London: Gas trapped in the intestines can be incredibly uncomfortable. It may cause sharp pain, cramping, swelling, tightness, and even bloating. Most people pass gas between 13 and 21 times a day. When gas is blocked from escaping, diarrhea or constipation may be responsible.
Gas pain can be so intense that doctors mistake the root cause for appendicitis, gallstones, or even heart disease. Luckily, many home remedies can help to release trapped gas or prevent it from building up. Twenty effective methods are listed below.
Let it out
Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to avoid these symptoms is to simply let out the gas.
Pass stool
A bowel movement can relieve gas. The passing stool will usually release any gas trapped in the intestines.
Eat slowly
Eating too quickly or while moving can cause a person to take in air as well as food, leading to gas-related pain. Quick eaters can slow down by chewing each bite of food 30 times. Breaking down food in such a way aids digestion and can prevent a number of related complaints, including bloating and indigestion.
Avoid chewing gum
As a person chews gum they tend to swallow air, which increases the likelihood of trapped wind and gas pains. Sugarless gum also contains artificial sweeteners, which may cause bloating and gas.
Choose non-carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks, such as sparkling water and sodas, send a lot of gas to the stomach. This can cause bloating and pain.
Eliminate problematic foods
Eating certain foods can cause trapped gas. Individuals find different foods problematic. However, the foods below frequently cause gas to build up:
- artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sorbitol, and maltitol
- cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
- dairy products
- fiber drinks and supplements
- fried foods
- garlic and onions
- high-fat foods
- legumes, a group that includes beans and lentils
- prunes and prune juice
- spicy foods
Keeping a food diary can help a person to identify trigger foods. Some, like artificial sweeteners, may be easy to cut out of the diet. Others, like cruciferous vegetables and legumes, provide a range of health benefits. Rather than avoiding them entirely, a person may try reducing their intake or preparing the foods differently.
Snack on fennel seeds
Fennel is an age-old solution for trapped wind. Chewing on a teaspoon of seeds is a popular natural remedy. However, anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should probably avoid doing so, due to conflicting reports concerning safety.
