Flatulence, gas or flatus is air in the intestine that passes through the rectum. Though not considered a serious medical disorder, passing gas is often socially embarrassing. According to the Mayo Clinic, everyone passes gas--with the average person passing it up to 12 times a day. Still, some people suffer from flatulence more severely than others. Bloating and temporary abdominal pain often commonly accompany flatulence. Several home remedies reduce the amount of gas produced as well as the discomfort associated with the problem.
Eating Habits
Avoiding specific gas-causing foods such as cabbage, beans and carbonated beverages helps reduce gas. Altering the way beans are cooked can further reduce beans' gas potential. According to Harvard Health Publications, boil beans first and allow them to soak. Cooking the beans a second time in fresh water or simply cooking the beans longer can reduce the amount of gas the beans create. Foods high in sulfur--such as eggs, meat and cauliflower--cause a foul odor to build up inside the body. Chewing gum and smoking may cause a person to swallow additional air, which can lead to excessive flatulence. Decreasing the amount of high-fructose corn syrup is also recommended, as fructose causes additional gas for some people whose intestines can't absorb high amounts of the sugary byproduct. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that a person eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of two or three main meals. Eating slowly reduces the amount of swallowed air, which may lead to flatulence.
Peppermint
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint is a natural remedy to reduce gas. The herb relaxes the abdominal muscles and intestines and allows gas to naturally pass without pain. Enteric-coated peppermint capsules allow the herb to pass through the stomach and directly into the intestines. The university recommends one to two enteric-coated capsules two to three times a day. Peppermint should not be taken if a person suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia. Pregnant or nursing woman should not take peppermint.
Excercise
Mild exercise, especially right after eating, may decrease flatulence. Biking, walking or jogging for 30 minutes a day is recommended. Moving the body increases circulation and also moves the bowels. Gas does not become easily trapped and is instead defused. Stretching exercises such as yoga or Pilates may also be helpful with stretching the body and releasing trapped air.
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