Flatulence is passing gas from the digestive system out of the back passage. Learn about its home remedies for Flatulence(gas) and its causes and treatments. Get relief from bloating naturally at home
2. Introduction
An average human passes gas between 10 and 18 times a day. Many a times people
don’t notice that they have passed gas. The problem can be corrected through minimal
lifestyle changes.
Flatulence can be defined as a buildup of gas in the digestive system that which leads
to abdominal discomfort. Most of the individual experience flatulence. Excessive
flatulence can cause discomfort and distress. Eating certain food items can result in
flatulence. Flatulence can often be a sign of some serious digestive conditions like
recurring indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
3. Why it Happens?
When the food or water is swallowed, there is a tendency to swallow small amount of
air. This gets collected in the digestive system. Gases can also be build up when you
digest the food. The body needs to get rid of this formed gas. So, it releases either in
the upward or downward direction called as farting
The normal gas passed out is harmless and has no odor; if contains smell, it is due to
presence of Sulphur. Excessive gas is produced due to swallowing more air or eating
foods that are difficult to digest.
4. What are the causes of Flatulence?
Flatulence is a part of normal bodily processes, or it may stem from any disease that
affects the digestive system.
Exogenous sources – Those sources that come from outside which is mainly the air
when we eat, drink, or swallow saliva. When excess saliva is produced due to nausea or
acid reflux.
Endogenous sources – These are the factors which are inside the gut. Flatulence may
arise as a by-product of digestion when certain foods are taken, or when food is not
completely digested. If this is happening due to incomplete digestion, then gas is
formed when food reaches in the large intestine.
5. Few examples of foods that can
worsen flatulence include:
Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, onions, beans,
sprouts, and turnips
Certain cereals such as wheat or oats
Pulses, including beans and lentils
Dairy products
Yeast in baked products, such as bread
6. Here we discuss some food times which is often consumed and ends up in gas
formation. Being aware of those can help in reduction of gas problem.
Beans: Beans has complex carbohydrates in it which is difficult for the humans to
digest. The digestion of these carbs happen through microorganisms present in the
gut which produces methane. When these complex particles reach the lower
intestine, bacteria act on them and produces the gas.
Lactose intolerance: When the dairy products like milk, curd etc. is consumed and
the body doesn’t have the enzymes to break it down, the bacteria feed on the
lactose. Due to this in some people, it produces large amount of gas.
Celiac diseases: Intolerance to certain proteins and gluten, leads to excessive
flatulence. This may be present when barley, wheat, etc. is consumed.
Artificial sweeteners: Sorbitol and mannitol are the artificial sweeteners found in
most of the food items. They result in diarrhea along with gas when excessively
consumed.
Fiber supplements: Rapid intake of diet rich in fibers also causes cause flatulence.
Carbonated drinks: Fizzy drinks and beer leads to build-up of gas in the intestinal
tract.
7. Few disease conditions that can
worsen the flatulence are:
Constipation: Due to hard feces, it becomes difficult for expulsion of excess gas. This
results in accumulation of gas in the abdomen and results in discomfort.
Gallbladder problems: Gallstones and cholecystitis can lead to additional gas formation.
Gastroenteritis and other intestinal infections: Any bacterial or viral infections, relating
to parasitic infection that leads to food poisoning can cause buildup of gas. E.g.:
Amoebiasis, Escherichia coli.
Antibiotics: Long term intake of antibiotics can disturb the intestinal flora that leads to
flatulence.
Laxatives: Regular and excessive usage of laxatives increases the risk of developing gas in
the abdominal region.
Other conditions include pregnancy, hernia, pancreatitis, premenstrual syndrome,
endometriosis.
8. What are the Symptoms of
Flatulence?
The common symptoms of flatulence include:
Abdominal pain
Gas is persistent and severe
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Swollen abdomen
Diarrhea
Constipation
Swollen abdomen
Unintentional weight loss
Heartburn
Blood in the stools
10. 1. FRESH GINGER JUICE
Take a piece ginger and clean it. Cut into small pieces. Dip in pinch of salt and
chew and eat it. Repeat this twice or thrice depending upon the severity of gas
trouble.
Ginger is known to possess carminative properties that help to expel gas and
reduces the cramps and symptoms of indigestion. Ginger also helps in
alleviating abdominal bloating.
11. 2. PUMPKIN SOUP
Take pumpkin and cut into small pieces. Add 2 cups of water to it and boil it. Once
it is cooked add salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Have it before the meals.
Alternatively, pumpkin can be added to the diet and consumed.
Pumpkin is a natural source of optimum fiber and potassium, which can be of
great help to reduce stomach bloating. The potassium in pumpkin helps to
remove excess sodium, which has a role in gas formation.
12. 3. WARM JEERA WATER
Take 1 tea spoon and add to 3 glasses of water. Boil the water. Drink the
warm Jeera water regularly.
Jeera has antispasmodic properties which aids relaxation to our digestive
tracts. Due to its carminative properties it helps to release the gas and treats
dyspepsia and abdominal bloating.
13. 4. ASAFOETIDA WITH WARM WATER
Mix 1tsp of Asafoetida with luke warm water and drink for gas trouble. This
mixture should be consumed thrice daily half an hour before the meals.
Asafoetida acts as an anti-flatulent and also has the capability to prevent growth
of excess gut bacteria that produces excess gas in the stomach.
14. 5. SPICED INDIAN BUTTER MILK
Butter milk prepared with spices like coriander leaves, grated ginger, green
chili, pinch of Asafoetida, 1tsp of cumin seeds, pinch of fresh curry leaves
and pinch of salt. Have this half an hour after every meal.
Ayurveda describes Buttermilk as an aid which helps in digestion. It is
superior to yogurt in properties. Together with the spices, buttermilk helps
to alleviate the gas and helps to better the condition of bloating.
