Gas is an uncomfortable sensation felt in the stomach, esophagus, mouth, and large intestine. The food you eat travels through these areas. Depending on your individual condition, you might have gas after eating certain foods or after consuming large quantities of certain foods. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of gas. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but there are also some natural remedies you can try.
Foods that cause gas
Some people are sensitive to the presence of certain foods in their bodies and can experience gas and flatulence. This can be caused by certain bacteria in the gut. However, there are certain foods that do not cause gas or flatulence. In addition, some foods allow different bacteria to flourish, which can affect the composition of the gas produced by the human body.
If you are among the many people who suffer from this problem, you can begin by eliminating the foods that cause gas. Foods that cause gas include those high in fructans, which ferment in the large intestine and produce large amounts of methane and hydrogen. You can replace foods high in these compounds by using herbs and spices that are low in fructans. You can also replace garlic and onions with green onions.
Beans are another food that causes gas. The sugars in beans are not easily digested by the small intestine, so they pass into the colon. There, the bacteria break them down and produce methane and carbon dioxide. Once they are broken down, they escape through the rectum.
You can also reduce the amount of gas produced by avoiding foods high in FODMAP. The low-FODMAP diet is a good option for people who are suffering from IBS. People who follow this diet may experience fewer symptoms and fewer bloated episodes. For more information, consult your doctor or healthcare provider before changing your diet. You should also make sure you drink enough water as it helps to prevent stomach cramps and gas.
So, while beans are one of the most common culprits of gas, they are not the only foods that cause it. Some people may be sensitive to fructose as a result of their genetic makeup. For people who are susceptible to this condition, a blood test can help them figure out if they are intolerant.
Carbonated beverages are also a cause of gas. Carbonated drinks contain added air which enters the digestive tract and can lead to bloating and gas. Additionally, foods high in sugar alcohols may cause gas. Several processed foods that cause gas also contain sugar alcohols. These sugars are difficult for the body to break down.
Gas and bloating are not necessarily a cause of medical problems, but they can be embarrassing and cause stress. If you notice that you have excessive gas in your stomach, consult a gastroenterologist to find out the cause. They can run tests to confirm the problem and recommend the right diet for you. In the meantime, you can begin modifying your diet to reduce the amount of food that causes gas and bloating.
Onions and garlic are a great example of foods that cause gas. Both produce odorous gas, and some people may have an intolerance to them. Onions are also high in fructose, which is a natural sugar that contributes to the production of gas in the intestine.
Over-the-counter pain relievers for gas
Gas is a common problem, but there are some OTC medications that can help with this discomfort. These include ibuprofen and acetaminophen. You may also want to try a heating pad and peppermint tea. Both can relieve some of the discomfort from gas and stomach pain.
You can also try taking an enzyme supplement. This can help prevent gas and help you feel better faster. Some of these products include Lactaid and Beano, which contain alpha-galactosidase. These products are effective for gas relief, but they also have side effects.
While some gas is normal, too much can be painful and a cause for concern. You should first consult with a healthcare provider to find the source of your gas pain. If you suspect an underlying condition, you may need to take lactase supplements to alleviate the discomfort. For milder cases, you can try home remedies such as a gentle massage, a bowel movement, or applying heat to the area. If none of these work, try dietary changes, which will reduce the amount of gas in your system.
Some over-the-counter products contain simethicone, a chemical that breaks up gas bubbles. You can also try activated charcoal. The charcoal helps to trap gas molecules in its porous structure. However, it is important to note that activated charcoal can cause some unwanted side effects, such as turning your tongue black. The pain from trapped gas usually comes on suddenly and sharply. It can also be accompanied by a bloated feeling, and may cause stomach cramps.
Some people also try Gas-X, an OTC medication that is safe and effective. This medication works quickly to help minimize the discomfort from gas. It doesn’t prevent gas from forming, but it does make it easier to pass. If your bloating persists, you should consult your healthcare provider immediately.