Having excessive gas and bloating is extremely difficult to talk about and live with. Not only is having gas uncomfortable and embarrassing, but these issues can be symptoms of a more serious digestive condition as well, such as irritable bowel syndrome or an intolerance to milk or gluten.
Some of the most common causes of gas and bloating include:
- Eating too quickly
- Eating carbohydrates that are difficult to digest
- Eating fruits and vegetables that don’t digest easily
- Lactose intolerance
- Gallstones
- Food allergies
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Fatty liver
But before resorting to prescription medications for your gas and bloating issues, consider some of these natural remedies to start feeling like yourself again.
Avoid Gas-Producing Foods
One of the very best ways to fight gas and bloating the natural way is to avoid eating foods that are known to cause excessive gas. These are some foods to avoid eating in excess if you suffer from an excess of gas or feel bloated regularly.
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Cauliflower
- Turnips
- Milk
- Cheese
- Fructose sweeteners
- Carbonated drinks
Some of these foods are very healthy otherwise, which is why some people with gas issues choose to take supplemental capsules for foods like broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Seaweed
Eating seaweed might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you have a gas problem, but it’s actually a great natural food for digestive health. Not only is seaweed an excellent source of iodine, fiber, minerals, and protein, but it’s also great to use as a digestive, detox, and cleansing aid.
Seagate’s seaweed is harvested by divers from an isolated bay along the central Pacific coast of Baja California.
Nopal Cactus
Another surprising food that has digestive health benefits is nopal cactus. This type of cactus can also provide a feeling of fullness and reduce hunger cravings because it absorbs and expands in the stomach upon contact with the water and sugars.
Seagate gathers the nopal cactus leaves from selected cactus farms located in remote interior valleys of northern Baja California, and of course, it’s free from all chemicals, pesticides, and contaminants.
Mint and Chamomile Tea
Tea is also good for settling the stomach, especially mint tea and chamomile tea. Mint soothes the stomach and eases gas pains, and the menthol in its essential oil can help smooth the muscles in the digestive track.
Chamomile is also a good herbal tea for digestive discomfort, and it’s relaxing and soothing for indigestion and heartburn. Drink a cup of tea after dinner to sooth your stomach and keep your digestive track flowing.
Ginger
Ginger has been used in ancient medicine for thousands of years and is still effective in helping people get through nausea, stomach flu, and indigestion. Ginger has components that relax the intestinal track, ease inflammation, and help expel gas.
Try making a ginger root tea by combining a fresh ginger root and a cup of boiling water with lemon and honey. You can also simply munch on some freshly grated ginger before meals or throughout the day to fight gas.
Cut Back on Fat
In general, high-fat foods have a tendency to make us feel bloated, so reduce your intake of unhealthy fat to feel less gassy. “Fat slows the functioning of your intestines, so if you don’t process gas very well, fatty foods could make that worse,” said Lena Palmer, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor in the department of medicine, and medical director of nutritional services at Loyola University Chicago.
Of course, if your gas and bloating symptoms worsen, it may be time to discuss these issues with your doctor. This is especially true if the symptoms are accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or fever. But if your symptoms or mild or occasional, these natural remedies, paired with regular exercise, may be just what you need to beat the bloat!