There are many ways to release gas from the intestines. They include passing stool, avoiding gum, taking peppermint supplements, and more. If these do not help, over-the-counter remedies are available.
Gas trapped in the intestines can cause sharp pain, cramping, swelling, tightness, and even bloating. It can be so intense that it can resemble appendicitis, gallstones, or even heart disease.
Most people pass gas
Here, we look at 20 ways to get rid of gas at home, and when to seek medical help.
Many home remedies can help prevent or release trapped gas.
1. Let it out
Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to avoid these symptoms is to let out the gas, if possible.
If it seems the gas will not come out, consider the possibility of constipation. If it persists, worsens, or is very painful, a person may need medical treatment.
2. Pass stool
A bowel movement can relieve gas. Passing stool will usually release any gas trapped in the intestines.
Home remedies may help relieve constipation. If not, a pharmacist can advise on over-the counter options.
3. Eat slowly
Eating quickly or while moving can cause a person to take in air as well as food, leading to gas-related pain.
Tips for slowing down eating include taking meals around a table with other people and chewing each bite of food 30 times. Breaking down food by chewing aids digestion and can prevent a number of related complaints, including bloating and indigestion.
4. Avoid chewing gum
As a person
Sugarless gum also contains artificial sweeteners, which may cause bloating and gas.
5. Say no to straws
Drinking through a straw or from a bottle or can may cause a person to swallow air.
To avoid gas pain and bloating, it is best to sip from a glass.
6. Quit smoking
Quitting or avoiding smoking may help manage digestive and other health problems.
7. Choose non-carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks, such as sparkling water and sodas, can increase gas in the stomach. This can cause bloating and pain.
8. Eliminate trigger foods
Eating certain foods can cause trapped gas.
The
- artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sorbitol, and maltitol
- cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
- dairy products
- some fiber supplements
- legumes, a group that includes beans and lentils
Keeping a food diary can help identify trigger foods.
Some of these foods provide essential nutrients. Rather than avoid them entirely, it might be better to consume a smaller amount in one meal or to try different ways of preparing them.
9. Herbal tea
Some herbal teas may aid digestion, including managing gas.
These
- anise
- chamomile
- ginger
- peppermint
Anise
10. Fennel seeds
Fennel seeds are a
People can fennel seeds to salads, stews, and other dishes. In some places, people chew a pinch of fennel seeds after eating to help with digestion and freshen the mouth.
However, there is a lack of research to confirm the safety or effectiveness of using fennel seeds for bloating.
11. Take peppermint supplements
Some people take peppermint oil capsules to resolve issues like bloating, constipation, and trapped gas. Some
Always choose enteric-coated capsules. Uncoated capsules may dissolve too quickly in the digestive tract, which can lead to heartburn.
Peppermint inhibits the absorption of iron, so people should not take these capsules with iron supplements. They may not be suitable for people with anemia.
12. Clove oil
Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, and indigestion.
There is
Consuming clove oil after meals can increase digestive enzymes and reduce the amount of gas in the intestines.
13. Heat
Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen can help relieve gas pain and discomfort. The warmth relaxes the muscles in the gut, helping gas to move through the intestines. Heat can also reduce the sensation of pain.
14. Apple cider vinegar
One
Add a tablespoon of the vinegar to a glass of water and drink it before meals to prevent gas pain and bloating. It is important to then rinse the mouth with water, as vinegar can erode tooth enamel.
15. Use activated charcoal
Activated charcoal pellets taken by mouth may help treat or prevent gas. The charcoal traps the gas and removes it as it leaves the body in the stool.
It is best to speak with a doctor before taking activated charcoal and to follow their instructions.
16. Take probiotics
Probiotic supplements add beneficial bacteria to the gut. They are used to treat several digestive complaints, including infectious diarrhea.
Some
However, more investigations are needed to establish which probiotics are most helpful.
17. Exercise
Moderate exercise — such as walking or doing yoga —
18. Deep breathing
Deep breathing may have beneficial effects on the autonomic nervous system. In this way, it
However, deep breathing may not work for everyone. Taking in too much air can increase the amount of gas in the intestines.
19. Over-the-counter remedies
Several products can get rid of gas pain fast.
One popular medication, simethicone, is marketed under the following brand names:
- Gas-X
- Mylanta Gas
- Phazyme
Anyone who is pregnant or taking other medications should discuss the use of simethicone with a doctor or pharmacist.
20. Address digestive issues
Bloating and gas pain may be a sign of an underlying problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or lactose intolerance.
A doctor can help a person create a treatment plan involving medical options and home remedies.
Here are some questions people often ask about trapped gas.
What helps gas pain ASAP?
OTC medication, such as simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas) can help to relief painful trapped gas quickly.
What is the best position to relieve gas?
Certain yoga poses, such as those that bring the knees to the chest, or exercises such as squats, may help to relieve gas.
Learn more yoga poses to relieve gas.
How long does it take for painful gas to go away?
Painful trapped gas may pass on its own within a few hours. However, people may use home remedies, such as passing a bowel movement or exercising to experience faster relief.
What are the symptoms of trapped gas?
A person with trapped gas may experience abdominal pain or discomfort and bloating.
Trapped gas can be painful and distressing, but many easy remedies can alleviate symptoms quickly.
People with ongoing or severe gas pain should see a doctor, especially if they also have:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- fever
- rectal bleeding
- unexplained weight loss
While everyone experiences trapped gas once in a while, experiencing regular pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms can indicate a medical condition or food sensitivity.