Intestinal gas can form after eating foods that do not digest easily, from acute illnesses, gallbladder disease or after abdominal surgery. Most gas is released either through the colon and the rectum or by belching and burping, releasing it through the mouth. Regardless of the cause or the method of release, most people become uncomfortable when excess gas builds up in their systems. Certain foods, natural remedies and enzymes that can help you manage intestinal gas. Some herbs may cause side effects, so if you use herbal treatments, consult with your health practitioner first.
Step 1
Use digestive enzymes to help prevent gas incontinence. If you have problems with specific foods like milk or beans, there are specific enzymes you can consume that may help your body function more effectively when eating these foods, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. In addition, supplements are available containing a mixture of several food enzymes that you can consume with any type of meal to help digest your food more efficiently.
Step 2
Eat foods known for their enzymatic action on digestion, suggests the "The Acid Alkaline Balance." These foods assist in the break down of other foods, allowing for normal digestion. If you include some or all of these enzymatic foods in your diet, it may help prevent the formation of intestinal gas. Add pineapples, papaya and mangoes to your meals as dessert or part of the meal. In addition, raw honey containing all of its nutrients including royal jelly, pollen and propolis is shown to be an excellent digestive aid for other sugars, according to Kliment.
Step 3
Take simethicone if you already have gas. This is an over-the-counter medicine available from pharmacies that can be purchased on its own or combined with antacid. The simethicone is able to breakdown larger-sized, trapped gas bubbles into smaller bubbles, allowing it to pass from the system. If you take simethicone and symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical help because your problem may be something more serious than gas.
Take simethicone if you already have gas. This is an over-the-counter medicine available from pharmacies that can be purchased on its own or combined with antacid. The simethicone is able to breakdown larger-sized, trapped gas bubbles into smaller bubbles, allowing it to pass from the system. If you take simethicone and symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical help because your problem may be something more serious than gas.
Step 4
Use the homeopathic remedy Lycopodium for the treatment of stomach upset, writes homeopath Frans Vermeulen in the "Synoptic Materia Medica." If you suffer from gas as a result of eating dairy food, poor digestion or a gallbladder attack, Lycopodium may help relieve your symptoms, adds the University of Michigan Health System. The person needing this remedy generally experiences a great deal of belching and gas incontinence. Consider whether you have a ravenous appetite and are easily satisfied after only a few bites of food. You will most likely crave very hot food and drinks that you gulp down quickly. People needing Lycopodium may have more gas pain and distention on the right side of the abdomen or starting on the right and moving to the center or the left side. Lycopodium is available over-the-counter at health food stores. Consult a homeopath for dosing directions.
Tips and Warnings
- When foods are not digested in a timely manner, they may putrefy in the stomach, creating gas as a byproduct of putrefaction. Various digestive enzymes are available that promote better digestion, preventing the formation of abdominal gas. Enzyme supplements are available at pharmacies and health food stores. Consult a health practitioner for suggestions regarding which will be best for your individual circumstances.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, see your health practitioner.
Things You'll Need
- Digestive enzyme supplements
- Enzymatic foods
- Simethicone
- Homeopathic Lycopodium
References
- International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Controlling Intestinal Gas
- "The Acid Alkaline Balance"; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
- University of Michigan Health System: Allergies and Sensitivities (Food and Chemical) -- Homeopathic Remedies
- "Synoptic Materia Medica"; Frans Vermeulen; 1992
