Flatulence is a common digestive problem. The accumulation of gas in the stomach or intestines can occur as an isolated event, for instance after a meal containing particularly wind-producing foods, or can be a constant, chronic sign of a digestive problem. In the latter case, it may indicate a condition such as diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome, and these will need to be addressed in order to sort out the causes of the flatulence.
Home remedies for Flatulence
Aromatherapy
Many essential oils have a carminative action, which means that they help to shift gas out of the digestive system (up or down, depending where it is!) and also reduce bloating and spasm that can go with the wind. It may be most appropriate, however, to use the aromatic herbs from which the oils are extracted. Oils such as Caraway, Chamomile, Fennel, Majoram and Peppermint could also be used as a warm compress over the abdomen to help relieve the symptoms; use up to 5 drops in a small bowl of warm water.
Herbalism
A number of herbal teas are excellent at relieving flatulence, but do remember that if this is a major problem to get professional herbal treatment. Choose from Catmint, Chamomile, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) or Peppermint (Mentha piperita) if the problem is in the stomach; any of these plus Dill (Anetbum graveolens) or Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) if the small intestines seem to be affected, and Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) or Peppermint (Mentha piperita) for bowel flatulence, although there are several others that may be useful depending on the problem (see other remedy in this section).
Homeopathy
Several remedies featured elsewhere in this section may help try to look beyond the flatulence to deeper causes and seek the remedy for those. Initially, pick from Chamomilla, Carbo Veg, Nux Vomica for flatulence brought on by eating too rich or too big a meal.
Naturopathy
Often flatulence can be caused by eating too heavy a mixture of foods - consider reducing the fat content of your diet, and restricting the combinations of proteins and carbohydrates you eat. It this helps a lot, and then you might want to consider exploring the Hay system of eating.
One reason for flatulence can be after administration of antibiotics, as the intestinal bacteria have been decimated; these can be encouraged to multiply by taking plain "live yoghurt, or possibly more concentrated supplements such as acidophilns tablets/powders. Some flatulence is quite natural, if not exactly sociable. It is often better to change the diet more gradually to ease the problem.
Eating Habits and Flatulence
A useful starting point for self- treatment of flatulence is to look at eating habits; are you eating very quickly, while tense, or grabbing a bite to eat "on the run"? This is likely to lead to swallowing gas with the food; inadequate digestive enzymes may be produced and the meal can ferment in the intestines rather than be properly digested. This leads to more gas being created and flatulence gets worse. Also, take care not to do a lot of bending, or sitting curled up on a low sofa, immediately after a meal, as this encourages a gas build-up with bloating and colicky pains.
Showing posts with label Flatulence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flatulence. Show all posts
Home Remedy Treatments for Flatulence
If you are a stoic or a recluse, you may simply be able to ignore that gaseous excess and its audible effects. If you're neither, there are some things you can do to prevent or relieve flatulence. Here are some home remedies to help you out:
Stay calm. Emotional stress can play a role in worsening a flatulence problem. The gastrointestinal tract is exquisitely sensitive to anxiety, anger, and depression. A network of nerves connects this area of the body to the brain, and when you are under stress, muscles in the abdomen tighten. The results are painful spasms. Eating while under stress can also contribute to flatulence because you tend to swallow air.
Get physical. Sometimes, flatulence is less a matter of a faulty diet than of a faulty digestive process; the smooth passage of foods down the digestive tract may be hindered. Exercise helps to regulate the process, so when things get uncomfortable, take a walk. You can also apply pressure to your abdomen or lie facedown on the floor with a pillow bunched up under your abdomen to help relieve discomfort from gassiness. Sitting on the floor -- with your knees drawn up to your chest and your arms wrapped around your legs -- and rocking back and forth may also help, as might a heating pad placed on your abdomen.
Loosen up. If you'll be taking a long airplane flight, wear loose clothing. Tight-fitting pants can compress the abdomen and cause pain.
Bust the belch. Habits that can lead to excessive belching, such as swallowing air and chewing gum, can also cause problems with flatulence.
Get activated. Activated charcoal tablets, available without a prescription at drugstores, may help to absorb some excess gas and calm your flatulence problem. If you are taking any prescription medications, however, first ask your pharmacist whether the activated charcoal will interfere with them.
Reach for relief. If you just couldn't resist the spicy bean dish at the restaurant but are dreading the car ride home with your friends, stop off at the nearest grocery store or pharmacy. You're likely to find a variety of nonprescription preparations containing simethicone (such as Mylanta, Maalox, and Phazyme), which may help ease gassiness and make that trip a little quieter.
Don't stuff yourself. The more food in the gut, the more gas buildup. Eat light meals. And eat more slowly -- you'll swallow less air.
Your last straw. Don't sip drinks through a straw. You'll suck in air, which causes gas.
Your diet also can play a big part in avoiding flatulence. In our next section, we'll talk about flatulogenic foods to avoid.
Stay calm. Emotional stress can play a role in worsening a flatulence problem. The gastrointestinal tract is exquisitely sensitive to anxiety, anger, and depression. A network of nerves connects this area of the body to the brain, and when you are under stress, muscles in the abdomen tighten. The results are painful spasms. Eating while under stress can also contribute to flatulence because you tend to swallow air.
Get physical. Sometimes, flatulence is less a matter of a faulty diet than of a faulty digestive process; the smooth passage of foods down the digestive tract may be hindered. Exercise helps to regulate the process, so when things get uncomfortable, take a walk. You can also apply pressure to your abdomen or lie facedown on the floor with a pillow bunched up under your abdomen to help relieve discomfort from gassiness. Sitting on the floor -- with your knees drawn up to your chest and your arms wrapped around your legs -- and rocking back and forth may also help, as might a heating pad placed on your abdomen.
Loosen up. If you'll be taking a long airplane flight, wear loose clothing. Tight-fitting pants can compress the abdomen and cause pain.
Bust the belch. Habits that can lead to excessive belching, such as swallowing air and chewing gum, can also cause problems with flatulence.
Get activated. Activated charcoal tablets, available without a prescription at drugstores, may help to absorb some excess gas and calm your flatulence problem. If you are taking any prescription medications, however, first ask your pharmacist whether the activated charcoal will interfere with them.
Reach for relief. If you just couldn't resist the spicy bean dish at the restaurant but are dreading the car ride home with your friends, stop off at the nearest grocery store or pharmacy. You're likely to find a variety of nonprescription preparations containing simethicone (such as Mylanta, Maalox, and Phazyme), which may help ease gassiness and make that trip a little quieter.
Don't stuff yourself. The more food in the gut, the more gas buildup. Eat light meals. And eat more slowly -- you'll swallow less air.
Your last straw. Don't sip drinks through a straw. You'll suck in air, which causes gas.
Your diet also can play a big part in avoiding flatulence. In our next section, we'll talk about flatulogenic foods to avoid.
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