How can you reduce bloating and gas naturally. What are the most effective home remedies for stomach discomfort. Which dietary changes can help alleviate abdominal pain and flatulence. When should you seek medical attention for persistent gas symptoms.

Understanding the Causes of Gas and Bloating

Abdominal gas is a common occurrence in the human body, with the average adult passing gas between 13 and 21 times daily. While gas is a natural part of the digestive process, excessive gas buildup can lead to discomfort and pain. Several factors can contribute to increased gas production and bloating:

• Overeating
• Swallowing air while eating or drinking
• Chewing gum
• Smoking cigarettes
• Consuming certain gas-producing foods
• Underlying medical conditions

Gas symptoms can be exacerbated by conditions that cause diarrhea or constipation. If you experience persistent gas-related issues that cause distress, sudden changes in symptoms, or accompanying constipation, diarrhea, or weight loss, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

Natural Remedies for Gas Relief

Before resorting to medications, consider trying these natural remedies to alleviate gas and bloating:

1. Peppermint

Peppermint has shown promising results in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including gas. How can you incorporate peppermint into your routine? Drink a cup of peppermint tea before each meal or consider peppermint supplements. However, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor before starting any supplement regimen, as peppermint can interfere with iron absorption and certain medications. It may also cause heartburn in some individuals.

2. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is renowned for its soothing properties and can help reduce indigestion, trapped gas, and bloating. For optimal results, try drinking a cup of chamomile tea before meals and at bedtime.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may help combat bacteria that contribute to abdominal gas accumulation and discomfort. How should you consume it? Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water or tea and drink it before meals or up to three times daily as needed.

4. Cloves

Clove oil can potentially reduce bloating and gas by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. To use cloves for gas relief, add two to five drops of clove oil to an 8-ounce glass of water and drink it after meals.

Physical Activity and Its Impact on Gas Relief

Exercise can play a significant role in releasing trapped gas and alleviating gas pain. How does physical activity help with gas? Movement stimulates the digestive system and can help expel gas more efficiently. Try these activities to relieve gas discomfort:

• Walking after meals
• Jumping rope
• Running
• Brisk walking

Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine not only aids in gas relief but also promotes overall digestive health.

Dietary Supplements for Gas Management

Certain dietary supplements can help manage gas and bloating, especially for those with specific digestive issues:

1. Lactase Supplements

For individuals with lactose intolerance, lactase supplements can be a game-changer. These over-the-counter supplements provide the enzyme necessary to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. By taking lactase supplements before consuming dairy, you can potentially reduce gas and bloating associated with lactose intolerance.

2. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is an over-the-counter medication that can help eliminate gas trapped in your colon. How should you use activated charcoal for gas relief? Take tablets right before and one hour after meals. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using activated charcoal, as it can interfere with the absorption of certain medications.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Gas Relief

When natural remedies and dietary changes aren’t sufficient, over-the-counter medications can provide relief from gas and bloating:

1. Simethicone

Simethicone, found in products like Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, and Phazyme, works by consolidating gas bubbles in your stomach, making them easier to expel. How does simethicone provide relief? It breaks down larger gas bubbles into smaller ones, allowing them to pass through the digestive system more easily. Follow the dosing instructions on the package, and consult your doctor if you’re pregnant or taking other medications.

2. Beano

Beano is a digestive aid containing an enzyme that breaks down complex sugars found in beans and certain vegetables. How does Beano work to reduce gas? By helping to digest these sugars before they reach the large intestine, Beano can prevent the fermentation process that leads to gas production. It’s available in liquid or pill form. However, individuals with galactosemia should consult their doctor before using Beano.

Prescription Medications for Chronic Gas Issues

In cases where over-the-counter remedies prove ineffective, your doctor may prescribe medications to address underlying conditions causing persistent gas problems:

• Medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Medications for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

The specific medication prescribed will depend on the underlying cause of your gas symptoms and your overall health condition. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription medications.

Dietary Modifications to Reduce Gas and Bloating

For many individuals, dietary changes can significantly alleviate gas and its associated symptoms. Understanding how food is digested in your body can help you make informed choices:

Food is primarily digested in the small intestine. Any undigested food then moves to the colon, where it’s fermented by bacteria, fungi, and yeast as part of the digestion process. This fermentation produces methane and hydrogen, which are expelled as flatus.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Certain foods are more likely to produce gas during digestion. Consider reducing or eliminating these items from your diet:

• Beans and lentils
• Broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables
• Onions and garlic
• Carbonated beverages
• Artificial sweeteners
• High-fat foods

Beneficial Dietary Changes

Incorporate these habits to promote better digestion and reduce gas:

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals
2. Chew food thoroughly
3. Avoid drinking through straws
4. Limit consumption of gas-producing foods
5. Stay hydrated
6. Gradually increase fiber intake

Remember, everyone’s digestive system is unique. Keep a food diary to identify specific triggers for your gas symptoms and adjust your diet accordingly.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Gas-Related Issues

While occasional gas and bloating are normal, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate an underlying health condition. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Prolonged abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stool
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation
• Symptoms that interfere with daily activities

A medical professional can perform necessary tests to diagnose any underlying conditions and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Lifestyle Changes to Complement Gas Relief Strategies

In addition to dietary modifications and remedies, certain lifestyle changes can contribute to better digestive health and reduced gas symptoms:

Stress Management

Stress can significantly impact digestive function and exacerbate gas-related discomfort. How can you manage stress to improve digestive health? Consider incorporating these stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine:

• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Engaging in hobbies or relaxing activities

Proper Eating Habits

The way you eat can be just as important as what you eat when it comes to managing gas and bloating. Adopt these habits to promote better digestion:

1. Eat in a relaxed environment
2. Avoid eating while stressed or on the go
3. Take time to enjoy your meals
4. Avoid talking while chewing
5. Sit upright while eating and for a short time after meals

Hydration

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining optimal digestive function. How much water should you drink daily? While individual needs vary, aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day. Adequate hydration helps prevent constipation, which can contribute to gas and bloating.

Alternative Therapies for Gas Relief

Some individuals find relief from gas and bloating through alternative therapies. While scientific evidence may be limited, these approaches have shown promise for some people:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help alleviate digestive symptoms, including gas and bloating. How does acupuncture potentially help with gas? It’s believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and improve energy flow.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. While research on their effectiveness for gas relief is mixed, some individuals report improvements in digestive symptoms when taking probiotic supplements or consuming probiotic-rich foods. How can you incorporate probiotics into your diet? Consider adding these probiotic-rich foods to your meals:

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kombucha
• Kimchi

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, including probiotics.

The Role of Gut Health in Gas Management

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for optimal digestive function and can play a significant role in reducing gas and bloating. The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms living in your digestive tract. How can you support a healthy gut microbiome?

1. Eat a diverse range of foods
2. Include plenty of fiber-rich foods in your diet
3. Limit processed foods and artificial sweeteners
4. Consider fermented foods
5. Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use
6. Exercise regularly
7. Get adequate sleep

By focusing on overall gut health, you may experience improvements in gas-related symptoms and overall digestive comfort.

Tracking and Managing Gas Symptoms

Keeping a detailed record of your gas symptoms, diet, and lifestyle factors can be invaluable in identifying triggers and effective management strategies. How can you effectively track your gas symptoms?

Symptom Diary

Maintain a daily log that includes:

• Foods consumed
• Beverages consumed
• Timing and severity of gas symptoms
• Stress levels
• Physical activity
• Sleep quality and duration
• Any medications or supplements taken

Review your symptom diary regularly to identify patterns and potential triggers. This information can be extremely helpful when discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider.

Gas Tracking Apps

Several smartphone apps are available to help track digestive symptoms, including gas and bloating. These apps often provide features such as food and symptom logging, reminders, and data analysis to help you better understand your digestive patterns.

The Importance of Patience and Consistency in Gas Management

Managing gas and bloating often requires a multifaceted approach and may take time to see significant improvements. Why is patience crucial in addressing gas-related issues? Digestive systems can be complex, and it may take several weeks or even months to identify triggers, implement effective strategies, and notice lasting changes.

Consistency is key when trying new remedies or making lifestyle changes. Give each approach adequate time before deciding whether it’s effective for you. Remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so be prepared to try multiple strategies before finding the right combination for your unique needs.

By combining the tips and strategies outlined in this article with patience and consistency, you can work towards better digestive health and reduced gas-related discomfort. Always consult with a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you have concerns about your digestive health.

10 Tips to Get Rid of Gas, Pains, and Bloating

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Abdominal gas is quite typical. Often, certain home remedies and supplements can help you release it from your stomach. But if you’re still experiencing discomfort, you may want to see a doctor.

The average adult passes gas between 13 and 21 times a day. Gas is a healthy part of the digestion process. But if gas builds up in your intestines and you’re unable to expel it, you may start to feel pain and discomfort.

Gas pain, bloating, and flatus frequency can be exacerbated by anything that causes diarrhea or constipation. Gas can also be caused by:

• overeating
• swallowing air while you eat or drink
• gum chewing
• smoking cigarettes
• eating certain foods

Make an appointment with your doctor if your gas symptoms:

• cause you distress
• change suddenly
• are accompanied by constipation, diarrhea, or weight loss

Your doctor can determine the underlying cause.

If changing your diet doesn’t completely do the trick, you have several options to try.

1. Peppermint

Research has shown that peppermint tea or peppermint supplements can help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including gas.

Talk with your doctor before you start using supplements. Peppermint can interfere with iron absorption and certain medications. It may also cause heartburn in some people.

Supplements will have directions about how much you should take on the bottle. For peppermint tea, drink one cup before each meal for the best results.

2. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea can also help reduce indigestion, trapped gas, and bloating. Drinking chamomile tea before meals and at bedtime may reduce symptoms for some people.

3. Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is another type of over-the-counter medication that helps eliminate gas trapped in your colon. You take tablets right before and one hour after meals.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Drinking apple cider vinegar may help fight against bacteria that can cause abdominal gas accumulation and discomfort. Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a beverage, like water or tea. Drink right before meals or up to three times daily as long as needed to reduce symptoms.

5. Physical activity

Exercise can help release trapped gas and gas pain. Try walking after meals as a way to avoid gas. If you have gas pain, jumping rope, running, or walking may help you expel it.

6. Lactase supplements

Lactose is a sugar in milk. People with lactose intolerance can’t digest this sugar. Lactase is the enzyme the body uses to break down lactose. Lactase supplements are available over the counter and can help your body digest lactose.

7. Cloves

Cloves are an herb used in cooking. Clove oil may help reduce bloating and gas by producing digestive enzymes. Add two to five drops to an 8-ounce glass of water and drink after meals.

8. Over-the-counter medications

Simethicone (Gas-X. Mylanta Gas, Phazyme) is an over-the-counter medication that works by consolidating gas bubbles in your stomach, allowing you to expel them more easily.

Follow dosing instructions, and make sure to discuss this medication with your doctor if you’re taking other medications or pregnant.

Another option is Beano, which is an OTC digestive aid containing an enzyme that breaks down sugars in beans and certain vegetables, which can help reduce abdominal gas. It comes as a liquid or a pill. People with galactosemia should ask their doctor before using it.

9. Prescription medications

Depending on the cause of your abdominal gas, there are many medications that your doctor may prescribe.

This includes medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

10. Diet

If your gas isn’t caused by an underlying medical condition, it may be caused by what you eat. Food is digested primarily in your small intestine. What is left undigested is fermented in your colon with bacteria, fungi, and yeast as part of digestion. This process produces methane and hydrogen, which are expelled as flatus.

For many people, changing dietary habits is enough to alleviate gas and its accompanying symptoms. One way to determine which foods are giving you gas is by keeping a food diary. Common culprits include high fat or high fiber food, carbonated beverages, and beans and lentils.

Here are 10 foods that can cause gas. Once you figure out what food is causing the gas, you can modify your diet to avoid the culprit.

Some conditions can cause excess gas. They include:

• gastroenteritis
• lactose intolerance
• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• diabetes
• peptic ulcer
• irritable bowel syndrome

If no medical condition is causing the problem, preventing gas may best be accomplished by altering lifestyle habits and diet:

• Sit down during each meal and eat slowly.
• Try not to take in too much air while you eat and talk.
• Stop chewing gum.
• Avoid soda and other carbonated beverages.
• Avoid smoking.
• Find ways to work exercise into your routine, such as taking a walk after a meal.
• Eliminate foods known to cause gas.
• Avoid drinking through straws.

How do you get rid of gas quickly?

One thing that may help abdominal relieve gas a bit faster is to change your body position. Positions to reduce gas can include , for example, which can help push the gas out of the body. Other than that, medications and remedies may take some time to work, depending on the cause of your gas.

How long can trapped gas last?

Usually, trapped gas is released within a few hours. If it’s not, you should seek medical treatment in case you have another more serious medical condition.

What does trapped gas feel like?

Typically you would feel some discomfort and even pain in your stomach. It can affect the left, the right, the upper, or the lower part of your abdomen.

Gas can be painful, but it typically isn’t dangerous. If gas pain or bloating are issues for you, look to your diet and lifestyle to see what changes you can make. In many cases, lifestyle and diet modification may be able to eliminate the issue completely.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you don’t notice a difference after several weeks of lifestyle and diet changes. They can run tests to see if your symptoms are caused by a medical condition.

Trapped Gas: 9 remedies for relief

If you have trapped gas, trying home remedies and moving around may help you pass it. If it lasts a long time or occurs frequently, or you have other symptoms, you may have a health condition that needs treatment.

Trapped gas can feel like a stabbing pain in your chest or abdomen. The pain can be sharp enough to send you to the emergency room, thinking it’s a heart attack, appendicitis, or gallbladder.

Producing and passing gas is a typical part of your digestion. But when a bubble of gas gets stuck inside you, you want to relieve the pain as fast as possible. And if you have other symptoms, it’s a good idea to find out what’s causing the pain.

Read on to learn how to relieve trapped gas, what the causes might be, and tips for prevention.

Certain home remedies for relieving trapped gas work better for some people than others. You may have to experiment to see what works best and fastest for you. Most of the evidence behind these home remedies is anecdotal.

Here are some quick ways to expel trapped gas, either by burping or passing gas.

1. Move around

Walk around or exercise. Movement may help you expel the gas.

2. Get a massage

Try gently massaging the painful spot, which can stimulate gas to move downward and out of the body. In particular, using the “I LOV U” technique may be helpful.

This involves making circular massage movements on your abdominal area in the shape of the letters I, L, U, and O in the direction your bowel movements pass through the colon and small intestine.

3. Do yoga poses

Yoga may help your body relax to aid the passing of gas.

Here’s a pose to start with:

1. Lie on your back and extend your legs straight up with your feet together.
2. Bend your knees and put your arms around them.
3. Pull your knees down to your chest.
4. At the same time, pull your head up to your knees. You can also keep your head flat if it’s more comfortable.
5. Hold the pose for 20 seconds or more.

Certain yoga poses may work better than others.

4. Drink more liquids

Drink noncarbonated liquids. Warm water or herbal tea helps some people. Try peppermint, ginger, or chamomile tea.

Use prepared teabags, or make your own herbal tea by steeping ginger root, peppermint leaves, or dried chamomile.

A traditional Persian remedy advises mixing 10 grams (g) each of ground cumin and fennel with 5 g of ground anise and steeping them in a cup of boiling water for 20 minutes.

5. Try herbs

Natural kitchen remedies for gas include:

• anise
• caraway
• coriander
• fennel
• turmeric

Mix one of these ground herbs or seeds into a glass of warm water and drink.

6. Try baking soda

Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in a glass of water and drink it.

Be careful not to use more than 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Too much baking soda taken when you have a full stomach could lead to a stomach rupture.

7. Drink apple cider vinegar

Dissolving 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drinking it is a traditional remedy for gas release.

Anecdotal evidence suggests this may be effective, but there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, there aren’t any negative side effects to this method.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) remedies exist for gas relief. Again, the evidence for effectiveness may be anecdotal only. You’ll have to experiment to see what works for you.

Here are some products to try.

8. Enzyme preparations

Certain products may help if you are lactose intolerant. But these are usually taken as a preventive measure. These enzyme products include:

• Lactaid
• Digest Dairy Plus
• Dairy Relief

Alpha-galactosidase is a natural enzyme that helps prevent gas from legumes. There’s older evidence that it works to prevent gas and bloating. But again, it’s usually taken as a preventive measure.

Beano is a well-known version of this enzyme, available in tablet form.

9. Adsorbents

Simethicone products have possible benefits in relieving gas, according to some studies. They work by breaking up bubbles in gas.

These products include:

• Gas-X
• Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas
• Mylanta Gas

Activated charcoal tablets, capsules, or powder may also help reduce gas. The charcoal is activated by heating it to make it more porous, which traps gas molecules in the spaces created. However, these products may have unwanted side effects, such as turning your tongue black.

These products include:

• Activated Charcoal
• CharcoCaps

Trapped gas symptoms usually come on suddenly. The pain can be sharp and stabbing. It can also be a general feeling of acute discomfort.

Your stomach may be bloated, and you may have stomach cramps.

Pain from gas that collects on the left side of your colon can radiate up to your chest. You may think this is a heart attack.

Gas that collects on the right side of the colon can feel like it might be appendicitis or gallstones.

There are many causes of trapped gas bubbles. Most are related to the process of digestion. But some may result from physical conditions that need treatment.

The following chart summarizes the variety of causes of trapped gas:

You can lower your risk of getting a painful trapped gas bubble by watching what and how you eat.

It may be useful to keep a food diary. This can help you keep track of the foods and circumstances that lead to a gas bubble. Then you can avoid those foods or behaviors that seem to give you a problem.

Try eliminating foods one by one so that you can pinpoint possible problems.

Here are some basic tips to start with:

• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid carbonated beverages.
• Drink liquids at room temperature, not too hot or too cold.
• Avoid foods known to cause excess gas.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners.
• Eat slowly and chew your food well.
• Don’t chew gum.
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
• If you wear dentures, have your dentist check on whether they let in too much air when you eat.
• Increase your physical activity.

Try some of the home remedies or OTC remedies for gas, and see what might work for you.

It’s a good idea to see your doctor if you frequently have trapped gas bubbles, if they last a long time, or if you have any worrisome symptoms.

Other symptoms to watch for include:

• unexplained weight loss
• bowel movement frequency changes
• blood in your stool
• constipation
• diarrhea
• nausea or vomiting
• heartburn
• loss of appetite

Your doctor can diagnose other possible conditions. They may also advise you to take a probiotic or a prescription antibiotic.

It’s a good idea to discuss the remedies that you’re already trying, especially any herbal supplements.

What is the best position to relieve gas?

Several poses can help relieve gas, particularly yoga poses. Examples include the child’s pose and knee-to-chest pose.

How long can trapped gas last?

Gas can stay trapped, causing pain, for a couple of hours. If you do not experience relief within that time frame, you may wish to see your doctor in case you have a more serious issue like appendicitis.

Does drinking hot water relieve gas?

Drinking more water, regardless of its temperature, can help you relieve trapped gas.

Trapped gas can be acutely painful. It’s usually not serious but may be a sign of a food intolerance or an underlying digestive problem.

Watching what you eat and taking some preventive measures can help.

Getting rapid relief may take some experimenting with different remedies to see what works for you.

18 Ways to Manage Bloating

September 12, 2018

Bloating is a common problem that usually occurs due to the accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Bloating visually increases the size of the abdomen, and makes it sensitive or even painful. Exercise, supplements, and massage can help reduce bloating quickly, and simple lifestyle changes can prevent the bloat from recurring.

The following tips can help people quickly manage the pain and discomfort of bloating at home:

1. Walk

Physical activity will cause the intestines to contract more frequently, which will help release excess gas.

2. Yoga

Certain yoga postures can tighten the abdominal muscles in a way that stimulates the release of excess gas from the gastrointestinal tract. For example, poses such as balasana (child’s pose), ananda balasana (happy child’s pose) and squats are suitable for you.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint capsules may be useful for indigestion and associated gas.

4. Special medications to combat excessive gas formation

Anti-gas medications to help remove excess air from the digestive tract. For example, Simethicone is doing its job well.

5. Massage of the abdominal cavity

This massage will improve the normal functioning of the intestines. However, you should correctly study the course of the massage, and in case of pain, immediately stop it.

6. Essential oils

A 2016 study found that a blend of fennel and turmeric essential oil can effectively fight gas. However, before using essential oils, you should consult your doctor.

7. Warm bath

Soaking in warm water can relieve stomach pain. Relaxation will reduce stress levels and help you deal with gas more quickly.

All of these tips will help solve the problem as a matter of urgency. The following are methods that work in the long term.

8. Eat more fiber

It helps prevent constipation and bloating. The daily norm of fiber for women is 25 g, and for men – 38 g. However, if you consume more than 70 g per day, then you will get the opposite effect.

9. Refusal of carbonated water

Carbonated drinks contribute to the accumulation of gases in the stomach. Carbon dioxide, which is used in the production of such water, as well as sugar and artificial sweeteners, can cause bloating.

10. Taboo on chewing gum

Substances in chewing gum and swallowing large amounts of oxygen during chewing provoke the formation of gases.

11. Increasing daily physical activity

Physical exercise will help to make bowel movements more regular and free the digestive tract from excess gases and water.

12. Regular meals

Many people experience bloating immediately after eating a large amount of food at one time. It is better to divide the meal into small portions and eat more often, so the digestive system will work better.

13. Use of probiotics

Probiotic preparations will help in the regulation of colon bacteria that produce gas and cause bloating.

14. Reducing salt intake

Excess sodium causes the body to retain water. This can cause a bloated feeling in the abdomen.

15. Rule out any kind of illness

In some cases, gas is the result of an illness. Therefore, it is better to undergo an examination and make sure that everything is in order with you.

16. Switching to a diet low in FODMAPs

Study showed that this diet helped eliminate bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain in 74% of participants with irritable bowel syndrome

17. Keeping a food diary

Some people may be intolerant to some foods. Keeping a food diary will help you figure out which foods your body reacts to.

18. Eliminate food additives and drugs that can cause gas problems

Some supplements, such as iron, can cause constipation and other symptoms of dyspepsia, which can lead to bloating. In addition, various medications can be the culprit for increased gas formation. It is necessary to carefully study the possible side effects in the instructions.

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Treatment and prevention of bloating

Contents:

Flatulence or a feeling of distended abdomen happens regularly to every person of any age. Usually, food that provokes gas formation, or various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, lead to bloating. Normally, flatulence quickly passes with the passage of gases. But if bloating is frequent and accompanied by abdominal pain, you should seek medical help.

Signs of bloating

Bloating is not a disease per se. This is a symptom of various pathologies, in which there is an increase in the abdomen with possible rumbling, belching and gas discharge. Flatulence is inherent in people of all ages and is the most common syndrome of gastroenterology.

The main signs of bloating are:

• palpable or visible enlargement of the abdominal cavity
• rumbling sounds inside the abdomen
• gas passing through the mouth (belching) or anus

Depending on the localization of gases in the large intestine, bloating may be accompanied by pain in the right or left hypochondrium. The accumulation of gases in the small intestine is characterized by general bloating and discomfort over the entire surface of the abdomen.

Mechanism of gas formation

The main sources of gases accumulating inside are naturally swallowed air, gases produced during the vital activity of our gastrointestinal bacteria, as well as gases excreted from the blood. At the same time, the composition of gases is very heterogeneous, it is a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and even methane. Normally, during the day, up to 2 liters of gases are formed inside the human gastrointestinal tract. Most of them are absorbed by the intestines, only hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen are excreted through the rectum.

Is flatulence dangerous for life?

Patients with flatulence often complain of its discomfort and deterioration in the quality of life. Many do not like the feeling of “puffing up”, unpleasant and embarrassing manifestations of bloating in the form of belching and gas discharge. Some worry that the accumulation of gases can be hazardous to health. By itself, flatulence is not life-threatening, but it can be a symptom of some serious medical conditions.

Pathological bloating indicates the following diseases:

• irritable bowel syndrome
• dysbiosis
• intestinal obstruction
• pancreatitis

• cirrhosis of the liver
• cholecystitis 901 02
• dropsy
• cancer

Causes of flatulence

Bloating can be caused by natural causes inherent in human life processes as well as various diseases. The main reasons can be called physiological conditions, infections, intestinal disorders, diseases of the stomach and intestines.

• Food. The natural cause of bloating is food. The use of a large number of gas-forming products leads to flatulence. These are products such as legumes, white cabbage, rye bread, carbonated drinks, sweet confectionery, muffins, as well as beer and other fermented products.
• Aerophagy. Swallowing air. Another physiological reason for the accumulation of gases in the abdominal cavity. Normally, a person can swallow a small amount of air while eating, but it is insignificant and does not cause serious consequences. Aerophagia, on the other hand, refers to disorders of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, when air is swallowed in large quantities that can form a bubble of impressive size.
• Age. Physiological changes occur in older people, due to which gas production increases and tends to linger inside, creating bloating.
• Pregnancy. With the development of the fetus, the uterus increases and begins to put pressure on the internal organs, pushing them apart. As a result, increased gas formation and difficulty in removing gases. Pregnant women complain of flatulence mainly in the later stages, but cases of bloating may become more frequent from the second trimester.
• Intestinal infections. Acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis, enterocolitis, colitis, rotovirus are always accompanied by severe bloating with vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.

• Candidiasis. Fungal lesions of the intestine may be accompanied by flatulence, diarrhea and pain behind the peritoneum. In this case, gases are mainly a waste product of fungi.
• Invasions. Infection with various parasites can lead to the formation of not only a large number of gases, but also interfere with their removal due to weakening of the intestines and constipation.
• Colon pathologies. Chronic colitis, benign tumors and polyps, enlargement of the colon, all these diseases are often accompanied by painful bloating.
• Diseases of the stomach and esophagus. Pathologies of the esophagus and stomach provoke increased gas formation, which can become one of the symptoms of diseases such as reflux, hiatal hernia, and gastritis.

Diagnosis of flatulence

Determination of the bloating itself is usually not required, the patient comes to the doctor precisely because of the subjective sensation of an increase in the abdomen and discomfort in the peritoneum. An examination is necessary precisely to determine the cause of flatulence and its further treatment. The doctor needs to determine the disease or condition that provokes swelling and eliminate them. When complaining of flatulence, clinical studies are carried out such as:

• X-ray examinations. In order to determine damage to the digestive system.
• Abdominal ultrasound. Allows you to assess the internal state of organs, the presence of formations and cysts.
• Visual inspection. Endoscopic examination of the digestive organs or gastroscopy and colonoscopy demonstrate possible inflammation and tumors.

How to treat bloating?

The treatment of flatulence is individual. In each case, first of all, it is aimed at stopping the disease that provokes swelling. However, doctors often hear the question: “What to drink for bloating?” Then, to alleviate the condition, symptomatic therapy is also prescribed, which reduces the manifestations of flatulence.

Helps relieve bloating:

• Diet
• Absorbents
• Probiotics and prebiotics

• Enzyme therapy 901 02
• Cholagogue and antispasmodics

Proper eating habits are important for the health of every person, but they are sick help you recover faster. The foundation is always food. With flatulence, fractional meals in small portions 5-6 times a day are recommended. Meals should be organized so that there is always at the same time. Gas-forming foods, sweets, pastries, carbonated drinks and alcohol should be excluded from the diet.

Medication is prescribed to stop the negative conditions of flatulence. Antispasmodics relieve pain and motor disorders of the intestines, enzymes replace the missing elements in the stomach, and absorbents reduce the volume of gases. Normalize the microflora in the state of probiotics and prebiotics.

It is worth choosing complex products that can act in several directions. One such product is Lactoflorene® Flat Stomach.

Lactoflorene® Flat stomach contains alpha-galactosidase and beta-galactosidase, enzymes involved in the processing of gas-forming products. They are able to reduce the puffy effect of even foods such as legumes, cabbage and beer. Live bifidobacteria Bifidobacterium lactis HN019TM and lactobacillus Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® positively affect the balance of intestinal microflora and suppress the vital activity of pathogenic bacteria. HN019TM and NCFM® are bacteria that work effectively on flatulence, its causes and consequences.

Lactoflorene® Flat Stomach also contains a complex of herbal extracts that reduce the discomfort of bloating. Melissa, chamomile, passionflower and ginger provide a carminative effect, reduce general flatulence, as well as calm and reduce stress levels, which is important for patients who are embarrassed by the manifestations of flatulence.