Stomach gas is a natural, normal occurrence. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, most people produce 1 to 4 pints of gas a day. The average person passes gas nearly 14 times a day. Gas, or flatulence, has an odor because of bacteria in the large intestine. MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, notes that gas can be worsened by antibiotics, diet and even excessive swallowing of air. Passing smelly stomach gas is socially embarrassing and awkward. A variety of home remedies may decrease the amount of gas in the digestive tract. A person should contact a medical professional if bloody stools or severe abdominal pains accompany gas.
Dietary Changes
According to Cleveland Clinic, some patients can reduce bloating and abdominal gas by decreasing high fat foods in their diet. The clinic explains reducing high fat foods allows the stomach to empty quickly and move gasses to the small intestine to prepare for elimination. MedlinePlus advises patients to decrease the amount of beans, cabbage and carbonated beverages in their daily diet. Some foods may cause excess, foul smelling gas in some people and not cause the condition in others. Patients should take careful note of their diet to determine what foods cause the gas.
Aerophagia
Patients should make a conscious effort to avoid swallowing large amounts of air. Swallowing some air is normal, but excessive air leads to belching and flatulence. Aerophagia is the medical term for swallowing excess air. Common causes of excessive air swallowing include drinking a beverage too fast, eating too fast, chewing gum or smoking. Patients should eat slowly; chewing food slowly and relaxing during meal times will decrease the amount of air swallowed, advises MedlinePlus. Eating several mini-meals throughout the day instead of three meals also decreases gas. Drinking out of a straw should also be eliminated.
Exercise
MayoClinic.com reports that daily mild physical activity will decrease flatulence. A 15-minute walk after a meal also decreases gas buildup. Other mild activities include vacuum cleaning, washing a car, gardening or playing fetch with the household dog. People should not lie down after eating and continue to stay active to help eliminate gas quickly. A variety of yoga and stretching exercises aid in removing excess gas from the stomach.
