Breaking down food by chewing aids digestion and can prevent a number of related complaints, including bloating and indigestion. As a person chews gum they tend to swallow air, which increases the likelihood of trapped and painful gas.

Sugarless gum also contains artificial sweeteners , which may cause bloating and gas. Research suggests there is a link between smoking and digestive problems, including bloating.

It may also cause a person to breathe in air, increasing the risk of gas. Carbonated drinks, such as sparkling water and sodas, can increase gas in the stomach.

This can cause bloating and pain. The foods below may cause gas to build up:. Some of these foods provide essential nutrients. Rather than avoid them entirely, it might be better to consume a smaller amount in one meal or to try different ways of preparing them. These include teas made with:.

Anise can act as a mild laxative , so it may help if gas is due to constipation. Fennel seeds are a popular digestive aid around the world.

People use the seeds and extract for flatulence , stomach pain , and other symptoms. Some animal research suggests it may help protect the lining of the digestive tract. People can fennel seeds to salads, stews, and other dishes. In some places, people chew a pinch of fennel seeds after eating to help with digestion and freshen the mouth.

However, there is a lack of research to confirm the safety or effectiveness of using fennel seeds for bloating. Some people take peppermint oil capsules to resolve issues like bloating, constipation, and trapped gas.

Some research suggests it may help, but more investigations are needed. Always choose enteric-coated capsules. Uncoated capsules may dissolve too quickly in the digestive tract, which can lead to heartburn.

Peppermint inhibits the absorption of iron, so people should not take these capsules with iron supplements. They may not be suitable for people with anemia.

Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, and indigestion. There is not enough evidence to show it is effective or safe for flatulence, but some research suggests it may have ulcer-fighting properties.

Consuming clove oil after meals can increase digestive enzymes and reduce the amount of gas in the intestines. Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen can help relieve gas pain and discomfort. The warmth relaxes the muscles in the gut, helping gas to move through the intestines.

Heat can also reduce the sensation of pain. One case study has suggested apple cider vinegar may help manage functional dyspepsia , symptoms of which include bloating. Add a tablespoon of the vinegar to a glass of water and drink it before meals to prevent gas pain and bloating.

It is important to then rinse the mouth with water, as vinegar can erode tooth enamel. Activated charcoal pellets taken by mouth may help treat or prevent gas.

The charcoal traps the gas and removes it as it leaves the body in the stool. It is best to speak with a doctor before taking activated charcoal and to follow their instructions. Probiotic supplements add beneficial bacteria to the gut.

They are used to treat several digestive complaints, including infectious diarrhea. Some research suggests that certain strains of probiotics can alleviate bloating, intestinal gas, abdominal pain , and other symptoms of IBS.

Moderate exercise — such as walking or doing yoga — may help remove gas from the body. Deep breathing may have beneficial effects on the autonomic nervous system. In this way, it may also benefit the functioning of the digestive system.

However, deep breathing may not work for everyone. Taking in too much air can increase the amount of gas in the intestines. Anyone who is pregnant or taking other medications should discuss the use of simethicone with a doctor or pharmacist. Bloating and gas pain may be a sign of an underlying problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS , inflammatory bowel disease IBD , or lactose intolerance.

OTC medication, such as simethicone Gas-X, Mylanta Gas can help to relief painful trapped gas quickly. Certain yoga poses, such as those that bring the knees to the chest, or exercises such as squats, may help to relieve gas. Learn more yoga poses to relieve gas.

Painful trapped gas may pass on its own within a few hours. However, people may use home remedies, such as passing a bowel movement or exercising to experience faster relief.

Trapped gas can be painful and distressing, but many easy remedies can alleviate symptoms quickly. While everyone experiences trapped gas once in a while, experiencing regular pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms can indicate a medical condition or food sensitivity. Read the article in Spanish.

There are many causes of abdominal bloating. Drinking herbal tea that includes any of the following ingredients can also help ease digestion and reduce gas:. The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders recommends some dietary changes that may reduce gas.

These changes can be quick and easy ways to address the issue. Keeping a food diary can also help a person pinpoint the foods that affect them.

If the body lacks the enzymes needed to break down sugars in the diet, bloating and gas can result. Fiber can aid digestion, but only if the body is used to it. A sudden increase in fiber intake can lead to gas and bloating.

Oat bran, peas, and fruits contain soluble fiber. This type of fiber produces the greatest amounts of gas. If a person wants to boost their fiber intake, the best strategy is to add one serving a day.

An individual should also drink plenty of water to help the fiber dissolve better. Keeping a record of the meals in a week and accompanying symptoms can help a person identify specific trigger foods.

Another approach involves eliminating one type of food that causes gas for a few days, observing changes in symptoms, and moving on to the next. Eliminating the foods one by one, until the symptoms ease, can help someone determine which foods may cause them to experience gas.

Learn more about remedies for trapped gas. Some tips to prevent gas include :. If possible, a person may wish to take a walk after eating. The movement can promote the steady passage of gas through the gut, making episodes of flatulence less likely.

Trapped gas is usually harmless. However, if someone frequently experiences trapped gas or the discomfort lasts for a long time, it may be best to seek medical attention. An individual may consider speaking with a healthcare professional if they experience additional symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea, or weight loss.

A doctor may be able to diagnose an underlying condition causing excessive gas or identify another reason for the abdominal discomfort. An individual can opt for low carbohydrate vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, and okra, and swap out wheat and potatoes with rice.

Raw, low sugar fruits such as apricots, cranberries, grapefruits, and peaches can also reduce gas. People may occasionally experience a buildup of gas in their digestive systems. However, a person may use medication to treat persistent gas.

Gas can cause uncomfortable bloating and pain, but many yoga poses and other positions can help a person pass gas naturally. Learn more here. Intestinal gas is a typical byproduct of the digestive process. However, it may cause pain. Learn more. Although not a typical symptom of a UTI, a person may experience bloating.

Learn more about bloating and UTIs here. Taking digestive enzyme supplements may help reduce bloating. However, more research is necessary.

Peppermint inhibits the absorption of iron, so people should not take these capsules with iron supplements. They may not be suitable for people with anemia.

Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, and indigestion. There is not enough evidence to show it is effective or safe for flatulence, but some research suggests it may have ulcer-fighting properties.

Consuming clove oil after meals can increase digestive enzymes and reduce the amount of gas in the intestines. Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen can help relieve gas pain and discomfort. The warmth relaxes the muscles in the gut, helping gas to move through the intestines.

Heat can also reduce the sensation of pain. One case study has suggested apple cider vinegar may help manage functional dyspepsia , symptoms of which include bloating.

Add a tablespoon of the vinegar to a glass of water and drink it before meals to prevent gas pain and bloating. It is important to then rinse the mouth with water, as vinegar can erode tooth enamel. Activated charcoal pellets taken by mouth may help treat or prevent gas.

The charcoal traps the gas and removes it as it leaves the body in the stool. It is best to speak with a doctor before taking activated charcoal and to follow their instructions.

Probiotic supplements add beneficial bacteria to the gut. They are used to treat several digestive complaints, including infectious diarrhea. Some research suggests that certain strains of probiotics can alleviate bloating, intestinal gas, abdominal pain , and other symptoms of IBS.

Moderate exercise — such as walking or doing yoga — may help remove gas from the body. Deep breathing may have beneficial effects on the autonomic nervous system.

In this way, it may also benefit the functioning of the digestive system. However, deep breathing may not work for everyone. Taking in too much air can increase the amount of gas in the intestines. Anyone who is pregnant or taking other medications should discuss the use of simethicone with a doctor or pharmacist.

Bloating and gas pain may be a sign of an underlying problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS , inflammatory bowel disease IBD , or lactose intolerance. OTC medication, such as simethicone Gas-X, Mylanta Gas can help to relief painful trapped gas quickly. Certain yoga poses, such as those that bring the knees to the chest, or exercises such as squats, may help to relieve gas.

Learn more yoga poses to relieve gas. Painful trapped gas may pass on its own within a few hours. However, people may use home remedies, such as passing a bowel movement or exercising to experience faster relief.

Trapped gas can be painful and distressing, but many easy remedies can alleviate symptoms quickly. While everyone experiences trapped gas once in a while, experiencing regular pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms can indicate a medical condition or food sensitivity.

Read the article in Spanish. There are many causes of abdominal bloating. For most people, the cause of bloating may be fairly harmless and can be treated with simple home…. Hot farts may be an indication that the person ate some types of food the body does not agree with, or is having other digestive issues.

Learn more. Abdominal pain can result from problems in the stomach, gallbladder, or large intestine.

Causes include gas and menstrual cramps. Here, find out more. Although not a typical symptom of a UTI, a person may experience bloating.

Learn more about bloating and UTIs here. Taking digestive enzyme supplements may help reduce bloating. However, more research is necessary.

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The abdomen doesn't get physically bigger until its volume increases by one quart, so the bloated feeling may occur, but the abdomen is not distended. Intestinal gas may cause the feeling of bloating. It is important not to completely omit foods from the diet that may cause gas. As we know, a high-fiber diet is important for bowel regularity and colon health, so it is well worth the patience it may take to slowly build up tolerance to these types of carbohydrates.

Start by adding the offending high-fiber food in smaller quantities, such as a half cup or less. Be sure that fluid intake and activity levels are adequate, as they help to move foods through the digestive tract.

Many advertisements tout medications or remedies that reduce gas and bloating. Some have been shown to be of value in clinical studies, others have not yet been proven scientifically but are anecdotally helpful.

Before trying anything, you may want to consult with your physician. Two products on the market can help with food-related gas and bloating. Both products are packaged forms of the enzymes needed to break down the problematic carbohydrates.

Lactase, found in products such as Dairy Ease and Lactaid, can be taken with dairy foods to help break down lactose and lessen gas. Beano helps digest the indigestible carbohydrate in beans and other gas-producing vegetables. In most situations, occasional gas and abdominal discomfort does not require medical attention.

Over- the-counter products, or a self-assessment of habits and changes in eating behaviors can help remedy the situation. However, you should seek medical attention when there is an increase in frequency, location or severity of the symptoms, or if they are accompanied by weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting or heartburn.

For over a century, a leader in patient care, medical education and research, with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery. Stay Informed. Connect with us. skip to Cookie Notice Skip to contents. Home Patients and Families Resources Department of Nutrition Outpatient Nutrition Nutrition and Lifestyle Tips Special Topics Gas Beat the Bloat Back to Special Topics.

Gas: Beat The Bloat. com We all have gas. The Passing Of Gas The three most common ways of expelling gas are burping, abdominal bloating, and flatus. Bacterial Fermentation The colon is filled with bacteria, yeasts and fungi, which break down the foods not digested by the small intestine, mostly different forms of carbohydrates.

Behaviors, Food Choices And Activity Eating behaviors and other habits such as gum chewing, gulping foods and drinking with eating can cause us to swallow air.

Behaviors And Food Choices That Can Lead To Gas Behaviors Talking while eating Eating when upset Smoking or chewing tobacco Using a straw or sports bottle Overloading your stomach Deep sighing Drinking very hot or cold beverages Chewing gum or eating hard candy Drinking from a water fountain Tight-fitting garments Long-term use of medications for relief of cold symptoms Foods Carbonated beverages Spicy, fried or fatty foods Broccoli, cabbage, onions Beans Apple or prune juice Dried fruits Anything containing sorbitol, mannitol or maltitol, found in many low-carb or sugar-free foods Beat The Bloat Bloating is a sensation that makes the abdomen feel larger than normal.

Here are additional suggestions to decrease bloating: Eat slowly, and consume smaller, more frequent meals Chew your foods well Drink beverages at room temperature Have your dentures checked for a good fit Increase physical activity during the day Sit up straight after eating Take a stroll after eating It is important not to completely omit foods from the diet that may cause gas.

Natural And Other Remedies For Gas Many advertisements tout medications or remedies that reduce gas and bloating. Natural remedies for gas include: Peppermint tea Chamomile tea Anise Caraway Coriander Fennel Turmeric Over-the-counter gas remedies include: Pepto-Bismol Activated charcoal Simethicone Lactase enzyme Lactaid or Dairy Ease Beano When To Be Concerned In most situations, occasional gas and abdominal discomfort does not require medical attention.

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