Abdominal bloating or intestinal gas is one of our most common complaints. It is a condition where the stomach feels tight or complete because of the trapped gas in the intestines. This can lead to discomfort and makes the stomach appear swollen. In some cases, bloating may accompany other symptoms like lower back pain, cramps, diarrhea, belching, and shortness of breath.
There are a few ways to eliminate trapped gas. The first is to increase your intake of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber helps to create a softer, bulkier stool, making it easier to pass. Another tip is to avoid foods that may irritate your digestive systems, like spicy foods, caffeinated drinks, and carbonated beverages.
You can also try taking a gas-relieving supplement like Beano to reduce gas production or Activia Probiotic Yogurt to ease digestion. If these don’t work, you may want to see a doctor. This article will discuss 10 effective treatments for trapped gas or bloating.
Causes of Bloating or Trapped Gas
Many factors lead to bloating. The first cause is the buildup of gas in the intestine. Other causes include overeating, premenstrual syndrome, constipation, smoking, menopause, peptic ulcers, anorexia, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Swallowing air when drinking, eating, and sipping drinks using a straw or chewing gum can result in bloating. Flatulence can also occur from poor-fitting dentures.
- Carbohydrates produce more gas. Eating foods rich in carbohydrates can result in bloating.
- Dairy products contain lactose, which, if not digested properly, results in trapped gas in the digestive tract.
- Foods that contain high levels of soluble fiber are harder to digest and lead to bloating, such as oats, beans, and peas.
Here are some simple ways to alleviate this problem.
1. Drink Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is excellent for easing gas pains while calming the churning stomach. It contains antispasmodic properties that can smooth the track of the digestive system. In addition, it can also calm the nerves and ease the stomach pain caused by stress and nervousness. You can reap all the benefits of peppermint tea if you prepare it properly. Letting the tea bag sit in the water for a few minutes is not enough. Here is the proper way to prepare your tea.
- Put the peppermint tea bag in a cup of boiling water.
- Cover it with a plate or saucer.
- Let it sit for at least ten minutes before you take the teabag out.
- Then, squeeze out the remaining liquid inside the bag to get all the healing and soothing properties of your peppermint tea.
Alternatively, you can chew a few peppermint leaves to alleviate bloating symptoms.
2. Ginger
Ginger is a popular and most-used herb for treating different health problems. This herb can also get rid of trapped gas or bloating. Ginger contains active ingredients that can alleviate the inflammation in the intestines while relaxing the muscles. To use ginger as your natural remedy:
- Put five thin slices of ginger in a cup of boiling water. Cover it with a saucer or plate. Let it sit for at least ten minutes. You can also add lemon juice or honey and drink this healthy remedy three times a day.
- You can also eat one teaspoon of grated ginger before meals to reap its benefits. You can also sprinkle grated ginger on your foot if you do not like the taste of ginger alone.
3. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are one of the best remedies for digestive problems like trapped gas. It contains antimicrobial, diuretic, pain-reducing, and carminative properties that can relieve bloating while relaxing the digestive system’s muscles.
- After eating heavy meals, you can chew a few pieces of fennel seeds.
- Alternatively, add one teaspoon of fennel seeds to 1 cup of hot water. Let it steep for at least 5 minutes and strain it. Drink this tea two times a day to get rid of trapped gas.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is also an excellent natural remedy to alleviate bloating. It contains antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your stomach. This tea is also helpful for treating heartburn. To prepare your chamomile tea:
- Put a chamomile tea bag in a cup of boiling water.
- Cover the cup with a plate or saucer. Let it steep for at least ten minutes.
- Squeeze the tea bag to get all its nutrients. You can also add honey or lemon juice for additional health benefits.
- Drink this tea two times a day between meals to eliminate trapped gas.
5. Pumpkin
Another way to alleviate bloating is by eating pumpkins. It contains a high amount of potassium, vitamin A, and fiber that aids digestion. Since bloating or trapped gas is caused by improper digestion, eating foods rich in fiber, such as pumpkin, can help you digest better.
Include 1 cup of pumpkin in your meal to improve your digestion process and eliminate excess gas. There are many delicious recipes for pumpkin, but you can also steam or broil it.
6. Lemon Water
Drinking lemon water is good for your health, such as eliminating bloating or trapped gas. In addition, it helps in flushing harmful toxins while improving your digestion process. Lemons contain vitamins B and C, magnesium, phosphorus, proteins, calcium, and carbohydrates.
- Cut three slices of lemon and squeeze its juice into your warm water. Stir it well, and drink.
- If no fresh lemon is available, you can also use 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and adjust the amount of water you include. Stir it properly, and drink.
Many experts also recommend drinking this mixture when your stomach is empty in the morning. Lemon water can help you digest your meals faster. The acidic properties in lemons increase the production of hydrochloric acid, which breaks down the food efficiently. 10 – 15 minutes before eating, have warm lemon water.
7. Bananas
Banana is a good source of fiber, which can help you digest foods faster while getting rid of trapped gas or bloating. Aside from fiber, bananas are also rich in potassium, a mineral that aids in regulating bodily fluids and relieves intestinal gas.
Eat bananas regularly to get rid of bloating. You can include it in fruit salads, desserts or have one as a snack.
8. Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds have antimicrobial, carminative, and antispasmodic properties. The carvene and carvol, two chemicals in caraway, have soothing properties that can calm the muscles of your digestive tract. This is also effective in getting rid of trapped gas and provides relief immediately from bloating.
- Consume a pinch of caraway seeds whenever you feel bloated. This will give you relief right away. You can also brew the seeds to prepare tea.
- Alternatively, you can eat caraway crackers if the taste of caraway seeds is vital.
9. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has helped many people with intestinal gas or bloating. Its porous and internal spaces are excellent for trapping chemicals, which is why activated charcoals are used to treat drug overdoses. Aside from that, it is also used for eliminating excess gas from bacteria in the intestines.
Activated charcoal is available in capsule, powder, or tablet form. You should seek medical advice to determine the proper dosage for you. Ensure you also read the recommended dosage on the back of the package.
10. Anise
Anise has antispasmodic that can soothe the muscles of your digestive tract. It also contains carminative properties that reduce bloating by removing the trapped gas inside your intestines. The best way to get all the benefits is by consuming anise tea.
Warning: Giving anise tea to infants can result in rapid eye movement, seizures, restlessness, and vomiting. Pregnant or nursing women should not drink this tea.
Other natural remedies to get rid of trapped gas
- Parsley – This is an excellent spice you can add to your meal to alleviate bloating.
- In a glass of warm water, Apple cider vinegar adds 2 to 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Drink the solution to alleviate the pain caused by bloating. Alternatively, you can use regular vinegar if no apple cider is available.
- Cardamom – This is a spice that can speed up the process of digestion. You can add this when cooking vegetables or rice.
- Cinnamon – One of the essential ingredients for making delicious food and pastries, cinnamon is also used for medicinal purposes. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a glass of warm milk.
- Buttermilk – Fresh buttermilk is one of the excellent remedies for treating indigestion. Aside from healing gastric issues, it also helps keep your body in good shape.
- Black pepper – It is believed that black pepper can heal indigestion. Like lemon water, it also increases the level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
- Potato juice – Grind some potatoes and squeeze their juice. Drink potato juice before eating to help your digestion process.
- Fasting – Fasting can also be a remedy to allow your stomach to rest. It helps eliminate toxic agents that cause irritation or gas.
If you have gastric problems, here are some preventive measures that you can follow:
- Regular exercises to avoid bloating.
- Avoid spicy food and aerated drinks.
- Do not use a straw when drinking.
- Chew your food properly and eat only light and healthy meals.
- Drink plenty of water.
