Our bodies produce gas as a part of their everyday activity. As we eat, we swallow some air. In addition, the colon produces gas as it breaks down certain foods as we digest.
Gas is not normally painful as long as it passes through the body. A bubble of trapped gas may cause mild to severe stomach pain. A number of issues may cause stomach pain and gas.
Here are some of the common causes:
Constipation, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), swallowed air, and carbonated beverages are all possible causes.
Symptoms of gas pain can range from generalized to cramp-like. More localized pain or waves may indicate another issue. Some women experience more gas at certain times of their cycles. Hormones may influence both digestion and sensitivity to gas.
Remedies and Treatments for Stomach Pain and Gas
Many stomach pain and gas are self-healing, but you may take steps to ease discomfort and prevent future gas pain.
Try these Herbal Remedies
Peppermint and peppermint oil are the most effective digestive aids, but other foods may also help. In one study, Chinese herbal formulae outperformed placebos in soothing IBS symptoms. Commonly included ingredients are Tangerine peel, Cardamom, Licorice root, Rhubarb.
Pass Gas
The only way to get rid of gas is to pass it. Don’t hold it in. If you’re worried about odor, try reducing foods that contain sulfur-producing compounds such as broccoli, cabbage, and beer.
Working-out
Working out can help prevent constipation and gas pain. Even just getting up and moving around will help. The body retains more gas when supine (lying faced upwards)
Take an over-the-counter remedy
There is a limited amount of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness, but many people claim to have experienced it. The most popular remedies for immediate symptoms are activated charcoal and simethicone (Gas X, Gas Relief).
Avoid these Unhealthy Habits
Habits that can make you swallow more air and lead to more gas include:
Smoking
Eating too quickly
Chewing gum or sucking on candy
Consuming a lot of carbonation
Drinking through a straw
Wearing ill-fitting dentures
Try to add apple cider vinegar to the water
Apple cider vinegar aids the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. It may also help to alleviate gas pain quickly.
Add a tablespoon of the vinegar to a glass of water and drink it before meals to prevent gas pain and bloating. It is important to then rinse the mouth with water, as vinegar can erode tooth enamel.
Consume these foods with care
The following foods are known to produce gas, so consume them with care:
High-fiber foods
Fruits and sweets rich in fructose
Sorbitol
Dairy products, which contain lactose
Cruciferous vegetables
Stomach Massage
A gentle self-massage can help ease pressure and cramping associated with gas and may even help relieve constipation. Rub your fingers in a small circular motion, moving clockwise and traveling up the right side of your stomach and down the left.
When to See a Doctor
While most cases of stomach pain and gas can be treated at home, you should talk to your doctor if you are worried. You should also consult your doctor if:
Your pain lasts more than a couple of days
Stomach gas and pain remain well after an immediate cause, such as constipation, is relieved
Potential causes of more enduring gas pain include celiac disease and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). If you suspect you may have celiac disease, pay attention to your gluten intake to discover whether pain changes accordingly.