Flatulence is caused by gas build-up in the intestines. According to the Mayo Clinic, flatulence can be caused by swallowing air while eating, drinking, or chewing, or be digestive disturbances. Digestive issues can include poor digestion, food allergies, not enough digestive enzymes produced in the gut, or illness. Fermentation of food in the intestines can lead to poor health as well as to increased gas. Home remedies can relieve symptoms but medical attention is suggested if symptoms persist, become severe, or include fever, vomiting or diarrhea.
Peppermint
Peppermint has been used for thousands of years to aid digestion, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. It acts by relaxing the muscles that allow the gas to pass through the intestinal tract. The calming influence of peppermint helps soothe flatulence caused by irritable bowel disease, they report. The recommended dose is 1 tsp. of dry peppermint leaves in 1 cup of boiling water. After steeping for 10 minutes the tea can be consumed. This can be repeated four to five times a day, and they suggest that these doses are safe. Peppermint should not be taken by those with gastroespohageal reflux disease or hiatal hernias and peppermint should be taken under the supervision of a health care provider.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can be taken before or after a meal, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Sold in health food stores and drug stores, the tablets absorb gas and toxins in the intestines, providing relief. Because the charcoal absorbs liquid in the gut, additional water intake is advised. Charcoal can help acute flatulence but is not recommended for a prolonged period because of the dehydration that it causes.
Lactase
Those with allergic reactions to dairy products can benefit from taking the digestive enzyme lactase with a meal, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Allergies to the sugar in milk, called lactose, is a major cause of flatulence. Lactase is included in some dairy products such as milk and cheese, and is advertised on the labels of these products. Lactose-free products are also available.
Lifestyle Remedies
The Mayo Clinic recommends lifestyle and diet suggestions to remedy flatulence. They advise smaller meals, eating slowly, avoiding gum and carbonated beverages such as beer and soda,and exercise. Eating when stressed also causes flatulence and they suggest only eating when in a relaxed state. Also, smoking cigarettes increases the amount of swallowed air, leading to flatulence as well.
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