Flatulence

Flatulence is the state of excessive buildup of stomach and intestinal gas. Often, this results in uncomfortable feelings of bloating and increased passing of gas.

Excess gas can come from two sources: increased intake of gas or increased production of gas caused by certain things we ingest.

Flatulence occurs when certain foods are not completely broken down in the stomach and small intestines. As undigested food makes it into the large intestine, millions of harmless bacteria that thrive in there digest or eat them up, producing a variety of gases.

Hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane are only some of the gases produced. Hydrogen sulfide, another common gas, gives off the odor associated to flatulence.

Certain foods cause more flatulence than the others as they contain more indigestible carbohydrates. Beans, broccoli, cabbage, fruit drinks, milk and apples increase the passing of gas.

Habitual swallowing of air, called aerophagia, can also cause flatulence. This is often anxiety related.

Natural Cures for Flatulence:

Gas, bloating and flatulence are embarrassing. Fortunately, there are some natural cures that can help get rid of flatulence.

Dietary Modifications:

Since flatulence is commonly caused by the buildup of undigested food in your large intestine, one of the most effective home remedies is to decrease your intake of foods that produce a lot of gas.

Avoid apples, apricots, artichokes, asparagus, beans, cabbage, carrots and whole wheat. Avoid high fat meals, and chew your food carefully.

Relaxation Techniques:

Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, may help reduce excessive swallowed air because of anxiety.

Lemon and Baking Soda:

Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of cool water, salt can be added. This is a good home remedy for any kind of flatulence problem.

Cloves:

Cloves support good digestion and can eliminate gas, making it a good home remedy for flatulence.

Add two to three whole cloves to rice before cooking.

Sprinkle some cloves on apples and pears when baking.

For 10 minutes, steep two to three whole cloves in a cup of boiling water. Drinking this mixture is a good natural cure for flatulence.

Tea Herbs:

Drink any tea containing aniseed, basil leaves, chamomile, cloves, ginger, sage and peppermint to relieve flatulence.

Steep about ½ teaspoon of tea in one cup of boiling water. Add honey or lemon before drinking.

Yogurt with Acidophilus:

Yogurt alleviates digestive problems, including gas. Be sure to consume yogurt with live acidophilus, a probiotic bacteria that helps with good digestion.