Flatulence (Intestinal Gas): Overview of causes and treatment

Flatulence is the medical term for expulsion of intestinalgases through the rectum. It occurs when excess gases build up in the intestines and the rest of the digestive tract. These gases are then transported out of the body through the rectum and this condition is nothing but flatulence. There can be a number of reasons responsible for flatulence and bloating, the most common being the chemical reaction between certain foods we eat that stimulate the production of excess gas in the intestine. Flatulence is a part of digestion and is a perfectly normal condition. However, excessive flatulence can be the cause of a lot of discomfort and may call for medical intervention. Chronic flatulence can sometimes be a result of some underlying medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and other digestive disorders.

What are the causes of flatulence?

There can be several reasons that can cause flatulence. Swallowing excess air and the breakdown of certain undigested food that is not digested naturally can result in excessive gas and bloating. Foods that are difficult to digest, such as starch and fibres, pass in the undigested form, from the small intestine into the large intestine. When this undigested food reaches the large intestine, a number of intestinal bacteria act upon it and produce several gases. These gases exit the body through the rectum resulting in flatulence. Other conditions responsible for bloating and flatulence include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, fat malabsorption, and constipation. Gastroenteritis, colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and some other digestive disorders may also have flatulence as one of their symptoms.

What are the treatment options for flatulence?

Flatulence is a normal digestive condition and does not require any treatment. There are several natural treatment options that can be used to prevent excessive gas and bloating. Every person's body reacts in a different way to different foods. Certain foods may trigger flatulence in your case but a friend of yours may enjoy the same foods without any discomfort. So, the most important thing to do is to identify your gas trigger foods and avoid them. This list of foods that cause bloating can help you in doing so. Simple changes in the diet and lifestyle can help in preventing this condition to a great extent.

• If you are affected by excessive flatulence, you should avoid overeating and go for smaller meals that are easy on the stomach.
• Simple exercises such as brisk walking and jogging can provide great comfort and relief.
• If lactose intolerance is the cause for this condition in your case, remove all dairy products from your diet for some days to assess the effect on flatulence.
• Ginger and lemon juice works wonders for relieving bloating and is commonly used as a flatulence remedy. Some other home remedies for flatulence include cinnamon, basil, garlic, nutmeg, fennel seeds, cumin, and coriander.
• Drinking tea made with chamomile, fennel, caraway, dill, or peppermint after a meal also proves as a great flatulence cure.

These were some home remedies to prevent bloating andflatulence. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that are effective in treating flatulence. Antacids and certain digestive enzymes are the most common non-prescription remedies used to curb flatulence and bloating. They are available in both chewable forms as well as in the liquid form. Medications containing digestive enzymes may prove useful for those affected by flatulence problems due to lactose intolerance. Probiotics encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive system and can improve digestion, thus, reducing the problem of stomach bloating and gas. Another common over-the-counter medication that is believed to be effective against this condition is charcoal tablets. Charcoal absorbs the gas from the digestive system and thus reduces symptoms of flatulence. However, charcoal tablets should be avoided if you are taking any other medications.

One more thing that can help in relieving the symptoms is drinking plenty of water as it aids in the process of digestion. However, you must consult the doctor as soon as possible, if the symptoms of this condition persist for long and none of the remedies seem to be working.

Flatulence (Intestinal Gas): Overview of causes and treatment

Flatulence is the medical term for expulsion of intestinal gases through the rectum. It occurs when excess gases build up in the intestines and the rest of the digestive tract. These gases are then transported out of the body through the rectum and this condition is nothing but flatulence. There can be a number of reasons responsible for flatulence and bloating, the most common being the chemical reaction between certain foods we eat that stimulate the production of excess gas in the intestine. Flatulence is a part of digestion and is a perfectly normal condition. However, excessive flatulence can be the cause of a lot of discomfort and may call for medical intervention. Chronic flatulence can sometimes be a result of some underlying medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and other digestive disorders.

What are the causes of flatulence?

There can be several reasons that can cause flatulence. Swallowing excess air and the breakdown of certain undigested food that is not digested naturally can result in excessive gas and bloating. Foods that are difficult to digest, such as starch and fibres, pass in the undigested form, from the small intestine into the large intestine. When this undigested food reaches the large intestine, a number of intestinal bacteria act upon it and produce several gases. These gases exit the body through the rectum resulting in flatulence. Other conditions responsible for bloating and flatulence include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, fat malabsorption, and constipation. Gastroenteritis, colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and some other digestive disorders may also have flatulence as one of their symptoms.

What are the treatment options for flatulence?

Flatulence is a normal digestive condition and does not require any treatment. There are several natural treatment options that can be used to prevent excessive gas and bloating. Every person's body reacts in a different way to different foods. Certain foods may trigger flatulence in your case but a friend of yours may enjoy the same foods without any discomfort. So, the most important thing to do is to identify your gas trigger foods and avoid them. This list of foods that cause bloating can help you in doing so. Simple changes in the diet and lifestyle can help in preventing this condition to a great extent.

• If you are affected by excessive flatulence, you should avoid overeating and go for smaller meals that are easy on the stomach.
• Simple exercises such as brisk walking and jogging can provide great comfort and relief.
• If lactose intolerance is the cause for this condition in your case, remove all dairy products from your diet for some days to assess the effect on flatulence.
• Ginger and lemon juice works wonders for relieving bloating and is commonly used as a flatulence remedy. Some other home remedies for flatulence include cinnamon, basil, garlic, nutmeg, fennel seeds, cumin, and coriander.
• Drinking tea made with chamomile, fennel, caraway, dill, or peppermint after a meal also proves as a great flatulence cure.

These were some home remedies to prevent bloating and flatulence. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that are effective in treating flatulence. Antacids and certain digestive enzymes are the most common non-prescription remedies used to curb flatulence and bloating. They are available in both chewable forms as well as in the liquid form. Medications containing digestive enzymes may prove useful for those affected by flatulence problems due to lactose intolerance. Probiotics encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive system and can improve digestion, thus, reducing the problem of stomach bloating and gas. Another common over-the-counter medication that is believed to be effective against this condition is charcoal tablets. Charcoal absorbs the gas from the digestive system and thus reduces symptoms of flatulence. However, charcoal tablets should be avoided if you are taking any other medications.

One more thing that can help in relieving the symptoms is drinking plenty of water as it aids in the process of digestion. However, you must consult the doctor as soon as possible, if the symptoms of this condition persist for long and none of the remedies seem to be working.

Eat fruits to get a flat tummy

Apart from working out in the gym, healthy diet also plays a vital role in getting flat abs. There is a saying; Abs are made in the kitchen not in the gym. Maybe we are doing many abdominal exercises, but, what gives shape to our tummy is a diet full of nutrients. Eating certain foods helps us to achieve our fitness goals faster and aids in reducing bloating and slim down body.

Here are some foods that will burn your tummy and make your belly flat.

1. Apple

• Apples are loaded with essential antioxidants, dietary fiber and falavanoids. Apple reduces the risk of heart diseases, cancer, hypertension and diabetes.
• Pectin fiber present in apple is a natural fat burner. Polyphenosis found in an apple makes it, low in sugar and calories.
• An apple is a daily snack for flat abs, research shows that people who eat an apple daily reduces excessive weight much faster.
• Caffeine present in an apple provides more energy for your core out. Eat an apple, every time before workout.

2. Berries

• Fibers present in the berries traps the food particles and flush the harmful toxins out of your body before they proliferate in your internal system.   
• Berries are rich in antioxidants, boost your immunity and digestive system, and keeps blood sugar and stomach bloating under control.
• Eating strawberries, raspberries and blue berries improve blood flow in your body and help muscle contract more effectively. 

3. Nuts

• Nuts like almonds, pistachios, walnut and cashews provide all round health benefits to your body. Eating these nuts maintains the level of daily protein intake.
• A handful of almonds are a healthy way to get essential daily fats in your body. You can add nuts to your morning breakfast, evening snack or make a milkshake of it.
• Nuts provide you with high levels of fiber and help combating against indigestion, bloating, constipation and other diseases related to the digestive system.

4. Eggs

• Eggs are an abundant source of protein, amino acid present in the egg is responsible for the development of muscle fiber.
• Eating eggs in the breakfast keep you energized throughout the day. Eggs have some unique feature which makes them weight loss friendly.
• A large egg contains about only 80 calories only, but is full of healthy nutrients.

5. Yogurt

• Yogurt is one of the best sources of calcium and keeps your digestive system healthy. 
• The probiotics present in the yogurt reduces the chance of constipation, bloating and gas and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria for better motions.
• Yogurt is catalyst in the burning of fat and promotes weight loss.

6. Fish

• Eating seafood, especially salmon fish increases the rate of metabolism in your body; eating fish also lowers down your cravings for unhealthy food.
• Salmon and tuna fish are a major source of omega-3 fatty acids and besides making your metabolism more efficient, it also improves the glucose insulin response.
• One can also take fish oil capsules to for muscle building and weight loss.

You can get rid of bloating- Here’s how

A bloated stomach is recipe of various health-related complications. Minimising the intake of salt and concentrating on a potassium-rich fibre diet can help in getting a flat stomach, say gastroenterologists. Here are some invaluable tips to prevent bloating.

Reduce salt in your diet

Taking more than required salt is a contributing factor towards developing bloating. Doctors recommend 1500 mg of salt intake every day. It’s better to put off salt from your dinner table and limit the amount while cooking. Avoid ready meals, salads with dressings and meticulously fast food that’s made up of rich spices. Don’t over-indulge in instant-cooking oats, ketchups, canned foods, salted nuts etc.

Add more fibre in your diet

Consuming a diet enriched with soluble and insoluble fibre is a great way to eradicate bloating that’s accompanied by constipation. Oranges, cabbage, bran flakes, peas, apples, banana, raspberries, mushrooms all are fibre rich foods, which when taken in right amounts can prevent scores of gastrointestinal problems. But avoid too much of these as it can prove counterproductive.

Concentrate on potassium-rich foods

Sodium helps body retain water and potassium rids of excess water. Eating bananas and sweet potatoes can help reduce your waistline. But make to have them in right quantities or else you can become fat too.

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water ensures fibre can do its job valiantly. Lack of water in the body will increase the levels of sodium and potassium. Water constitutes about 60% of a human body weight and when it is in its purest form, no other beverage can beat it. Drink plenty of water before heading towards a gym session. At workplace, keep a bottle with you and fill it every time when it’s about to finish.

Avoid Heavy Foods

Turn away from foods that put extra pressure on your digestive system such as sugary or fatty foods. They create digestive stress. Instead ponder on whole foods and vegetables to heal the digestive system.

Artificial sweeteners

Consult any expert gastroenterologist and he’ll tell you how difficult it is for the stomach to digest artificial sweeteners found mainly in low-carbs and sugar-free foods. They contain bacteria which get stuck in the large intestine causing gas and bloating. Instead of artificial sweeteners, eat grapes, honey, dry fruits, organic jiggery which are not only mouth-watering but also extremely healthy.