Normal eating and drinking can allow air to enter the digestive tract, including the stomach and the intestines. This can cause bloating or air bubbles that can cause flatulence, pain, bloating and belching. Some people have specific triggers, such as dairy intolerance. Some foods are known to increase gassiness, like high fiber foods, legumes or carbonated beverages. The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding trigger foods to prevent gas. Once gas develops there are a number of possible ways to reduce the discomfort at home.
Step 1
Steep a bag of peppermint tea in a cup of hot water for five to 10 minutes. Sip the tea to help relax the stomach muscles, which the Mayo Clinic suggests can reduce gas pain and bloating.
Step 2
Take activated charcoal tablets. Jackson SIegelbaum Gastroenterology (GICare.com) recommends consulting a physician for appropriate dosing of charcoal tablets. GICare.com points out that typical dosing consists of taking a tablet after a meal to reduce digestive upset. This method is more likely to help with intestinal gas than belching or bloating.
Step 3
To diminish the likelihood of future gas problems, take preventive measures to limit the production of gas. This includes eat smaller meals, avoiding known triggers and eating slowly to limit the amount of air swallowed while eating.
Tips and Warnings
- Try over-the-counter anti-gas products made of simethicone or the natural product Beano. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with warm water and drink it to help calm the stomach. Other variation on teas to reduce gas include dandelion with or without honey, ginger and/or garlic seeped in hot water. Mix one teaspoon of any of these ingredients with one cup of hot water.
Things You'll Need
- Peppermint tea
- Charcoal tablets
