Natural Remedies for Gas and Bloating

Natural Remedies for Gas and Bloating

by Tony Isaacs

Intestinal gas and bloating are annoying and sometimes embarrassing conditions which plague much of the western world. Poor dietary habits and improper digestion prevalent in western society are major contributors to gas and bloating. Some estimates report that people with poor diets may expel gas 14 or more times daily. Fortunately, some sensible dietary changes and natural remedies can prevent future bouts of gas and bloating as well as relieve current episodes.

One good way to avoid gas and bloating is to avoid foods that are known to cause gas and indigestion, such as fried foods, spicy foods, processed foods and refined sugar. Other foods which may lead to gas and bloating include most beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, apples, corn, oats, potatoes, most dairy products, pears, prunes, and peaches.

Remedies:

Here are 13 top remedies for gas and bloating:

1. Fennel. You can chew on fennel seeds or else make a tea by crushing the seeds and pouring boiling water over them. The compounds in these seeds, as well as those in anise and dill seeds, relax muscles in your digestive tract and allow trapped gas to pass. As a bonus, you should also have fresher breath, similar to consuming parsley.

2. Ginger. Drinking ginger tea and eating fresh ginger root are two superior remedies for gas. Add small amounts of ginger (both dried and fresh) to your food, as desired. You can also take a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger before meals for gas relief.

3. Caraway Seeds. Try adding caraway seed spice to more of your meals, especially if the foods are known to cause gas. Caraway seeds ease gas, indigestion and cramping, as well as stimulate proper digestion.

4. Parsley. Adding more parsley to your diet is also a very good remedy for gas. Either freshly minced or as a dried spice, add parsley to foods that may contribute to intestinal gas to help prevent them causing gas and bloating problems.

5. Activated Charcoal. Charcoal absorbs excess air in the digestive track as well as adsorbs (attracts) toxins which may be contributing to gas problems. Try taking a charcoal supplement before eating to help relieve gas and bloating before they start.

6. Colon Cleansing. Performing a colon cleanse will help improve overall colon health as well as provide gas relief.

7. Probiotics. Taking a probiotic supplement or eating foods with probiotics, such as pineapples, help get rid of the most common symptoms of gas. Probiotics replenish beneficial intestinal bacteria and help keep your colon in optimal working order.

8. Garlic. The hot garlic bulb is another good home remedy for gas. Garlic helps stimulate digestion. For best results, use fresh garlic. You may also want to follow up with parsley or fennel seeds to freshen your breath.

9. Dandelion Tea. The common weed dandelion has numerous health benefits, one of which is relieving gas. Drink as a tea or add it to meals as a dried spice.

10. Hot Water. Sip water as hot as you can take it! According to an 86 year old grandma who submitted this remedy, half a cup usually works.

11. Dill Pickles. Eat one dill pickle or else take a teaspoonful of pickle juice. Pickle juice has the same effect that gripe water has on a baby.

12. Peppermint Oil. Mix two drops peppermint oil in 1/2 cup cool water and drink once or twice per day.

13. Exercise. When you are alone help eliminate existing gas by lying on your back, putting your legs in the air, and moving them in a bicycle motion.

Sources included:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatulence
http://www.healthiertalk.com/10