Gas can be a very uncomfortable experience for many people. It is often embarrassing and can keep you from doing things in public that you would otherwise enjoy.
Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion and is usually not something to worry about. But if you find your gas excessive or even painful, you may need to do something about it.
In this article, I will share with you 10 easy ways to reduce stomach gas, so hopefully, your discomfort will lessen, and your life will be more enjoyable!
1. What is stomach gas, and why does it happen?
Gas is a normal byproduct of digestion. When you eat, enzymes in your body start breaking down food into nutrients that can easily absorb through the intestinal lining.
During this process, it is normal for gas to form from air swallowing and any leftover particles of undigested food. Gas is classified as either “flatus” or “flatulence.” Flatus is formed in the stomach from swallowed air, and flatulence passes through the intestine and exits the body through the anus.
2. How to reduce stomach gas?
1. Avoid Caffeine
Reducing or cutting back is one of the best stomach gas remedies. Caffeine stimulates digestion and can make symptoms worse.
2. Reduce Carbohydrates, sugars, fats, and proteins
These are all necessary for good nutrition but can cause bloating. Too much in your diet can result in excessive flatulence as waste products build-up
2. Avoid Spicy foods
Avoid eating too much pepper, hot sauce, and other spicy food items, as they may be causing the gas. Spicy food has been known to cause gastrointestinal discomfort in many individuals
3. Avoid Fizzy Drinks
If you are suffering from stomach gas, do yourself a favor and pass on the soda cans. Carbonation causes bloating after drinking soda, beer, or natural fruit juices. As well as the gas, it can cause heartburn and trigger nausea.
4. Eat more leafy green vegetables
Leafy greens contain Fiber that can help eliminate digestive problems without causing further pain or discomfort. Add spinach, broccoli, kale, and other suitable veggies to our diet.
5. You should have regular mealtimes
Help prevent these symptoms by regularly eating, ensuring you eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Get into a daily routine of having meals and snacks at similar times. This helps regulate digestion so gas does not build up.
6. Drink plenty of water
The digestive process needs to drink enough fluids. This will help create soft stools, making it easier for your body to eliminate waste.
7. Keep Stress Under Control
The stress hormone cortisol triggers our body’s fight-or-flight response and can contribute to indigestion, heartburn, stomach gas, intestinal discomfort, and constipation.
8. Get enough Fiber
The main source of gas is carbohydrate digestion. So, eating more Fiber can help you reduce these problems fast and naturally. For example, if you eat a large salad for lunch, the excess vegetables in your belly may cause cramping and bloat. Most of the Fiber that humans consume is from wheat, oats, and other grains. Vegetables and fruits also contain soluble Fiber. The only problem with this source of Fiber is it needs to be processed by your body before it yields any benefits.
9. Exercise Regularly
If you exercise regularly, your body will more likely be able to handle the excess gas due to foods and beverages. You may want to try swimming or yoga for some relief from symptoms.
10. Eat More Anti-gas Foods
Certain foods can help reduce gas. They include pears, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beans, lentils, onions, artichokes, and curcumin (found naturally in turmeric). You can also try reducing dairy products or switching to lactose-free products for relief.
3. Why is it important to reduce stomach gas?
Gas is a natural product in the digestive process. Problems arise when the gas stays in our bodies too long and is not eliminated properly. This can cause pain, bloating, and flatulence. Gas can also lead to things like heartburn and constipation. Most of the time, eating smaller portions of more frequent meals reduces stomach gas because it adds more air to the body that needs to be released through the digestive tract.
Gas can cause abdominal discomfort and pain. It may also signify other digestive issues like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, which be addressed. Identifying the gas triggers in your diet and eliminating them is important. You can consult a Gastroenterologist in Lahore or a Gastroenterologist in Karachi to treat stomach gas.