Stomach gas often arises from swallowed air or the breakdown of undigested food. Herbal remedies, breathing techniques, and diet changes can help you relieve symptoms.
Certain herbs—in tea form—may relieve gas and bloating. For example, ginger root can help soothe gas-related discomfort.123 Peppermint can help relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, like gas and bloating, by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract.45
Just drinking hot water may help, as hot water stimulates natural contractions in the digestive tract, which could help push out any trapped gas.6..To Read The Full Content; Tap Here Now .
Intentional deep breathing may also help reduce gas and related discomfort. Taking shallow breaths through the chest often causes you to gulp in excessive air, leading to gas and muscle tension that can affect the digestive system.7
Practice diaphragmatic (deep abdominal) breathing to help improve gas and other digestive symptoms.8
To try this breathing technique:
Sit up straight and place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
Breathe slowly through your nose for four seconds, and notice your stomach pushing against your hand.
As you breathe out for six seconds, the hand on your stomach should contract back in.8
Keep your hand on your chest, and practice this method for several.8
Massaging your abdomen clockwise can help ease digestive symptoms and encourage gas to move out of your body.9
You can try the “I LOV U” technique. This method involves using moderate-pressure hand motions to spell out the letters “I,” “L,” and “U” on the abdomen several times to help gas release.10
Abdominal massage can relieve constipation and gas, so this technique may also bring on a bowel movement.11
Applying a heating pad or warm compress to your stomach helps relax the abdominal muscles, allowing gas to move through the digestive tract. This technique may also stimulate a bowel movement.1213
Making tweaks in your diet can help ease occasional gas. Certain foods, such as high-fiber foods, are not fully broken down during digestion and can trigger gas when they are fermented by bacteria in the intestines.1415
Try these dietary changes to reduce gas:141617
Eat smaller portions of fiber-rich foods: High-fiber foods, like bran or cruciferous vegetables, can cause gas, especially if you eat them in large amounts or introduce them into your diet too quickly.1819
Avoid foods that contain fructose (fruit sugar): Fructose, found in fruits and added to many processed foods, can be difficult for the body to digest, leading to gas.20
Consider eliminating milk and dairy products: Dairy foods like cheese and yogurt may cause gas and other digestive symptoms in people with lactose intolerance.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help relieve gas. These include:152114
Digestive enzymes, such as lactase supplements, may relieve excess gas by helping your body better digest lactose.
Alpha-galactosidase, found in medications like Beano and BeanAssist, can ease gas by breaking down indigestible sugars found in beans and other vegetables.22
Activated charcoal tablets may help absorb and relieve gas, though additional evidence is needed.23
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is primarily used to treat diarrhea and upset stomach, but may also help with gas.
Gentle physical movement may help relieve gas. Experts recommend walking, jogging, or simply moving around to help pass gas through your digestive system.142425
Light stretching using yoga poses can ease IBS symptoms, including gas.26
You can sometimes prevent gas by practicing habits that reduce how much air you swallow or limiting gas-producing foods. Here are some tips:141615
Avoid carbonated beverages.
Limit chewing gum and sucking on hard candy.
Chew your food slowly and thoroughly.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Manage stress levels.
Increase physical activity.
Avoid smoking.
Get the proper fit for dentures or retainers.
Reduce your intake of foods known to produce gas, such as beans and dairy.
Passing gas is a normal bodily process, which many people do up to 13-21 times per day.27 If you’re experiencing frequent gas that’s becoming more excessive, you may want to talk to a healthcare provider.15
You can ask them to test you for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), in which the number of bacteria in the digestive tract is higher than normal. Excess gas can also be due to conditions like IBS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).14
See a healthcare provider if at-home remedies do not work to relieve your gas, or you are experiencing the following symptoms:1614
An increase in gas that’s persistent or severe
Constant bloating
Stomach pain
Rectal pain or bleeding
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Trouble swallowing
Constipation
Unexpected weight loss
Bloody or oily stool