the stomach
• Eating slowly and chewing food properly without gulping hastily
• Avoiding chewing gum and hard candies
• Avoiding drinking through a straw
• Curbing smoking habits
• Exercising regularly
• Checking one’s dentures as part of your gas treatment plan in order to find issues that may force you to swallow excess air