Home Remedies for Intestinal Gas

Intestinal gas can be painful and embarrassing. It can cause bloating, flatulence and abdominal discomfort. Thankfully, some easy remedies can help alleviate this crampy ailment and let you get on with your day.

Causes

• Most commonly, intestinal gas is caused by certain foods like greens, such as broccoli or cabbage, generally foods high in fiber, dairy and greasy foods. Each person is different, though, so what foods cause gas for you may not for another. It can also be caused when you swallow too much air by eating or drinking too fast. For women, intestinal gas and bloating are often side effects of PMS and menstruation. In some cases, intestinal gas is a sign of a bigger problem such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Try Medication

• Certain medicines are designed to treat or prevent intestinal gas. Some, like Beano, can be taken before eating. Mylanta or Gas-X can help relieve pain and bloating and help expel gas easier. If PMS is causing your gas, try Midol, which can also help relieve other common PMS pains like headache and nausea. Medications for gas can be acquired without prescription, but it may help to discuss with your pharmacist which one might work best for you.

Use a Heating Pad

• A common treatment for intestinal gas and discomfort is to apply heat to the bloated area. Heat can help relax tense muscles strained by excess gas, and it can also relieve pain associated with it.

Get Active

• Exercise and stretching can also help alleviate intestinal gas. When your body is active, it aids the digestive system in processing. You don't need to break an intense sweat, either; try going for a short jog or walk and stretching out your abdomen to assist your body in pushing out the excess gas.

Herbal Remedies

• Try natural herbal remedies for your intestinal gas. Ginger has been found to help treat indigestion and painful gas. Try making a hot ginger tea or chewing on a ginger root. Peppermint and gentian have also been found to be natural gas remedies, too. Also try simply drinking a herbal tea, such as chamomile, which will help calm your stomach and relax your body and muscles.

Other Tips and Warnings

• If you have frequent and very painful intestinal gas, see your doctor, who can figure out if there is an underlying issue such as IBS. Take note of foods that cause intestinal gas and either avoid them or take preventive medicine before indulging in them. If you use a heating pad, follow all safety instructions and insure you turn it off after each use. Try and wear loose clothing when you are suffering intestinal gas; tight clothes can aggravate bloating and cramping.