8/23/2018 How to relieve gas: Easy methods and remedies

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Easy remedies for gas

By Rachel Nall RN, BSN, CCRNLast updated Fri 17 August 2018

Reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, PhD, RN, CRNA

Foods to avoid Foods to eat Other tips Gas in babies Gas in pregnancy
Medical treatments When to see a doctor Causes

Gas is a normal part of human digestion. However, it can

cause pain and discomfort, and it can have an unpleasant
smell.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people pass 1 to 3 pints of gas each day. People also
typically pass gas between 14 and 23 times per day.

Most people feel embarrassed by gas, but it is part of a natural process, and there are ways
to reduce it.

Medical treatments are available, but dietary and other lifestyle measures can also help.

This article will look at some of the ways that people can relieve gas and any associated
discomfort.

Foods to avoid
The International
Foundation for
Functional
Gastrointestinal
Disorders recommend
a number of 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 to pinpoint the
Gas can cause discomfort, but some dietary changes can help prevent it.
problematic foods.
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8/23/2018 How to relieve gas: Easy methods and remedies

Some food groups

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that cause the body to produce gas include:

Sugars

If the body lacks the enzymes needed to break down sugars in the diet, bloating and gas
can result.

Examples of dietary sugars include:

raffinose, an ingredient in beans and green vegetables

lactose, which is present in milk and dairy products

fructose, which occurs in onions, artichokes, and wheat

sorbitol, an artificial sweetener that is common in sugar-free foods

Starches

Starchy foods, such as potatoes, corn, and wheat, can cause gas.

Fiber

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. A
person should also drink plenty of water to help the fiber dissolve better.

To reduce gas, it may not be necessary to remove all of these types of foods from the diet.

Keeping a record of the meals in a week and accompanying symptoms can help a person to
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. Keep eliminating the foods, one
by one, until the symptoms improve.

Foods to eat
Some foods, drinks, and dietary habits produce gas, but others can reduce it.

To reduce the amount of gas, try:

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8/23/2018 How to relieve gas: Easy methods and remedies

drinking
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beverages that are
room temperature

eating raw, low-

sugar fruits, such
as apricots,

Choosing lemon water instead of fizzy drinks can reduce the risk of gas.

blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, grapefruits, peaches, strawberries, and

watermelons

choosing low-carbohydrate vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, okra, tomatoes,

and bok choy

eating rice instead of wheat or potatoes, as rice produces less gas

swapping carbonated beverages for still water, which hydrates better and promotes
digestion, rather than gas and constipation

drinking water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, rather than fruit juice or beverages with
flavorings or artificial sweeteners

drinking teas that can help ease digestion and reduce gas, such as those that contain
chamomile, fennel, peppermint, or turmeric

Other tips
Some behaviors cause a person to swallow air, and this can lead to gas.

Tips include:

not chewing gum

not eating hard candy

taking your time when eating and drinking

consume smaller meals more often

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8/23/2018 How to relieve gas: Easy methods and remedies

avoiding drinking fizzy, or carbonated, beverages, which increase the amount of air in the
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stomach

not eating foods with added artificial sweeteners

making sure dentures are too loose

not smoking

do some physical activity

If possible, take a walk after eating. The movement promotes the steady passage of gas
through the gut, making episodes of flatulence less likely.

People who regularly experience bloating report that physical activity seems to help reduce
the problem.

Gas relief in babies

Babies often have painful gas because their digestive tracts are smaller and their digestive
systems are still forming.

The stomach may feel hardened, and they may curl their legs toward their chests, in an
attempt to relieve gas pain.

These tips can help to reduce gas in infants:

Use a slower-flow bottle nipple to reduce the speed at which the infant is drinking.
Manufacturers have developed bottle nipples specifically for babies with gas.

When breastfeeding, keep track of the foods you consume. Dairy products, tomatoes,
and other foods that may cause gas in the mother can do the same in the infant.

Burp the infant often, both during and after feeding.

After the infant eats, place them flat on their back and move their legs as if they are riding
a bicycle, to help free up gas. Time spent lying on the stomach, or tummy time, can also
help.

A pediatrician may recommend an infant-specific simethicone gas drop. These can help
some babies, but it is important to review the dosage with a pediatrician.

Gas relief in pregnancy

During pregnancy, high levels of progesterone cause the muscles to relax.

This can result in extra gas because digestion takes longer and food spends more time in
intestines. It may also lead to bloating and burping.

The following tips can help:

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8/23/2018 How to relieve gas: Easy methods and remedies

Avoid fried or fatty

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foods, as they
increase digestion
time.

Refrain from
drinking through a
straw, because
straws can cause
a person to
swallow more air.

Sit up straight
after eating, to
promote the
downward flow of Hormonal changes mean that gas is common in pregnancy.
digestion.

Take a walk around the block to free up gas, unless there are exercise restrictions.

Wear clothing that is loose, especially around the waist.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support the movement of digested food.

Eat smaller meals throughout the day to maintain blood sugar levels and consistency in
the digestive pattern.

Medical treatment
Over-the-counter
treatments can often
help to reduce gas.

Many contain
simethicone, a
compound that
combines with gas
bubbles to make them
easier to eliminate.

Some natural
therapies target
specific enzymes in
the intestine.
Probiotics in yogurt may help by promoting healthy bacteria.

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8/23/2018 How to relieve gas: Easy methods and remedies

Some examples of natural therapies and medications that can help include:
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lactase, for those who are lactose intolerant

beano, for people who find it difficult to digest foods that contain raffinose, such as
fibrous vegetables and beans

probiotics, either in yogurt or supplements, which can promote the growth of healthy
bacteria in the stomach

Beano and other products to reduce gas are available for purchase online.

If these types of treatments provide no relief, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications to
enhance digestion.

These medications may also reduce other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

When to see a doctor

For some, gas may be mild, if embarrassing, while for others it can indicate a more serious
digestive problem, such as a bowel obstruction or malabsorption disorder.

If the following symptoms accompany strong gas, talk to a doctor:

blood in the stool

fever

persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or both

unexplained weight loss

heartburn

Also, contact a doctor if gas starts to occur more frequently and a person can feel it working
its way through the digestive system in more places.

The doctor will consider the person's symptoms, medical history, diet, and current
medications.

Blood tests and imaging studies can show signs of inflammation in the digestive tract and
help confirm a diagnosis.

Causes of gas
Gas occurs when normal bacteria break down food in the gastrointestinal tract. It can
increase when people consume carbonated drinks, chew gum, and other activities.

The gas escapes either through the rectum or the mouth.

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8/23/2018 How to relieve gas: Easy methods and remedies

If gas is particularly odorous or uncomfortable, it may indicate a medical condition that is

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preventing the body from breaking down foods completely. Lactose intolerance and celiac
disease are two examples of these conditions.

An estimated 1 in 3 people produce methane gas in their intestinal tracts. Methane is a

particularly strong-smelling gas that can cause the stool to float in water. Intestinal gas also
consists of carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

As gas moves through the digestive tract, it can stretch the stomach and intestines. This can
result in sharp, jabbing pain and bloating or cramping that is highly uncomfortable.

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What to know about

indigestion or dyspepsia
Dyspepsia or indigestion is not a disease; it is a group of
symptoms that cause pain and discomfort in the upper
abdomen. Dyspepsia is caused by overeating, particularly spicy
and fatty foods. Lifestyle changes can ease symptoms, but
treatments are available for more severe cases. Read on for
causes and diagnosis.

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Everything you need to

know about sulfur burps
In this article, learn about sulfur burps, which are when the gas
produced out of the mouth smells of rotten eggs. They are
usually harmless and a sign of too much air in the stomach.

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8/23/2018 How to relieve gas: Easy methods and remedies

Find out here more about what causes sulfur burps, including
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foods and drinks, and when it might be wise to talk to a doctor.

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Everything you need to

know about flatulence
Flatulence occurs when gas builds up in the digestive system.
On average, a person passes gas up to 18 times a day, and it is
usually harmless and odor-free. Flatulence is often caused by
the food we eat, and some foods are bigger culprits than
others. However, flatulence can be the sign of an underlying
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What are the best ways to

make yourself burp?
A look at how to make yourself burp. Included is detail on how
burping works and the best strategies to force belching in order
to relieve gas.

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How do you stop smelly

farts?
Learn about different factors that can cause flatulence to
produce a bad odor. We also look at tips for treating and
preventing smelly farts.

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What you need to know

about hiccups
A hiccup occurs as a result of a rush of air into the lungs.
Everyone gets hiccups from time to time, but a long-lasting
attack of hiccups may require investigation. This article looks at
the causes of hiccups, which can include lifestyle factors or
medical conditions. Pick up some tips on how to get rid of
hiccups.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314530.php?iacp 8/11
8/23/2018 How to relieve gas: Easy methods and remedies

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GASTROINTESTINAL / GASTROENTEROLOGY IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

NUTRITION / DIET PREGNANCY / OBSTETRICS

Additional information

Article last updated by Yvette Brazier on Fri 17 August 2018.

Visit our GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology category page for the latest news on this subject, or sign up to
our newsletter to receive the latest updates on GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology.

All references are available in the References tab.

References

Citations

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