10 Natural Remedies for Flatulence

Unfortunately, flatulence is sometimes a side effect of pursuing a healthy, plant-based diet. Many of the foods plant-based eaters depend on for important nutrients can also be problematic for some to digest.

Nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, pulses, and whole grains are generally thought to be good dietary choices. However, certain people can have digestive distress after ingesting certain greens, beans, or grains. Other edible things, such as dairy products, fatty meats, and gluten, can cause problems, too.

Of course, we can’t give up all food, so at some point we have to deal with getting gas. The trick to finding a natural remedy for flatulence is starting with some measure of prevention and being aware of healthy practices for relieving it.

Some methods will work for some, others won’t. We all have different bodies and digestion. But, most of us would rather not have gas.

Prevention

As with all things medical, prevention is much better than treatment. The same goes for flatulence. Luckily, many of the things that help with preventing gas are just a matter of becoming more in tune with our bodies.

1. Eating and drinking slowly can help some who struggle with flatulence. The simple explanation is that eating quickly typically makes us ingest and swallow more air which comes out as gas. Chewing adequately also helps to break food down more quickly.
2. Identifying any food intolerances can make a huge difference. While it might sometimes seem trendy to suddenly become gluten- or lactose-intolerant, it is also a real thing. Food intolerances can cause gas, so if we know they are an issue, we can adjust what and how we eat.
3. Being careful with carbs can make all the difference in the world. Even those who aren’t gluten-intolerant might have some trouble with high-fiber foods. Beans and whole grains are both great for dietary fiber, and we need to get enough of it. But, it can be helpful to understand our reaction to certain pulses and grains might be different.
4. Hydrating sufficiently is a healthy practice anyway and in terms of flatulence, a well-hydrated body can process food more smoothly and efficiently. Drinking a glass of water with (or before) every meal might be a good idea. That means we are getting excessive gas for food fermenting in our guts.
5. Avoiding fizzy drinks and chewing gum might be a useful step for some. Both of these products introduce more gas into the body, and that eventually has to be released somehow. It either comes back up as a burp or sneaks out the back door.

Treatment

Despite our best efforts to prevent ailments, the success rate isn’t always 100 percent. Sometimes bad things just happen. Sometimes gas gets the better of us, and it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Here are some treatments to try.

6. Drinking herbal teas is a go-to for lots of folks. Lots of herbs and spices, such as ginger, peppermint, fennel seeds, and anise, are proven to aid in digestion. Drinking teas with these special herbs can be effective for many.
7. Taking apple cider vinegar or baking soda can help with balancing the pH level in the stomach which may help with calming choppy conditions down there. ACV is used for all sorts of ailments. About a teaspoon mixed in a glass of water is plenty.
8. Heating pads on the gut can help speed up the digestion process as well as relax abdominal muscles that might be cramping. Trapped wind may get released to provide some relief and, ultimately, less gas.
9. Breathing deeply and intently, a la meditation, is commonly recommended for those suffering from gas. Breathing this way effectively does take some practice. Inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for two seconds, and exhale for six seconds. This concentrated breathing should be done for five minutes or more.
10. Walking, especially after a possibly troublesome meal, can get the body actively digesting what’s in it. It also relaxes the abdomen which can allow it to release gas promptly: outside, away from loved (or potential loved) ones.

Find Your Method

This is a problem that can be dealt with naturally, but the remedy is a little different for everyone. It may take some experimentation and effort to get things right. Just stick with it and find the right path.

Related Content:

• 15 Nourishing Plant-Based Recipes for Healthy Digestion: Supporting Your Gut Health
• How to Deal With Digestive Difficulties on a Plant-Based Diet
• 12 Ways to Keep Your Gut and Digestive System in Tip-Top Shape
• Bloated on a Vegan Diet? Here’s Why and How to Improve Your Digestion
• How Peppermint Oil Can Help Ease Digestion and Improve Stress

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