Gas is a natural bodily function that occurs when the body breaks down food during digestion. While passing gas is a normal and healthy bodily function, excessive gas can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. There are several causes of excessive gas, including certain foods, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits. Here is what you need to know about gas and how to manage it.
Causes of Gas:
Certain foods: Certain foods like beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions are known to cause gas. These foods contain complex carbohydrates that are difficult for the body to break down, which can lead to excessive gas.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like celiac disease, viral infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and lactose intolerance can cause excessive gas.
Lifestyle habits: Lifestyle habits like smoking, chewing gum, and drinking carbonated beverages can cause excessive gas.
Managing Gas:
Diet: Modifying your diet can help to reduce gas. Avoid foods that are known to cause gas and try eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of large meals.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help to improve gut health and reduce gas. Probiotics can be found in foods like yogurt or taken as a supplement.
Beano: Beano is an over-the-counter supplement that contains enzymes that can help to break down complex carbohydrates and reduce gas.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help to improve digestion and reduce gas.
Peppermint: Peppermint is a natural remedy that can help to reduce gas. Drink peppermint tea or take a peppermint supplement to help reduce gas.
If excessive gas is a persistent problem, it is important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Natural Home Remedies to decrease Gas
While there are several over-the-counter medications available to help reduce gas, there are also natural home remedies that can help alleviate gas and its associated discomfort. Here are some natural remedies that you can try:
Ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce gas and bloating. You can try drinking ginger tea or adding fresh ginger to your meals.
Peppermint: Peppermint can help to soothe the digestive system and reduce gas. Drink peppermint tea or take a peppermint supplement.
Fennel: Fennel seeds contain compounds that can help to reduce gas and bloating. Chew on fennel seeds after meals or brew fennel tea.
Chamomile: Chamomile can help to soothe the digestive system and reduce gas. Drink chamomile tea to help reduce gas and bloating.
Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help to improve gut health and reduce gas. You can find probiotics in foods like yogurt or take probiotic supplements.
Caraway Seeds: Caraway seeds contain compounds that can help to reduce gas and bloating. Chew on caraway seeds after meals or add them to your meals.
It is important to talk to your doctor before trying any new remedies to ensure they are safe for you to use.
Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)
Internal Medicine Specialist
Kify Hospital
Danavaipeta
Rajahmundry
Phone : 85000 23456
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