5 Natural Remedies for Relieving Gas in the Stomach
We've all been there: the uncomfortable feeling of gas building up in the stomach and the dilemma of whether to hold it in or not. Passing gas and burping are natural bodily functions, releasing accumulated gas from the body. However, excessive gas buildup can lead to discomfort. In this article, we introduce five natural ways to reduce and release gas healthily. These methods will help you effectively reduce discomfort and maintain healthy digestion.
The average healthy person produces about 1 to 4 liters of gas each day and passes gas or burps about 14 times a day. This is a normal part of the digestion process. However, sometimes excessive gas production can lead to bloating and abdominal discomfort, which can be accelerated by certain foods or digestive issues. Let's explore some methods to alleviate these problems and support the body's gas release.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is considered one of the most effective natural materials for aiding digestion and gas removal. Activated charcoal works exceptionally well in expelling gas from the body. It contains numerous small pores that absorb the gas and help expel it. Thanks to these properties, activated charcoal is recognized as a natural and safe remedy to reduce excessive gas and bloating.
Activated charcoal is usually sold in powdered form and is effective in reducing gas production and abdominal bloating. Additionally, charcoal helps remove irritants from the digestive tract, which can improve overall gastrointestinal health. By doing this, it helps reduce gas during the digestive process and decrease abdominal discomfort. When taking activated charcoal, it's important to drink enough water, and consult a doctor to avoid side effects. Some individuals may experience constipation or absorption issues, so caution is necessary.
Drinking Warm Water
One of the simplest and easiest ways to address gas issues is to drink warm water. Water helps stimulate peristalsis in the intestines, thereby facilitating smooth digestion. In particular, drinking a cup of warm water can help relax intestinal spasms, allowing the gas to move more freely. This effect aids in the rapid expulsion of gas and reduces uncomfortable bloating.
Drinking warm water first thing in the morning is a great habit that helps start the day with improved digestion. Warm water softens the lining of the intestines, allowing food to move smoothly, which prevents gas from accumulating. This can greatly help prevent bloating or discomfort. Additionally, drinking warm water before and after meals aids digestion and boosts metabolism, which is beneficial for overall digestive health. Since warm water does not irritate the digestive tract, it can be safely used by people with gastritis or ulcers.
Consuming Probiotics
One of the most important factors for intestinal health is maintaining a balance of gut bacteria. The gut contains various types of bacteria, and the good bacteria help with digestion and reduce gas. Probiotics help maintain this balance by supplying good bacteria to the gut. Especially in today's world, where many people suffer from stress and unbalanced eating habits, probiotics offer an effective way to restore balance.
Probiotics can be naturally consumed from fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, and are also available in supplement form. Studies have shown that certain probiotics can help reduce excessive gas and bloating. However, during the process of adapting new bacteria to the gut, more gas may temporarily occur, so consistent use is necessary. Once the gut environment stabilizes with continued use, digestive function improves, and gas as well as bloating will be reduced. While taking probiotics, drinking plenty of water can further enhance the gut environment.
Herbal Tea and Seeds
Various herbs can help reduce gas in the digestive tract and alleviate bloating. Fennel seeds, in particular, contain compounds that relax the smooth muscles of the intestines, allowing gas to pass more easily. Chewing fennel seeds or drinking fennel tea after meals can significantly aid in promoting gas release. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of fennel contribute to maintaining gut health and preventing digestive disorders.
Besides fennel, peppermint and chamomile teas help soothe the stomach and facilitate the expulsion of gas from the digestive tract. Peppermint is especially useful for stimulating peristalsis of the stomach, which effectively helps release gas caused by indigestion. Carom seeds are also effective, especially when gas is caused by digestive issues. Drinking ginger tea in the morning is another great option. Ginger tea activates metabolism and aids digestion, helping to reduce abdominal bloating. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the digestive tract and effectively remove gas.
Natural Digestive Enzymes
The final method for reducing gas and promoting smooth digestion is to consume natural digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down and absorbing food, and some enzymes particularly aid in breaking down carbohydrates, which can lead to less gas production during digestion. Modern diets are often rich in complex carbohydrates and sugars, which can lead to increased gas production during digestion, making these enzymes especially helpful.
Natural digestive enzymes can be found in fruits like papaya and pineapple. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, while pineapple contains bromelain, both of which are useful for aiding digestion and reducing gas. These enzymes help break down food more quickly, reducing the time gas spends forming in the intestines. If you want to take digestive enzyme supplements, it's best to consult a doctor to choose the right enzyme for your needs. People with gastrointestinal disorders should be cautious not to overuse digestive enzymes without medical advice.
Natural digestive enzymes are particularly helpful when gas builds up due to slow digestion after overeating, or when digestive power is weakened. They help prevent food from staying in the intestines too long and decomposing, preventing gas accumulation and promoting smooth digestion.
