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You Are Here » Flatulence » What Can I Do About Flatulence?
Flatulence
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What Can I Do About Flatulence?
Gas producing foods may not need to be eliminated completely, unless you have problems of food intolerance, or food sensitivity. Sometimes eating smaller amounts will help to reduce flatulence. Be sure to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day if you use fiber supplements.
Some Helpful Suggestions
- Cut down - or eliminate - foods that cause flatulence.
- Drink plenty of water, non "fizzy" liquids, and clear soup.
- If you drink "fizzy" liquids like soda and beer, pour them into a glass first to let some of the "fizz" out.
- Reduce the amount of air you swallow.
- Sometimes activated charcoal seems to reduce the amount - and smell - of flatus.
- Mixing proteins and carbohydrates in the same meal can often lead to gas, such as meat and potatoes.
- Chamomile, balm, sage, marjoram, and other herbs can alleviate flatulence.
- Try a cup of peppermint tea. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which appears to have an anti spasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of your digestive tract. You may find that a warm cup of peppermint tea can provide relief from gas and gas pain. Remember, though, that peppermint may also contribute to heartburn and acid reflux.
- Excessive use of laxatives or constipating drugs may also contribute to the problem.
Ways To Avoid Swallowing Air
- Eat slower and chew more to cut down on the amount of air you swallow.
- Avoid chewing gum and eating hard candy.
- If you smoke, try to cut down or quit.
- If you have false teeth, see your dentist to make sure they fit right.
- Don't talk too much while eating.
Taking Medicines
- Many nonprescription, over-the-counter medicines are available to help reduce symptoms, including antacids with simethicone (simethicone helps break up the bubbles in gas) and activated charcoal. Digestive enzymes, such as lactase supplements, actually help digest carbohydrates and may allow people to eat foods that normally cause gas. Over-the-counter Beano is very effective.
- Take acidophilus capsules or liquid. If your symptoms are the result of antibiotic use, antibiotics disrupt the normal intestinal flora (the bacteria, yeasts, and fungi that grow normally in the intestines), you may get relief with acidophilus capsules or liquid. These supplements may help replace the beneficial intestinal bacteria that antibiotics sometimes destroy. You can find them in natural food stores and some drug or grocery stores.
- Doctors may prescribe medicines to help reduce symptoms, especially for people with a motility disorder, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Promotility or prokinetic drugs, such as metoclopramide (Reglan), may move gas through the digestive tract quickly. Doctors may also suggest limiting high fat foods to reduce bloating and discomfort.
Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Gas in the intestine causes pain for some people. When it collects on the left side of the colon, the pain can be confused with heart disease. When it collects on the right side of the colon, the pain may feel like the pain associated with gallstones or appendicitis. The symptoms of gas may resemble other conditions or medical problems. If you feel like you have too much gas, you may want to see your doctor. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.
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References:
digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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