Flatulence or gas and bloated feelings are common manifestations of a gastrointestinal disorder. Gas or flatulence is caused either due to swallowing air or by bacteria that affects the intestines. Such bacteria produce gas while digesting foods that have not been processed through the small intestine. Such gas (hydrogen or methane) is produced mainly due to undigested foods that contain starch or sugars. Passing intestinal gas relieves the intestines from gas accumulation or bloated feeling. The bloated feeling due to accumulation of gas giving a feeling of fullness can also lead to abdominal cramps. A sedentary lifestyle and stress can cause such situations to worsen. Though this is not a serious health disorder it does cause embarrassment and discomfort in social circumstances.
The best bloating and flatulence remedies to eliminate embarrassing situations are having a pinch of asafetida which can be later washed down with a glass of water. Asafetida is known to eliminate gas accumulation. Chewing mint leaves or fennel is also known to reduce chances of flatulence and bloating. Chamomile tea is also known to help the digestion process and relieve trapped gas in the intestine. Ginger slices or cubes soaked in lemon juice are beneficial in treating gas and bloated feeling. Preserve and refrigerate a small jar with the ginger slices and lemon juice, this can be had after every meal as stomach bloating remedies. Lactose intolerance can also cause intestinal gas. In this case avoiding dairy products for at least ten to fifteen days can help find out whether dairy products are causing gas.
Go easy with eating to give the digestive system a break. Simple changes such as intake of more whole grains or fiber rich foods can make it easy for the digestive system to process the foods. Alternatively, consider a fresh fruit or vegetable juice diet to aid digestion, flush toxins and help the digestive system recuperate. Avoid excessively spicy, oily and sweet foods. It is also important to avoid refined foods and specific gas producing foods such as rice, potatoes, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beans, peas, dried fruits, carbonated drinks, beer and stimulants such as tea and coffee.
Some important activities that can lead to gas producing situations are not having food on time or maintaining odd hours of eating, eating too fast or not chewing food enough and drinking fluids while eating. Talking or drinking while eating causes air to be swallowed and consequent release of gas. Maintaining a simple record of dietary intake and discomforting situations will help track down foods that are causing gas. Avoid such foods and exercise moderately to eat and live healthy.