How to Manage Intestinal Gas

Intestinal gas can make you feel bloated, and common symptoms of stomach or intestinal gas include belching, flatulence and stomach pain. There are ways to manage gas. And in most cases, you can relieve gas with natural or home remedies. The key is recognizing triggers, and making the appropriate lifestyle changes.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify drinks that cause intestinal gas. Carbonated drinks such as soda and dairy products are common triggers of intestinal gas. To control gas, reduce your intake of sodas and milk products such as yogurt, cheese and ice cream. Take a lactose digestive enzyme before eating dairy to ward off gas.

• 2

  Watch out for fiber-rich foods. In moderation, fiber contributes to a healthy digestive tract. But consuming too much fiber can produce intestinal discomfort such as gas. Limit your intake of certain "gassy" foods such as beans, cauliflower, salads, cabbage and wheat.

• 3

  Relieve constipation. Aside from dietary choices, constipation can also bring on intestinal gas. To fight constipation and get rid of gas, increase physical activity to 30 minutes a day, drink at least eight glasses of water a day or take a fiber supplement. These remedies help soften stools and promote intestinal movement.

• 4

  Slow down. Rapid eating, drinking with a straw or talking with food in your mouth increases the amount of air in your stomach. Avoid these habits to reduce air in the stomach and manage intestinal gas.

• 5

  Eat a low-fat diet. Foods with a high-fat content (red meats, fast foods, fried foods) take longer to digest and contribute to stomach or intestinal gas. Choose lean meats and select low-fat alternatives.

• 6

  Take anti-gas medication. If home remedies don't relieve intestinal gas, visit a drug store and purchase anti-gas medications such as Alka-Seltzer or Gas-X. Take as instructed, but consult a doctor if symptoms persist.