Flatulence
Wind in the intestines can cause abdominal swelling (bloating), discomfort and pain. It is a normal and inevitable product of digestion, but can be exacerbated by gulping down food and drink when you are stressed or nervous.
Certain foods also cause gas to accumulate as they ferment in the gut. Excessive wind can be a symptom of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, a peptic ulcer, long-term constipation or a hiatus hernia.
A sensitivity to certain foods can also sometimes be to blame.
Dietary Advice For Flatulence
Excess wind is common if you suddenly switch from a low to high-fiber diet. This usually only lasts for 2 to 3 weeks as the digestive system adapts to increased levels of fiber. You can reduce the effects by introducing high-fiber foods very gradually over a period of weeks.
Some people with persistent wind find that food combining (not eating starches and proteins at the same meal, or fruit other than on its own) helps greatly. For others, the problem is related to lactose intolerance. If wheat causes your abdomen to become bloated and gassy, try cutting bread and pasta from your diet to see if it helps.
Naturopaths often advise adding herbs such as thyme, marjoram or sage to food during cooking, and chewing caraway seeds after a meal, to help relieve flatulence. One-a-day garlic capsules can also help with all sorts of digestive upsets, including wind.
People with distressing or persistent wind may benefit from a 24-hour fast when their symptoms are bad. This helps detoxify the body. It involves eating only one fruit, such as apples or grapes, for a day, or a plain food such as boiled brown rice or potatoes (without salt), and drinking as much still bottled water as possible. Schedule any fasting for days when you are not too busy, as you may feel tired. However, most doctors consider that a healthy diet is preferable to a fast.
Complimentary Remedies For Flatulence
If flatulence appears to be linked to stress and nervous tension, try chamomile tea or lemon balm tea.
If gassy foods such as beans, lentils or onions are to blame, try a tea made from peppermint, lavender, thyme, fennel or coriander seeds. Use 1 to 2 tsp dried herb per cup and leave to stand for 5 to 10 minutes. A warm compress can help.
Add 6 drops Roman chamomile (for nervous flatulence) or peppermint oil to 600 ml of comfortably hot water. Soak a thick towel in the water, wring it out and place over the abdomen. Repeat when it cools.
Massaging the abdomen with the flat of your hand in clockwise circles, using 4 drops Roman chamomile, or 2 drops ginger or peppermint in 2 tbsp sweet almond oil, can also be very soothing.
Recommended Ready Made Natural Remedies For Flatulence
- GasolveRelief – Promotes digestive calm and comfort after meals to alleviate gas and bloating.
- Gastronic Dr – Promotes healthy digestion and encourages comfort after meals.
- Digestion Tonic – Homeopathic remedy temporarily relieves digestive discomfort, improves systemic detox and metabolism.
- DigestAssist – Promotes healthy digestion and comfort after meals.
