Stomach gas and flatulence are normal, everyday occurrences. According to the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse, Americans pass gas about 14 times per day. Though common, the condition may cause social embarrassment. A variety of home remedies can ease stomach gas build-up, which causes bloating and flatulence. If the condition continues to interfere with a person's daily activities or work, scheduling an exam by a medical professional is recommended, advises MayoClinic.com.
Dietary Changes
MayoClinic recommends a change in diet to reduce bloating and excess stomach gas. The website reports that many carbohydrate-rich foods are common stomach gas and flatulence culprits. A person should aim to avoid baked beans, broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Sweets such as gum and hardy candy cause a person to swallow excess air, which leads to additional bloating and gas. Drinking carbonated beverages, such as soda, is also discouraged. When eating, relaxing and taking time to enjoy the food is important. When a person eats too fast or drinks from a straw, excess stomach gas is often the result.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
A variety of medications are available at most grocery and drug stores that fight excess gas and bloating. MayoClinic.com recommends patients look for medications containing simethecone which breaks down gas and air bubbles in the digestive tract. Patients suffering from lactose intolerance can take products such as Lactaid or Dairy Ease to decrease symptoms. Activated charcoal may also absorb gas, and can be taken before and after meals, advises MayoClinic.com.
Peppermint
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, peppermint fights flatulence and bloating. Peppermint relaxes muscles in the digestive tract, allowing gas to pass pain-free. It is also commonly used to relieve symptoms of indigestion. MotherNature.com recommends drinking peppermint tea to decrease flatulence. Peppermint is also available in enteric-coated tablets contain about 0.2 ml of peppermint oil. The UMMC recommends patients take 1 to 3 tablets throughout the day. Patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease or a hiatal hernia should not consume peppermint. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid peppermint.
Physical Excercise
MayoClinic.com advises patients to participate in physical activity to reduce stomach pains from bloating and gas. Taking a walk after meals or performing simple household activities such as vacuuming or dusting will allow air to move through the digestive tract. Other activities that may be helpful include a bicycling, swimming or even playing fetch with the household dog.
