Gas

Most people pass gas around 14 times a day. Passing of gas is not a life threatening condition; but if occurs at the wrong place and at the wrong time, it can cause embarrassment and low-esteem.

The excess gas in the digestive tract, a tubular passage extending from the mouth to the anus, comes from two sources: increased swallowed air and increased gas production.

Breakdown of undigested foods by the harmless bacteria in the large intestine increases the production of gas. On the average, people produce around one to three pints of gas a day.

People drive out the excess air by burping or the passing of gas. The most common symptoms of excessive digestive gas are flatulence, belching, abdominal bloating and abdominal pain.

Peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, or gastroparesis, also known as paralysis of the stomach muscles, results in increased belching. A diet high in fat results in delayed stomach emptying, which causes abdominal bloating.

Natural Cures for Gas:

Body Positioning:

One of the most effective home remedies to get rid of and release excess gas is to position yourself on your left side.

For severe pains, lie on your back and pull your legs up to your chest. These positions may greatly help in alleviating abdominal pains and expelling the excess gas.

Exercises:

Taking a walk after meals or performing simple exercises, such as squats without weights, improves digestion and relieves abdominal pain.

Exercises stimulate the digestive tract to help move the gas through the digestive tract.

Ginger and Lime Juice:

To relieve abdominal pain caused by excessive digestive gas, mix one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger with one teaspoon of fresh lime juice.

Dilute this mixture in 3/4 cup of water, and sweeten with honey, if desired. Drink this mixture after meals.

Ginger improves digestion by regulating peristalsis, a series of muscle contractions that move digested food the along the digestive tract.

Ginger also contains digestive enzymes and increases the production of saliva.

Dandelion:

Dandelion is a good herbal remedy for indigestion and excessive gas.

Make a tea from fresh or dried dandelion leaf. Pour one cup of boiling water into one to two teaspoons of dried and crushed dandelion leaves.

Let it seep for 10 minutes. Drink this tea two times a day.

Dandelion stimulates the muscles of the digestive tract. It improves gastrointestinal functions by increasing the production of saliva, gastric juice and bile.