How to Get Rid of Gas and Bloating

Gas and bloating can lead to severe cramping and abdominal pain that can persist for several minutes, hours or days depending on the severity of the condition and the reason for the symptoms. With natural remedies, over-the-counter medication and prescription medication, gas and bloating can be controlled and/or limited. As with any medical condition, always consult a physician before starting any new natural or medicinal treatment plan.

Things You'll Need

• Gas-X
• Beano
• Flatulex
• Activated Charcoal
• Yogurt and lactase
• Peppermint oil
• Midol

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Instructions

• 1

  Change and/or modify your diet. Eliminate or limit the following foods from your diet: beans (particularly baked and dried beans), dairy products, root vegetables and cabbages, prunes, wheat and whey products, pan fried, deep fried, and oily foods, and finally, carbonated beverages. Eliminate dairy products if gas and bloating is associated with an intolerance to lactose (an ingredient found in dairy products).

• 2

  Use a natural remedy to eliminate or reduce gas and bloating. Common natural remedies include Activated Charcoal, which should be taken orally before after eating to reduce gas and bloating; yogurt and lactase, which should be consumed daily at breakfast for persons who experience gas and bloating after eating cheese; and peppermint oil, which should be added to tea or warm water (several drops) and taken after a large meal.

• 3

  Use an over-the-counter medication. According to GetRidOfThings.com, "Gas-X, Beano and Flatulex are the most commonly used bloating and gas relief medications available over the counter. According to the Gas-X website, "Gas-X contains simethicone, which is the #1 doctor-recommended ingredient to treat gas" and should be consumed after meals, at bedtime, or as directed by a physician. Consumers should follow product directions as Gas-X offers various products (chewables, softgels or Thin Strips®) as do Beano and Flatulex.

• 4

  Use a prescription medication. Ask your physician to prescribe a medication that contains an enzyme like alpha-galactosidase. The enzyme assists in the digestion of the sugars found in beans and other carbohydrates (the No.1 contributor to indigestion and gas) and minimizes contractions that can be associated with gas and bloating.

• 5

  Use a medication that contains an analgesic, antihistamine and mild diuretic combination for gas and bloating associated with menstruation. Medicines like Midol (an over-the-counter medication), Yaz (a prescription medication), and Premesyn PMS (a non-prescription medicine) should be used as directed to eliminate gas and bloating.

• 6

  Ask your pharmacist about other prescription and over-the-counter medications that are right for your age, medical history and existing medical conditions.