Did you know that your body produces up to a couple of gallons of intestinal gas per day? Some of them are actually reabsorbed while others are expelled. If it seems like you are breaking wind more often than normal, you are suffering from what’s known as flatulence. You know you have it because it is usually accompanied by abdominal bloating and pain.
There are numerous reasons why excessive amounts of gas are sometimes produced by your body and get trapped in the gut. One good example is being lactose intolerant, a condition wherein your body lacks in an enzyme necessary for the breakdown of lactose found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and ice cream. Sometimes flatulence is brought about by a diet that’s high in fiber or contains artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol that the body finds hard to digest.
Flatulence is not only an embarrassing digestive issue, but also an uncomfortable one. Keeping the problem at bay is as simple as dealing with its root source. For instance, you should avoid consuming dairy products if your doctor tells you that you are lactose intolerant. The gradual introduction of fiber-rich food in the diet can prove to be beneficial. Steering clear of products that contain artificial sweeteners can do wonders. Oftentimes, you should also limit your consumption of fruit juices and other beverages that are high in sugar because gas-forming bacteria in the gut love feeding on sugar!
Certain home remedies for flatulence can also help you deal with the awkward problem. Here are some of the things that may be done to keep excess gas production from creeping into your life:
Take a Walk
Something as simple as walking can help get rid of that abdominal bloating and pain by encouraging the elimination of excess gas in the gut. In fact, patients who had just undergone surgery are recommended to ambulate in order to get the bowels moving again. So the next time flatulence hits, spend a few minutes outside walking.
Let Them All Out
One of the quickest ways to put an end to the issue is simply by letting excess gas escape. Such can be done by lying on your back and pulling your knees towards your abdomen. Alternately, you may kneel and rest your head on the bed, while your buttocks placed high in the air. These suggested positions can help drive out excessive gas lurking in your gut.
Have a Cup of Ginger Tea
It’s a known fact that ginger tea is very good against indigestion. But did you know that it’s also superb in dealing with flatulence? Put an end to that abdominal woe of yours by placing a teaspoon of freshly-grated ginger in a hot cup of water. Let it steep there for about 5 minutes. Strain and slowly consume the resulting tea for instant relief.
Drink Peppermint Tea
Fret not if ginger tea is not your cup of tea. You may opt for peppermint tea which is also very good at dealing with an assortment of digestive problems, including flatulence. Simply allow a couple of teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves to steep in a cup of hot water. Strain and drink. Avoid this flatulence remedy if you have acid reflux.
Chew on Some Fennel Seeds
Having fennel seeds in your spice rack is a good idea if you have a bout of flatulence often. That’s because munching on half a teaspoon of them especially after meals can help ward off excessive gas formation. In case fennel seeds are not available, you may also reach for the container of celery, anise or caraway seeds to attain relief from flatulence.
Eat a Serving of Papaya
This tropical fruit is good for the immune system and the eyes. It’s also something that can help deal with a bad case of flatulence, thanks to its papain content. Papain is said to help promote a healthy digestion and keep at bay excessive production of gas. You may also prepare papaya tea that can be easily bought at a health food shop.
