11 Effective Home Remedies for Gas and Bloating

A gassy stomach or flatulence is not only embarrassing but can be the cause of severe discomfort. It often results in cramps, heaviness, bloating and heartburn. A lot depends upon your everyday food choices. A diet rich in carbs or sugary fruit juices can be a source of gas and bloating. But the good news is that your kitchen cabinet may have many things to offer which can be excellent natural remedies for gas and bloating.

How to Get Rid of Gas and Bloating Naturally at Home

Most people may frequently ask how to reduce bloating or how to get rid of a bloated stomach. So here are some useful gastric problem remedies:

1. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds can be an excellent natural remedy for bloating. Most people like to have fennel seeds after every meal as it is known to aid digestion.  Fennel seeds contain oils like estragole, anethole and fenchone which play a vital role in the plant’s anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. These volatile oils can jump-start digestion by releasing gastric enzymes thereby preventing indigestion, constipation and bloating.

How to Use

Tea prepared with crushed fennel seeds may be most effective in treating gastric issues. Simply add the fennel seeds to a mug of hot water. Strain it after 10 minutes and drink it warm. You can add honey for enhancing the flavour. Drink fennel tea at least two times every day to ensure the health of your digestive tract.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda’s capability to combat gas troubles lies in its component, sodium bicarbonate which is an absorbable antacid and helps in swiftly neutralising stomach aid to stop bloating and gas. Our pancreas, in fact, naturally yield sodium bicarbonate to safeguard our intestines.

How to Use

Add a teaspoon or so of baking soda to a cup of warm water. You can stir in some lemon juice as well. Drink this solution after your meals or at least twice daily to reduce the excess build-up of gas in the stomach.

3. Ginger

Ginger is jam-packed with antioxidants and chemical that offer a host of medicinal benefits. It acts like a natural carminative (things that relieve flatulence). Its phenolic compounds can assist in reducing gastric contractions and easing gastrointestinal irritation.

How to Use

Grate an inch of fresh ginger and mix it into a cup of hot water. Let it soak for about 5 minutes. Strain and drink this mix while it is warm. Use honey or lime juice for flavour. Drink it daily two to three times to get relief from gas.

4. Asafoetida (Heeng)

Asafoetida has antiflatulent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities which can help bring comfort from digestion problems like intestinal gas, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also a good laxative and thus can prevent constipation.

How to Use

Dissolve bits of asafoetida or about half a teaspoon of it in some lukewarm water. Drink this mix at least once every day for quick relief from gas.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar can help amend symptoms of heartburn and gassy tummy as it encourages alkalinity by counterbalancing the stomach acid. It can support the production of digestive enzymes thus contributing to a quick respite from gas.

How to Use

Dilute a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in a cup of water or tea and have it before a meal daily to get a break from gastric complications. You can blend in a teaspoon of honey for taste enrichment.

6. Cumin Water

Starting your day by consuming a glass of cumin water can be a game changer for all your stomach distresses. Cumin is high in anti-inflammatory antioxidants along with having antiseptic and antibacterial properties which can aid in solving various tummy woes, strengthening the digestive tract, dismissing bloating and constipation.

How to Use

Boil a tablespoon of cumin seeds in some water for about 10 to 12 minutes. Allow the liquid to cool. Strain and have it in the morning preferably on an empty tummy every day. You can also drink this mix after meals.

7. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile contains certain essential oils which are particularly advantageous for the digestive system. The magical herb can help in relaxing the nerves and muscles of the intestines and thus play a role in soothing gastrointestinal agony.

How to Use

Consuming at least two cups of chamomile tea daily can work wonders for relieving colic pains and eliminating gas. Add a teaspoon of chamomile herb in a mug of steaming water. Allow it to steep for about 15 minutes. Strain and blend in some honey and drink it while it is warm.

8. Carom Seeds

Carom seeds can be a valuable stomach gas remedy. It enjoys a component called thymol which helps in secreting gastric juices thereby facilitating digestion and stopping gas formation.

How to Use

Mix a teaspoon of carom seed powder with a teaspoon of ginger powder and a pinch of black salt. Consume this mix with a cup of lukewarm water daily to improve abdominal colic and flatulence. You can also chew a few carom seeds along with little black salt after a meal to cure gastritis.

9. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a natural probiotic which has bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, the good bacteria responsible for the health of our gut. They tackle the harmful bacteria and help in curbing gassy despairs.

How to Use

Consume at least one or two bowls of plain yoghurt every day to calm gastritis symptoms.

10. Triphala

Triphala, which is a blend of herbs like baheda, harad and amla functions like a rejuvenator in the instance of gastric disorders and inflammation. It acts as a colon cleanser by balancing the three doshas of the body – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It is also the best and the safest laxative.

How to Use

Add half a teaspoon of Triphala powder to a cup of boiling water and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Drink this blend before hitting the bed at night. You can do this remedy daily.

11. Turmeric

Turmeric has high levels of sterols, polyphenols, polysaccharides and thus can play a meritorious role in curing inflammatory digestive conditions. It also consists of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds like curcumin which can help in resolving gastrointestinal hitches.

How to Use

Add turmeric as a spice to your daily meals. You can also take turmeric supplements. The usual dose of turmeric powder is about 400 to 600 mg three times every day.

Additional Tips to Get Rid of Trapped Gas

Some other tips for doing away with trapped gas can be:

• Exercise or physical activity can help let out trapped gas. Light walking after meals, regular jogging, performing yoga poses can help expel gas.
• It is best to let go of the gas rather than holding it in. Passing stool can help in setting free the gas stuck in the intestines.
• Herbal teas made from anise and peppermint can boost digestion and diminish gas pain.
• Placing a heating pad on the affected area may prove helpful in releasing some of the confined gas.

How to Prevent Gas and Bloating

Some ways to prevent gas and bloating can include the following tips:

• Eat slowly and concentrate on chewing your food while eating to aid proper digestion. Eating while moving or too quickly may cause you to gulp surplus air along with food resulting in gas-related complaints.

• Refrain from chewing gum as it can increase the chances of swallowing air which may lead to gas pains. Also, gum may contain artificial sweeteners which can trigger bloating and gas.

• Sip water from a glass instead of using a straw or drinking straight from a bottle, as it can become a ground for taking in more air.

• In case you smoke, try and quit the habit. Smoking can cause extra air to go in the digestive tract giving rise to gas and bloating.

• Avoid the consumption of carbonated drinks like sodas and sparkling water as they can produce gas in the stomach.

• Certain foods can prompt trapped gas. Find your triggers and discard the problematic foods from your diet.

What Should You Avoid Eating when You Have Gas?

Food that you may want to avoid eating when you have gas are:

• Dairy products
• Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower
• Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, maltitol and aspartame
• Fried foods
• Onion and garlic
• Spicy foods
• High-fat foods
• Legumes like lentils and beans
• Prunes

FAQs

Some frequently asked questions are:

1. Why Are Gases Formed in the Stomach?

Gases usually gather in the digestive tract owing to swallowing of air while drinking or eating. Also, it may occur when gases like methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide accumulate in the stomach.

2. How Long Can Gas Pains Last

A gas pain lasting for more than 24 hours need to be examined by a doctor.

Bloating and gas occurs commonly and is usually not a cause of serious concern. However, in case you suffer from regular bloating, it can be a sign of some underlying disorder like hormonal imbalance or lactose intolerance. It may bear well to resort to home remedies for treating gas pains. Also, consider dietary and lifestyles changes which may help in eliminating the problem.

Also Read:

Effective Home Remedies to Stop Loose Motions
Home Remedies to Improve Digestive System
Home Remedies for Food Poisoning