Home Remedy for Severe Gas

An excessive buildup of gas in the digestive system is not only uncomfortable but also can prove embarrassing. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to relieve, eliminate and prevent the buildup of excess gas.

Causes of Gas

• Gas in the stomach and intestines is caused by swallowing large amounts of air or the incomplete digestion of foods. Swallowing too much air is a result of eating or drinking too quickly, smoking and chewing gum. Most surplus air ingested through the mouth comes back up through burping. The small intestine absorbs a small amount, and the rest travels through the lower intestine and exits the rectum.
  Foods that contain high amounts of fat, carbohydrates, sugars and starches are difficult to absorb. Because it is undigested in the stomach and small intestine, leftover material moves into the lower regions of the bowels, where naturally existing bacteria break it down, releasing gases in the process.

Finding Relief

• Menthol tends to have a soothing effect on the muscles of the digestive tract. Try peppermint tea to relieve gas.
  Drink fennel and chamomile teas to calm the digestive system. Or try chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds before a meal.
  Use a garlic press to squeeze the juice from a piece of fresh ginger and one clover of garlic. Mix the liquid in warm water and drink it to dispel gas in moments.
  Turmeric, an ingredient in curry powder, and cinnamon, used in chai tea blends, are two spices that help digestion and relieve gas. Use them liberally in cooking.
  Parsley is a delicious and nutritious garnish and salad ingredient that can relieve flatulence.
  It also helps to avoid foods that cause gas. Eliminate gas-producing foods from your diet--including cabbage, beans, broccoli, sorbitol (an artificial sweetener), cheese, apples, pears and carbonated beverages--and reintroduce them one at a time to see which affects your digestion.

Preventative Medicine

• Eat slowly. Chewing food thoroughly is an important part of the digestive process.
  Take a short walk after meals.
  Eat three or more smaller meals a day, rather than overloading your digestion system with one or two large meals.
  Let go of stale food: throw it out rather than eating it.