Flatulence
Flatulence
refers to the buildup and expulsion of intestinal gas
(flatus) that is formed by the fermentation or food,
incomplete digestion of foods (especially common carbohydrates)
and/or swallowing of air. The gas buildup is alleviated
by burping or by passing gas through the anus.
Symptoms
of flatulence include a distended abdomen, discomfort
in the abdomen, mild chest pains, or chest pains severe
enough to mimic a heart attack.
What To Consider
Flatulence can be caused by overeating, eating too quickly,
refined carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, food allergies,
constipation, food intolerance, digestive disorders,
intestinal disorders, stomach disorders, gallbladder
disorders, nutrient deficiencies of B vitamins, excessive
consumption of alcohol, parasites, emotional stress,
and/or misalignment or spasm of the associated spinal
vertebrae. In cases of chronic flatulence, all of these
factors must be screened for and addressed before long-term
relief can be achieved.
Note
When combined with bad breath and tiredness after meals,
inadequate stomach acid is the typical cause of flatulence.
Caution
Chronic flatulence can be a sign of a serious gastrointestinal
disorder or cancer. If you suffer from chronic flatulence,
seek immediate medical attention.
Self-Care Tips
Diet
Do
not overeat, as over consumption of food, even food
that is healthy, is the most common cause of flatulence.
Eat smaller meals consisting of only a few different
food items at each meal. Also chew your food more slowly
and thoroughly, and increase your consumption of high-fiber
foods. Also be sure to identify and eliminate food to
which you are allergic or sensitive. Chewing a sprig
of parsley after meals can also help reduce symptoms
of flatulence.
When
eating beans, soak them overnight in a quart of water
containing six drops of iodine to help reduce gas. Also
drink lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in water with
your meals, and add more fermented products such as
yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk to the general diet (unless
you are sensitive or allergic to dairy products).
A teaspoon
or two of Bentonite clay dissolved in spring water and
drunk
once a day away from mealtimes, can also help, as bentonite absorbs
both gas and food impurities.
Nutritional
Supplementation
The following nutrients can be very helpful in helping
to reduce and prevent flatulence: Digestive enzymes
such as hydrochloric acid or pancreatin, acidophilus,
charcoal tablets, and aloe vera juice or gel. Other
helpful nutrients include vitamin B complex, vitamin
B1, and niacin (vitamin B3). Lipotropic factors, which
promote the digestion and assimilation of dietary fats,
can also be helpful.
Aromatherapy
A few drops of the essential oils of bergamot, chamomile,
fennel, juniper, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, coriander,
or anise, added to water and taken orally can help improve
digestion and eliminate flatulence.
Bodywork
Rub your abdomen in a clockwise direction to soothe
symptoms of discomfort caused by gas buildup.
Herbs
Drink anise water, which is made by steeping one teaspoon
of anise seeds in one cup of water for ten minutes.
It can be taken as a tea or strained and taken as needed
by the tablespoon. Or add several drops of peppermint
oil in water and sip throughout each of your meals.
Asafoetida powder is another powerful digestive agent.
It dispels intestinal gas and can be used as a spice
over your foods to help decrease intestinal gas buildup.
Homeopathy
Carbo veg., Lycopodium, Argen nit., Chamomilla,
Nux mosch and Cinchona are all useful
homeopathic remedies for treating and preventing flatulence.
Hydrotherapy
Short, cold sitz baths can improve overall digestion.
Juice
Therapy
Add one tablespoon of garlic or yellow onion juice
to carrot, parsley, beet, and celery juice, and drink
once or twice a day. Fresh squeezed papaya juice is
also very effective in reducing flatulence.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
Back to Health Conditions A to Z
|
