What To Take For Bloating And Gas

Lemon And Baking Soda Ease Digestion

Baking soda contains flavonoids that aid digestion by neutralizing the excess stomach acid. However, it is important to use it in moderation, as excessive baking soda can render the stomach acids ineffective.

How to use:

Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of lime juice in a cup of water and consume.

Note: This remedy is not scientifically proven but has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of gas.

Head To The Drugstore

Some people find relief with over-the-counter products, such as simethicone and activated charcoal. Of the two, simethicone is considered the better option, although experts are not quite sure how it works. Brand names for simethicone include:

• Maalox Anti-Gas
• Gas-X
• Phazyme

You should know that activated charcoal may result in constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Therefore, its use is somewhat controversial within the medical community.

In addition, if you decide to try activated charcoal, you may find that it turns your stool black. However, black stools from charcoal supplements are not something to be concerned about.

As with any OTC product, check with your healthcare provider before use. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should generally avoid these products.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

• Do I need a test to diagnose lactose intolerance?
• Why do certain foods cause my bloating when they never used to?
• What can I do if I have diabetesand my medicine or artificial sweeteners cause bloating?
• Could my bloating be a sign of something more serious?
• What kind of tests will I need?
• What kind of over-the-counter medicine can I try?

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What Causes Bloating In The Stomach

Gas

Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion, but too much intestinal gas means your digestion is gone awry. While you can ingest gasses by swallowing air or drinking carbonated beverages, these gasses mostly escape through belching before they reach your intestines. Gasses in your intestines are mostly produced by gut bacteria digesting carbohydrates, in a process called fermentation.

If theres too much fermentation going on, its because too many carbohydrates werent naturally absorbed earlier in the digestive process, before reaching those gut bacteria. That could be for several reasons. Maybe you just ate too much too fast for proper digestion. Or you might have a specific food intolerance or gastrointestinal disease. Some possible causes include:

Digestive Contents

These can include solids, liquids, and gas. Digestive contents can build up in your digestive system when there is a backup or restriction in your digestive tract or when the muscles that move digestive contents along are somehow impaired. Any build-up of digestive contents along the digestive tract will leave less room for normal amounts of gas to process through. It also leaves less room for other things in your abdomen, including circulatory fluids and fat, making everything feel tighter. Causes of build-up can include:

Hormones

Other Causes

Baking Soda And Water For Bloating

Mix a little baking soda into a glass of water, and what do you have? A TikTok phenomenon. But what do the healthcare experts say about this potential remedy for bloating? This is essentially a DIY antacid, says Dr. Dweck, explaining that baking soda is basic in terms of its pH content. This neutralizes stomach acid along with bloating and discomfort. Dr. Dweck says, It may work, and its likely safe in a pinchbut yuck!

Its harmless, Dr. Farhadi agrees. It could be helpful, but its going to be very temporary. If you respond to the combination of baking soda and water, its likely that you have acid reflux and would also respond to antacids like Tums, which may be a more effective treatment.

If you really want to try it, mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of baking soda into one cup of water and sip away. This remedy is safe for short-term use for most adults, but not for young children or women who are pregnant, says registered dietitian Nicole Lindel, RD, an advisor forEverlywell. Adults should not use baking soda for longer than two weeks at a time.

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Peppermint Eases Ibs Pain

Peppermint might prove especially helpful for people with IBS who suffer from abdominal cramps and bloating. Peppermint contains menthol oil, which can help relax the intestinal muscles and prevent them from spasming.

How to use:

Inhaling the fumes of this herbal oil can induce a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which can improve its motility and function.

Note: The antispasmodic effect of peppermint can be used to reduce the severity and frequency of IBS symptoms, but it is to be used only as an adjunctive therapy and not as a replacement for the standard treatment.

How To Release Gas From Stomach

There are many over-the-counter gas relief products that break down excess gas, ease gas pressure and eliminate bloating. CVS Pharmacy offers easy-to-swallow softgels, capsules and chewable tablets featuring several active ingredients known to provide fast-acting relief or prevent recurring symptoms. Many of our gas relief products feature:

Simethicone: A fast-acting compound that breaks down excess gas and alleviates symptoms

Calcium Carbonate: Neutralizes discomfort by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach

Digestive Enzymes: Taken before or after meals to help breakdown complex carbohydrates

Natural Supplements: To aid digestion and ease uncomfortable pain and bloating

Activated Charcoal: Shown to relieve symptoms by absorbing and eliminating excess gas

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Is Excessive Gas A Sign Of Covid

When people have COVID, they can present with a wide variety of symptoms. According to an update from the CDC, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to coronavirus and symptoms can appear to be anywhere from mild to severe. Some symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting

The list above does not include all possible coronavirus symptoms, but the CDC is continuously updating the list as we learn more about COVID-19. As you can see from above, having signs of excessive gas such as bloating are not indicative signs of COVID. If you are experiencing signs of excessive gas/bloating, there are several common causes and treatments of excessive gas.

Although gas is not an indicative sign of COVID, some signs of COVID appear as gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. At times, the diarrhea may present with excessive gas such as farting. The farting is more-so associated with the diarrhea from COVID. Therefore, if you are experiencing excessive gas with diarrhea, along with other symptoms listed above, you may want to reach out to your healthcare provider for further care or see if a COVID test is needed.

What Is A Bloated Stomach

A bloated stomach is first and foremost a feeling of tightness, pressure or fullness in your belly. It may or may not be accompanied by a visibly distended abdomen. The feeling can range from mildly uncomfortable to intensely painful. It usually goes away after a while, but for some people, its a recurring problem. Digestive issues and hormone fluctuations can cause cyclical bloating. If your bloated stomach doesnt go away, you should seek medical care to determine the cause.

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Gas And Bloating Relief

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Take Some Deep Breaths

Deep breathing may help with gas pain. But this only tends to work if it’s something you practice regularly.

Since deep breathing from the diaphragm is so effective for reducing stress, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to do it. You can then use this breathing technique as needed for future gas attacks.

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How To Prevent Bloating

Typically, the first line of treatment for preventing gas and bloating is changing your diet. Research has shown that a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet can reduce the symptoms of gas and IBS. A low FODMAP diet avoids fermentable, gas-producing food ingredients, such as:

• Oligosaccharides, which are found in wheat, onions, garlic, legumes and beans
• Disaccharides, such as lactose in milk, yogurt and ice cream
• Monosaccharides, including fructose , apples and pears
• Polyols or sugar alcohols found in foods such as apricots, nectarines, plums and cauliflower, as well as many chewing gums and candies

In people sensitive to FODMAP-rich foods, the small intestine doesn’t always fully absorb these carbohydrates, and instead passes them to the colon, where they are fermented by bacteria and produce gas. To see if some of the FODMAP foods are causing your gas and bloating you can start by cutting out FODMAP foods and then slowly bringing them back into your diet one at a time to pinpoint any foods that are causing the problems.

In the long run, the key to preventing bloating is understanding its cause. If mild constipation is the problem, a fiber-rich diet, water and exercise may help, but these steps wont always work for chronic constipation. Chronic constipation and other conditions, such as IBS or gastroparesis, require medical treatment, so its important to talk to your doctor about your bloating symptoms.

How Can I Prevent Stomach Bloating

If your stomach bloating is caused by diet or alcohol, you can help prevent it by making some lifestyle changes. Some good general guidelines include:

If the cause of your bloated stomach is something more specific, such as specific food intolerance, perimenopause or a medical condition, you might need a little help with diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Some options include:

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Why Is My Stomach Bloated

The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. If you get a bloated stomach after eating, it may be a digestive issue. It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up. Your menstrual cycle is another common cause of temporary bloating. Sometimes a bloated stomach can indicate a more serious medical condition.

What Is Intestinal Gas

Intestinal gas is a mix of odorless vapors, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen and methane. This gas forms in the digestive system. When these vapors mix with intestinal bacteria, an unpleasant sulfur odor can develop.

Your body releases gas through the mouth or rectum . Sometimes gas gets trapped in the stomach. This gas buildup causes abdominal pain and bloating .

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What Causes Gas & Bloating

There are two main causes of gas in the digestive tract .

Using Herbs For Gas And Bloating

Several nutritionists and dietitians prescribe several herbs in the carminative family, which are helpful in easing gas and bloating. According to them, the definition of carminative family itself is the substance that prevents the explosion of gas in the stomach.

Of the many herbs available in the family, the commonly used and easily accessible is ginger. Additionally, it helps in expelling as well as breaking the gas. Ginger assists in digestion by speeding up the process, which is an essential element. Due to this, the stomach empties at a faster rate and the gases developed move quickly into the lower intestine without creating discomfort or bloating. Other herbs that are helpful are reducing gas and bloating are:

• Chamomile
• Wintergreen.

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How Is Intestinal Gas Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider may ask you to keep a food diary for a week or more to see if certain foods or drinks make you gassy. Because excessive gas can be a sign of a health problem, you may need one or more of these tests:

• Blood tests: These tests detect certain conditions like celiac disease that cause gas.
• Breath test: A hydrogen breath test identifies lactose intolerance or abnormal bacterial growth in the intestine.
• Colon screening: A flexible sigmoidoscopy lets your provider view the lower part of your colon and rectum . With a colonoscopy, the provider views all of the large intestine. These tests help identify digestive disorders like Crohns disease as well as colon cancer.
• Food elimination: Your healthcare provider may suggest removing certain foods to see if gas symptoms improve. For example, if youre less gassy after cutting out dairy, you might be lactose intolerant unable to break down lactose, a sugar in milk.
• Gastrointestinal tract exam: If you belch a lot, your provider may perform a gastrointestinal exam called an upper GI test or barium swallow. You swallow a solution that coats the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine with barium for easier viewing on X-rays.

Treatment For Gas Gas Pains And Bloating

If your gas and gas pains are caused by an underlying condition, treatment for that condition may provide relief. Usually, gas can be treated through lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and over-the-counter medications.

Dietary Considerations

Not everyone has the same reaction to all foods. Keeping a food diary can help you determine which foods cause increases in gas and bloating. Eliminating or reducing certain foods may be necessary to reduce your symptoms.

High-Fiber Foods

Foods that can cause gas due to high fiber include whole wheat, bran, prunes, peaches, apples, pears, asparagus, artichokes, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, onions, and beans. You may try avoiding high-fiber foods for a week or two and gradually start to eat them again. You should visit with a doctor or dietitian to make sure youâre getting enough fiber.

Dairy

Some people do not easily digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. Reducing or eliminating dairy products could help you reduce symptoms of gas and bloating. There are often lactose-free options for some products like milk.

Artificial Sweeteners

You may try eliminating sugar substitutes or trying a different type.

Fatty/Fried Food

Fat in your digestive tract can slow-down digestion, allowing food to ferment longer and produce gas. Reducing fat in your diet may help lessen symptoms.

Carbonated Beverages

Fiber Supplements

Water

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How Long Does A Bloated Stomach Last

If your bloating is due to something you ate or drank or to hormone fluctuations, it should begin to ease within a few hours to days. If you are constipated, it wont go down until you start pooping. Water, exercise and herbal teas can help encourage all of these things along. If it doesnt go away or gets worse, seek medical attention.

Causes Of Intestinal Gas

It is normal and healthy for gas to be present throughout your digestive system.

There are two main causes of intestinal gas: swallowed air and gas that is produced as a by-product of the digestion of certain foods.

Most swallowed air is released through burping. The rest is either absorbed in the small intestine or travels through the intestines to be released through the rectum.

Gas is also produced by intestinal bacteria as a breakdown product of food material.

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How To Get Rid Of Gas Pain

If youve ever experienced waves of sharp pain in your belly along with the feeling that your waistline is inflating like a balloon, you might be experiencing bloating and cramps due to intestinal gas.

Everyone gets gas on occasion. Its a natural byproduct of the bacteria in your intestines doing their job and breaking down the fibers, sugars and starches in the food you eat. Though gas pain is usually nothing serious, the discomfort can be intense.

Intestinal gas and its discomfort are likely to resolve on their own. Burping or passing gas through the rectum is usually enough to ease your physical discomfort.

Johns Hopkins gastroenterologist Hazel Marie Galon Veloso provides some perspective on bloating and gas cramps, including when to see a doctor.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

The diagnosis of SIBO remains controversial. Many authorities believe that the gold standard for diagnosis of this condition involves obtaining a culture of the small intestine via an orojejunal tube or sterile endoscopic aspiration. Historically, total bacterial counts over 105 colony-forming units /mL have been considered diagnostic of SIBO, although other studies have used values from 104 CFU/mL to 107 CFU/mL. Aspiration of the small intestine has several limitations, as the procedure is time-consuming, invasive, and costly. Additionally, many laboratories do not culture small intestinal aspirates. For these reasons, most healthcare providers now attempt to diagnose SIBO via noninvasive measures.

Imaging Small intestinal imaging is recommended by many clinicians to identify structural abnormalities that could predispose a patient to SIBO. A recent study found that the odds of having SIBO were increased 7-fold in patients with small bowel diverticula. A 4-hour solid-phase gastric-emptying scan can identify bloating patients with underlying gastroparesis.

Endoscopy There is currently no role for routine endoscopy in the diagnosis of SIBO aside from sterile aspiration of the small intestine, as previously discussed. Biopsy of the duodenum may show villous blunting however, this finding is neither sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis of SIBO.

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Vitamin A For Gastrointestinal Health

Vitamin A plays a very important role in helping maintain the health and function of your entire gastrointestinal tract, which is essential for proper digestion and preventing the discomfort associated with gas and bloating. Vitamin A is found in a variety of foods, including sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, milk, cheese and eggs.

Your body stores excess vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, in your liver, and getting too much of it in your diet or through supplements can be harmful to your health. To get what you need for digestive health, but not enough to make you sick, get most of your vitamin A from fruit and vegetable sources.