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Gas
Causes
Bad digestion is probably the leading cause of gas. This may be caused by a lack of betaine hydrochloric acid or pancreatic enzymes that help the digestion process. If you have gas, bloating, and an upset stomach, take one or two tablets of each with a large meal.
Dietary Certain foods create gas in some people, so by eliminating these foods you will reduce or eliminate the problem. Try removing them one at a time to see which one is causing your problem: beans, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, radishes, peanuts, and raw apples are some of the main offenders.
The low-carb craze is very popular with those wanting to lose weight, but it has created other health problems: bloating, gas and diarrhea. Many low-carb foods are sweetened with lacitol or sorbitol, which are sugar alcohols, and, when, eaten in large quantities, can cause digestive disturbances.
Diarrhea caused by intestinal parasites is the third leading cause of illness. If you have a number of the following symptoms: gas, diarrhea, chronic constipation, bloating, fatigue, skin rashes, nail biting, mood swings, insomnia, dry skin, brittle hair, hair loss, weight gain, bad breath, and muscle cramping, you should be tested for parasites.
Milk and other dairy products can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, gas and discomfort in some women. If you are eating dairy products to get calcium, try switching to yogurt, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, tofu, collard and other greens, turnips, rhubarb and almonds. As noted above, some of these items cause gas for some people, so if you continue to have gas, try to eliminate the offenders.
A study done at the University of Iowa medical found that 30 percent of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms had fructose (a form of sugar) on their breath, and were experiencing stomach pain, gas, or diarrhea. Once fructose consumption was curbed, the symptoms were significantly reduced. Fructose is found in many things, but especially as a sweetener for sodas. Fructose intolerance is rapidly rising due to the tremendous increase in soda consumption.
Underlying Disease As A Cause
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has gas as one of its symptoms.
Remedies
Folk
Betaine hydrochloric acid will help digest excess food that your digestive system can't handle on its own and help relieve gas, bloating, and an upset stomach. Older people especially are low in this very necessary acid. Take 1-2 tablets with any large meal. Pancreatic enzymes will also be helpful.
Carbonated water It encourages belching to relieve the gas.
Celery seeds Chew (but don't swallow) a teaspoon of seeds. This remedy is supposed to provide quick relief.
Chamomile helps improve digestion and aids in expelling trapped gas in the digestive tract. Make a tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb; cover; steep for fifteen minutes; strain. This remedy is excellent for babies who have colic, too. Give the baby 1/4 cup of tea diluted with an equal amount of water in a bottle before each feeding.
Charcoal, activated Activated charcoal will bind to the gas. Take two tablets before and after meals. Do not take with other medications, supplements, or birth control pills, as it binds to them, too. Do not use on a long term basis, only for temporary relief.
Fennel helps improve digestion and aids in expelling trapped gas in the digestive tract. Make a tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb; cover; steep for fifteen minutes; strain. This remedy is excellent for babies who have colic, too. Give the baby 1/4 cup of tea diluted with an equal amount of water in a bottle before each feeding.
Ginger Mix one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger with one teaspoon of lime juice; take immediately after eating.
Pancreatic enzymes will aid digestion and help relieve gas, bloating, and an upset stomach. Take as directed.
Peppermint The herb peppermint, either in tea form or chewing the leaves, will relax the intestines and make it easier for the gas to escape. Peppermint is a carminative, which is a substance that removes accumulated gas from the stomach and intestines. Make a tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb; cover; steep for fifteen minutes; strain. This remedy is excellent for babies who have colic, too. Give the baby 1/4 cup of tea diluted with an equal amount of water in a bottle before each feeding.
• Peppermint oil improves gas and bloating problems by causing gas trapped in the colon and intestines to be absorbed into the body.
Simethicone Simethicone breaks up the large bubbles of gas.
Homeopathic
Nux vomica will help relieve gas, bloating and a sour stomach. Take the 6c potency in 4 drops or pellets every hour.
