What causes excessive gas and bloating. How can dietary changes help reduce gas symptoms. Which natural remedies are effective for gas relief. When should you see a doctor about gas problems. What over-the-counter medications can help with gas and bloating. How does exercise impact gas and digestive health. Which prescription treatments are available for chronic gas issues.

Understanding the Causes of Gas and Bloating

Abdominal gas is a common digestive issue experienced by many adults. While passing gas 13-21 times per day is considered normal, excessive gas can lead to discomfort, bloating, and pain. Gas buildup in the intestines often results from various factors:

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

Additionally, conditions that cause diarrhea or constipation can exacerbate gas symptoms. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for effective management and relief.

Natural Remedies for Gas Relief

Several natural remedies have shown promise in alleviating gas and bloating:

Peppermint

How does peppermint help with gas? Peppermint tea or supplements can reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including gas. For optimal results, consider drinking a cup of peppermint tea before each meal. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as peppermint can interfere with iron absorption and certain medications.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is another natural remedy that may help reduce indigestion, trapped gas, and bloating. Consuming chamomile tea before meals and at bedtime could provide relief for some individuals.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Can apple cider vinegar combat gas-causing bacteria? Some evidence suggests that drinking diluted apple cider vinegar may help fight against bacteria that cause abdominal gas accumulation. Try diluting a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water or tea and consume it before meals or up to three times daily as needed.

Over-the-Counter Solutions for Gas Problems

When natural remedies aren’t sufficient, over-the-counter options can provide relief:

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal tablets, taken right before and one hour after meals, can help eliminate gas trapped in the colon.

Simethicone

How does simethicone work to relieve gas? Simethicone-based medications like Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, and Phazyme work by consolidating gas bubbles in the stomach, making them easier to expel. Always follow dosing instructions and consult with a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or taking other medications.

Beano

Beano is a digestive aid containing enzymes that break down sugars in beans and certain vegetables, potentially reducing abdominal gas. It’s available in liquid or pill form, but individuals with galactosemia should consult their doctor before use.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Gas and Bloating

Simple lifestyle modifications can significantly impact gas and bloating:

Physical Activity

How does exercise help with gas? Regular physical activity, especially after meals, can help release trapped gas and alleviate discomfort. Walking, jumping rope, or running may be particularly effective in expelling gas.

Dietary Adjustments

For many people, changing dietary habits is sufficient to alleviate gas and its associated symptoms. Identifying and avoiding gas-producing foods can make a significant difference. Common culprits include:

• Beans and lentils
• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower
• Dairy products (for those with lactose intolerance)
• Carbonated beverages
• High-fat foods

Supplements and Enzymes for Gas Relief

Certain supplements and enzymes can aid in digestion and reduce gas:

Lactase Supplements

For individuals with lactose intolerance, lactase supplements can help the body digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. These over-the-counter supplements provide the enzyme needed to break down lactose effectively.

Clove Oil

How can clove oil help with bloating and gas? Clove oil may help reduce bloating and gas by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Adding a few drops to water and drinking after meals could provide relief.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Gas Issues

While occasional gas is normal, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if your gas symptoms:

• Cause significant distress
• Change suddenly or dramatically
• Are accompanied by constipation, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss

A medical professional can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Prescription Treatments for Chronic Gas Problems

In some cases, over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes may not be sufficient to address gas issues. Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may prescribe medications for conditions such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

These prescription treatments are tailored to address the specific condition causing your gas symptoms and can provide more targeted relief.

Understanding the Digestive Process and Gas Production

To better manage gas and bloating, it’s helpful to understand the digestive process:

How does the body produce gas during digestion? Food is primarily digested in the small intestine. Any undigested material then moves to the colon, where it’s fermented by bacteria, fungi, and yeast as part of the normal digestive process. This fermentation produces methane and hydrogen gases, which are eventually expelled as flatus.

Factors that can increase gas production include:

• Consuming large amounts of fiber-rich foods
• Eating too quickly
• Drinking through a straw
• Consuming artificial sweeteners
• Having an imbalance in gut bacteria

Understanding these processes can help individuals make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle to reduce excessive gas production.

The Role of Gut Bacteria in Gas Production

The balance of bacteria in your gut plays a crucial role in digestion and gas production. Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and potentially reduce gas and bloating. Probiotic-rich foods include:

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Kombucha

Incorporating these foods into your diet may help improve digestion and reduce gas-related symptoms.

The Impact of Stress on Digestive Health

How does stress affect gas and bloating? Stress can have a significant impact on digestive health, potentially exacerbating gas and bloating symptoms. When stressed, the body’s “fight or flight” response can slow digestion, leading to increased gas production and discomfort.

Stress-reduction techniques that may help improve digestive health include:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine may help reduce stress-related digestive issues, including excessive gas and bloating.

Tracking and Identifying Gas-Triggering Foods

One effective way to manage gas and bloating is to identify specific foods that trigger your symptoms. Keeping a food diary can be an invaluable tool in this process:

1. Record everything you eat and drink
2. Note any gas or bloating symptoms that occur
3. Track the timing of symptoms in relation to meals
4. Look for patterns over time

By systematically tracking your food intake and symptoms, you can pinpoint problematic foods and make informed decisions about your diet.

Common Gas-Triggering Foods

While individual responses to foods can vary, some common gas-triggering foods include:

• Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)
• Onions and garlic
• Dairy products (especially for those with lactose intolerance)
• Artificial sweeteners
• Carbonated beverages
• High-fat foods

Identifying your personal triggers can help you make targeted dietary changes to reduce gas and bloating.

The Importance of Proper Eating Habits

How you eat can be just as important as what you eat when it comes to managing gas and bloating. Adopting proper eating habits can significantly reduce the amount of air you swallow during meals, which is a common cause of excess gas.

Tips for Mindful Eating

Consider implementing these habits to reduce gas production:

• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
• Avoid talking while eating
• Sit upright while eating to aid digestion
• Avoid drinking through straws
• Limit consumption of carbonated beverages
• Practice portion control to avoid overeating

By adopting these mindful eating practices, you can potentially reduce the amount of gas produced during digestion and alleviate associated discomfort.

The Role of Hydration in Digestive Health

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining digestive health and can help reduce gas and bloating. Adequate water intake helps:

• Soften stools, preventing constipation
• Aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients
• Support the overall function of the digestive system

Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and increase intake if you’re physically active or in hot weather.

Alternative Therapies for Gas and Bloating Relief

In addition to conventional treatments, some individuals find relief from gas and bloating through alternative therapies:

Acupuncture

Can acupuncture help with digestive issues? Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders, including gas and bloating. This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance.

Herbal Remedies

Various herbs have been traditionally used to aid digestion and reduce gas:

• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Fennel: May help reduce bloating and gas
• Caraway: Traditionally used to soothe digestive discomfort
• Anise: May help relieve gas and bloating

While these herbs show promise, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, especially if you’re taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.

Abdominal Massage

Gentle abdominal massage may help stimulate digestion and relieve gas. Try massaging your abdomen in a clockwise direction for a few minutes after meals to potentially aid in gas expulsion and reduce bloating.

Long-Term Strategies for Managing Gas and Bloating

While immediate relief from gas and bloating is important, developing long-term strategies can help prevent these issues from recurring:

Gradual Dietary Changes

If you’re introducing more fiber-rich foods into your diet, do so gradually. This allows your digestive system to adapt and can reduce the likelihood of excessive gas production.

Regular Exercise Routine

Incorporating regular physical activity into your lifestyle can improve overall digestive health and reduce the frequency of gas and bloating episodes.

Stress Management

Developing effective stress management techniques can have a positive impact on your digestive health in the long run. Consider practices like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to manage stress levels.

Consistent Sleep Schedule

Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help regulate your digestive system and potentially reduce gas and bloating symptoms.

By implementing these long-term strategies alongside the immediate relief methods discussed earlier, you can develop a comprehensive approach to managing gas and bloating, improving your overall digestive health and quality of life.

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.