Gas in the stomach is a natural result of the digestion process of food and beverages. Food can produce gas, drinks can produce gas and your way of eating can also cause you to swallow gas. Some foods that tend to produce gas include:
- Spicy foods
- High fiber foods
- High-fat foods
- Fried foods
- Soft drink
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Prunes
- Garlic and onion. Nevertheless garlic is one of foods high in zinc that have many health benefits.
- Milk and cheese
- Fiber supplements
- Gum chewing
Most foods are digested in the small intestine. The rest of the digestive result is fermented in the colon by bacteria that produce gas in the form of methane and hydrogen. The gas will be released naturally as a fart or a belch. Normally adults will expel gas 13 to 21 times a day. However, the gas in the stomach that can not be removed can cause flatulence or discomfort. Call your doctor if the gas causes you depression, diarrhea, constipation or weight loss. Below are some simple ways on how to reduce gas in the stomach.
1. Eucalyptus Oil
Apply eucalyptus oil in the stomach accompanied by a gentle massage. The warm effects caused by eucalyptus oil can reduce the effect of gas in the stomach. The distinctive aroma of eucalyptus oil is also useful as a therapy to relieve discomfort due to gas problems.
2. Peppermint
Research has shown that peppermint tea or supplements can reduce the symptoms of gas problems. For peppermint tea, you should drink one cup before meals for best results. As for peppermint supplements, you should read carefully the instructions on the packaging about how much you should consume.
3. Boiled Water of Papaya Leaves
Papaya leaf is believed traditionally as one of several ways on how to reduce gas in the stomach. Boil one papaya leaf in one liter of water for a few minutes. Then strain the boiled water and drink it while it is still warm.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has long been used to help reduce gas problems such as flatulence. Drinking chamomile tea before meals can reduce gas in the stomach. It’s also good for you to drink the chamomile before bed so your stomach can feel more comfortable.
5. Fresh Water
Drinking fresh water regularly can reduce gas in the stomach. In addition, drinking fresh water regularly can also avoid dehydration and help maintain body health.
6. Ginger
Ginger can provide a sense of warmth in the body so as to reduce the discomfort caused by gas in the stomach. To get that benefit is quite easy. Boil ginger in one liter of water for a few minutes. Then strain the boiled water and drink it while it is still warm. Ginger is also useful as one of home remedies for food allergies.
7. Cloves
Cloves are the spices commonly used in cooking. Clove oil can help reduce flatulence by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Add two to five drops of clove oil to a quarter liter of water, drink it after meals.
8. Lactase Supplements
Some people have lactose intolerance. Lactose is a protein in milk. Therefore those people need lactase supplements to help digest lactose. Lactase is an enzyme produced by the body to break down lactose in the digestive tract.
9. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a common medicine sold to overcome flatulence. This medicine can be obtained without a prescription. Activated charcoal is taken an hour before meals and also an hour after meals.
10. Simethicone
Simethicone is also a common medicine sold to overcome gas problems. This medicine can also be obtained without a prescription. Simethicone is sold in various brands, so surely you have many choices. Simethicone works by binding the gas bubbles in your stomach so that the gas is more easily removed. Just make sure you follow the instructions listed on the packaging.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the old ways that is still believed to alleviate gas problems in the stomach. How to consume is quite simple. You need to dissolve a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water, and then drink it before meals. Do it regularly until you feel better. But you also should not consume apple cider vinegar excessively. There are side effects of apple vinegar for kidney.
12. Honey
Honey has long been known to have many benefits for the body. One of those benefits is to reduce gas in the stomach. You can drink honey directly or by mixing it into a glass of water or a glass of tea. To get maximum benefit, you can mix honey with lemon tea. It is because lemons contain vitamin C which is useful for boosting immunity.
13. Chicken Soup
Chicken soup, in addition to a traditional way to relieve flu symptoms, is also often used to reduce gas in the stomach. High protein and nutrient in chicken soup helps the body speed up the healing process. The best way to enjoy chicken soup is to eat it while it’s hot.
14. Exercise
Exercise can help release gas in the stomach. It does not have to be a serious exercise, light exercise such as walking, jogging and jumping rope can drive the gas out of the body. It can not be denied that exercise does have many good benefits for the body. One of them is a way to prevent high triglycerides. Therefore do regular exercise for your own good.
15. Enough Rest
The human body is not a machine. The body needs to rest or sleep to restore its fitness. A fit body will have better immunity so it can reduce naturally the gas in the stomach and the uncomfortable feeling that arises. Therefore always take time to rest even though you are so busy. The average adult needs to sleep about 6 – 8 hours a day.
Gas problems can also be prevented by making small changes to your diet and lifestyle, for example:
- Eliminate the habit of chewing gum
- Avoid carbonated beverages
- Do not drink with a straw
- Try to eat slowly
- Get used to sit while eating
- Avoid foods that cause gas
- Quit smoking
- Regular exercise
Gas problem is generally harmless. You can practice those simple ways on how to reduce gas in the stomach. All you need to do is just check your diet and make the necessary changes. Modification of diet and lifestyle can usually eliminate this gas problem completely. If a few weeks diet and lifestyle changes do not work, consult your doctor immediately. They will conduct further tests to see if your gas problem is caused by a medical condition.