Having stomach gas is normal and healthy, as it is a byproduct of the human digestive system. On average, a person can pass anywhere from a pint to 2 quarts of gas per day. Most gas, trapped in the body, is expelled via burping. The rest is absorbed by the small intestine and released through the rectum. Various problems occur when gas is not expelled properly from the body. This can result in bloating of the abdomen, nausea, abdominal pain and an acidic taste in the mouth. All these symptoms can be extremely discomforting and will need some relief. To rid yourself of stomach gas problems, the underlying cause should be understood, and appropriate medications and remedies should be used.

Causes of Stomach Gas

There are two main causes for stomach gas. These are swallowed air and gas produced as a by-product of food digestion. Air is swallowed when talking, eating and drinking. Excessive intake of air into the body can cause stomach gas. The most common reasons for excessive gas are drinking through straws, eating too fast, smoking, chewing gum, etc. Foods consumed enter the small intestines for digestion. However, fibers and carbohydrates bypass the small intestine and move onto the large intestine for digestion. Gas that results in flatulence occurs when sugar and fiber do not get digested in the large intestine. Therefore, people suffering from constant flatulence or stomach gas should avoid the excessive intake of foods rich in carbohydrates, lactose, sucrose and sorbitol.

How to Get Rid of Stomach Gas

Although stomach gas is not life-threatening, it can be extremely embarrassing. Therefore, persons suffering with excessive gas in the stomach can rely on below measures to rid excessive gas buildup.

1.    Apple Cider Vinegar

You can always rely on apple cider vinegar (ACV) to treat indigestion and stomach gas. There are many enzymes in ACV responsible for alkalizing your body and promoting better digestion.

Take a glass of warm water and add 2 tsp. of ACV to it. Mix well and leave it for a few minutes to cool to room temperature. Then, drink twice a day. You can use this remedy even when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

2.    Ginger

One of the best remedies to deal with stomach gas is to use some ginger. It has antiemetic properties, so it reduces nausea and works amazingly well to help expel intestinal gas. Some studies have also found that ginger may trigger the process of gastric emptying. It also helps soothe the intestinal tract.

Take equal amounts of ground ginger, cardamom, and fennel. Mix well and add a teaspoon of this mixture along with some asafetida to a cup of water. Have it twice a day to relieve indigestion. You can also drink ginger tea or simply chew on raw ginger pieces for relief.

3.    Baking Soda and Lemon

Also called sodium bicarbonate, baking soda acts as an antacid and helps expel stomach gas. Combine it with lemon juice to make it even more effective.

Take one-half lemon and extract its juice. Add it to a glass of warm water and then add a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate to it. Mix well and drink for instant relief. Simply add a teaspoon of baking soda to less than a glass of water and drinking it may also offer some relief.

4.    Cinnamon

You can opt for cinnamon to help treat indigestion and soothe your stomach. Its intake can prevent the buildup of gas mainly because it reduces the secretion of pepsin and gastric acid in the stomach.

Take a cup of warm milk and add half teaspoon of cinnamon powder to it. Mix well and drink. It is okay to add some honey to the mix to improve its taste.

5.    Fennel

For fast relief from indigestion and gas, you can also opt for fennel. With its carminative properties, it makes it easier to expel gas from your system.

Take a cup of hot water and pour it over a teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds. Cover it with something and leave for about 5 minutes. Then, strain it and drink the mixture once a day. It is also a good idea to drink the mixture after a heavy meal to avoid indigestion in the first place. Simply chewing on fennel seeds or leaves may also help prevent indigestion.

6.    Change the Diet

Avoiding foods that cause bloating and gas is the first method of obtaining relief from this problem. Common foods that cause gas buildup are broccoli, asparagus and onions, pears and peaches, beans and whole grains and carbonated beverages and dairy products.

7. Other Remedies

• Stop smoking, chewing gum and drinking through straws. All these factors increase air intake. Stopping these habits can help relieve gas in the stomach.
• Consider taking over-the-counter gassy remedies. There are many OTC products that help reduce the buildup of gas in the stomach. Any one of these can provide relief from gas. For example, Beano, a digestive aid, contains enzyme that helps with sugar digestion in foods.
• Consume food and drink slowly. Eating and drinking too fast can result in the swallowing of excessive air. Less air is swallowed when eating and drinking slowly.
• Drink plenty of water before a meal. This method ensures proper digestion and relief from gassy symptoms. Water should be consumed at least, half an hour before a meal.
• Diagnose the underlying cause. Sometimes, a medical condition may be causing the buildup of gas in the stomach. For example, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer and gastrointestinal disorders can cause gas. Treating these conditions can help relieve gas in the stomach.

When to See a Doctor

Gas accompanied with abdominal pain, bloating and other symptoms can be due to an underlying condition that requires medical treatment. Therefore, persistent discomfort related to gas requires medical attention.