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How to Treat Flatulence Naturally

Flatulence, often referred to as gas, occurs when air becomes trapped in the intestines. People typically expel gas 12 to 25 times each day, according to Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Flatulence may be accompanied by abdominal discomfort and bloating. Many people feel embarrassed about passing gas as well. Some medications purport to treat flatulence, but some people prefer to try natural remedies first.

  1. Avoiding “Gassy” Foods

    • Certain foods cause gas in some people, although not everyone responds to these foods in the same way. Foods that sometimes cause gas include beans, cabbage, broccoli, onions, dried fruits and fried or fatty foods. Foods containing artificial sweeteners like maltitol, mannitol and sorbitol also cause flatulence in some people. Carbonated beverages are yet another possible culprit. Keeping a food log can help you pinpoint which foods give you gas. Reduce or eliminate these foods from your diet to reduce flatulence.

    Lactose Intolerance

    • Milk and other dairy products contain a form of sugar called lactose. People need an enzyme called lactase in order to digest lactose, but some people lack sufficient amounts of lactase. They may experience symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, nausea and diarrhea after eating foods containing lactose. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website points out that many non-dairy foods sometimes contain small amounts of lactose, including processed snack foods, breakfast cereals, breads, other baked goods, some kinds of candy and protein bars. If you experience symptoms of lactose intolerance, reducing the amount of lactose in your diet or eliminating it altogether can prevent flatulence.

    Changing Eating Habits

    • It’s not only what you eat, but also how you eat, that can contribute to the development of gas. The Mayo Clinic suggests eating slowly, chewing food well and eating small meals frequently to help prevent gas. Drinking and eating at the same time causes some people to swallow too much air, leading to gas. Drinking from straws or sports bottles contributes to gas in some people, as does drinking very hot or very cold beverages. Chewing gum may have the same effect. Avoiding those behaviors can help reduce flatulence.

    Physical Activity

    • According to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, regular physical activity helps prevent excessive gas and bloating. Taking a walk immediately after a meal often helps. Remain in an upright position for a while after eating.

    Herbs That Help

    • The Brigham and Women’s Hospital website lists a number of herbs that may help with flatulence, including anise, caraway, coriander, fennel and turmeric. You can purchase herbs in capsule form, you can add fresh or dried herbs to foods, or you can make tea from fresh or dried herbs. Chamomile or peppermint tea may also help. Talk to your doctor before taking large doses of herbs if you have any medical problems, are pregnant or take any medications to make sure the herbs are safe and appropriate for you.

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