Gas that accumulates in your digestive tract can cause pain and bloating in your stomach and lower abdomen. Gas escapes your body in one of two ways: burping and rectal flatulence, explains the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). Many people who think they pass too much gas each day actually don't; according to National Institutes of Health data, the body produces between 1 and 4 pints of gas a day, with the average person passing gas in some way about 14 times. Gas build-up has two main causes: specific groups of foods that are difficult to digest (flatulence) and swallowed air (burping). Home remedies to curb the stomachache and gas involve simple dietary modifications and lifestyle adjustments.
Eat
Before you see your doctor about gas, the AGA suggests modifying your diet by restricting or limiting problem foods. Gas formation is linked to specific food types, namely beans, certain vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions, artichokes, and asparagus), some fruits (pears, apples and peaches), dairy products (cheese and ice cream) and diet foods (sugar-free candy). People lacking a specific enzyme in their small intestines may experience lactose intolerance and have difficulty processing dairy products. For others, a healthful high-fiber diet is problematic, since high-fiber foods are a major cause of most gas, says the AGA. Bloating, on the other hand, may result from eating fatty foods, which prevent your stomach from emptying, thereby allowing gas to form. If you're unsure what foods to limit, keep a food journal, where you can document what you eat during each meal and how many times you passed gas. The Mayo Clinic also suggests eating smaller meals at more frequent intervals to address the problem.
Drink
Certain beverages are linked to bloating and belching, namely carbonated drinks (soda pop and beer), fruit drinks and milk, says the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. So, drink water or other non-carbonated beverages with your meals instead.
Swallow
One supposed home remedy for belching is to intentionally swallow air, but this actually contributes to your problems, warns the AGA. Identify habits, eating patterns and other problems that may be causing you to swallow excess air unintentionally. These might include ill-fitting dentures, drinking liquids through a straw, chewing gum, smoking or gulping down meals. The Mayo Clinic suggests slowing down during meal times, chewing food slowly and thoroughly. Try putting your eating utensils down between bites.
Treat
Nonprescription medications claim to banish gas and bloating, but the AGA states that many of these are ineffective. Only over-the-counter treatments that contain certain active ingredients have a doctor's recommendation, so if you're headed to the drugstore, read labels carefully. The AGA advises that medications that contain simethicone, activated charcoal and certain digestive enzymes, such as lactase, may be helpful.
Exercise
Physical activity also might be beneficial, because it moves gas along your digestive tract. The AGA recommends walking, jogging, calisthenics and other forms of exercise.
