Natural Cures for Gas and Bloating

Gas and bloating can affect almost anybody, and can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable. The common cause of gas and bloating is digestion -- food is not digested properly and the bacteria that normally breaks it down releases gas or liquids that cause the stomach and digestive tract to swell up painfully. There are several natural cures for gas and bloating that can alleviate or relieve the symptoms.

Baking Soda

• Sodium bicarbonate, more commonly known as baking soda, is one of the most reliable natural cures for gas and bloating. Mix 1 tablespoon with cold water and stir it thoroughly. Gently sip about a quarter of a cup and wait for results. The baking soda neutralizes stomach acid and produces carbon dioxide, which encourages you to burp, which often relieves existing gas pain.

Herbal Tea

• Sipping an herbal tea can often relieve the symptoms of gas and bloating. Good varieties to try include peppermint or ginger. Avoid black teas or those that contain caffeine. Those can actually make the problem worse.

Water

• One of the common sources of gas pain and bloating is a lack of drinking enough water. Water helps the digestive system carry matter through your bowels and helps prevent the digestive process from causing discomfort. Drinking a large glass of water may quickly relieve your gas pains and bloating and prevent them returning.

Expel Gas

• Often, the best remedy for gas pain or bloating is to expel the gas through farting or burping. You can assist your body in expelling trapped gas by standing up or sitting on a toilet and massaging your stomach. Alternatively, a fast-paced walk outside will often motivate the release of gas. If all else fails, lie on your back and pull your knees up to your chest. This will help the body relieve itself.