Is Too Much Flatulence Bothering You? Although having gas is common, it can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing at times. Gas is eliminated either by burping (belching) or passing it through the rectum (flatulence). Half to two liters is produced normally in adults and may pass up to 14 times a day on an average. But the condition can be really bad for some individuals -one study noted a person who expelled gas 140 times daily, with 70 passages in a period of just four hours. Although every one has gas, why do some suffer from it more than others? The answer lies either in the biological conditions of their gastrointestinal tract or in their eating habits. The most effective homeopathic remedies for gas include Carbo Veg, Lycopodium, China, and Nux Vomica.
Gas mainly develops from two sources –
1. The air that is swallowed in with food while eating.
2. As a part of the normal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestine.
Homeopathic Remedies for Gas and Bloating
Homeopathy can be a great help for those who suffer from this problem of excessive gas. Here are some remedies with their indications:
1. Carbo Veg – Effective Remedy for Gas
Carbo Veg as a natural medicine for excessive gas is suitable for nearly every symptom associated with gas, belching, flatulence, pains and extreme bloating. It is indicated in cases of excessive gas formation and when everything (even the simplest of food) that is eaten seems to get converted into gas. The key indications for using Carbo Veg is gas in the upper abdomen, gas that seems to get worse upon lying down, sour or putrid belching and waterbrash after eating, and complaints of obstructive flatulency (pains around heart, abdomen or anywhere) that are relieved by passing gas.
2. Lycopodium – For Bloating in the Lower Abdomen
Lycopodium is a plant remedy prepared from a plant named club moss. The natural order of this plant is Lycopodiaceae. Lycopodium as a remedy is highly useful in cases of gas where the involvement of the lower abdomen is more pronounced. Stomach feels full and distended soon after eating even a little quantity of food. This is attended with a complaint of a constant feeling of fermentation in the abdomen. Rumbling of gas in the abdomen is also well marked. Noisy flatulence may be passed in most cases. Constrictive or burning pain in the abdomen and excessive gas during the evening are also treated well with Lycopodium. Lycopodium is also effective for gas and bloating in babies with a colicky abdomen.
3. China – For Trapped Gas and Bloating in Abdomen
China is a useful remedy prepared from Peruvian dried bark. It belongs to the family Rubiaceae. China is indicated in cases when there is gas in the entire abdomen, causing excessive bloating. Gas in the abdomen is felt for a long time after meals. Digestion is weak and slow. Flatulent colic or constrictive pain in the abdomen may be present in most cases. Belching of bitter nature or tasting like that of food and vomiting of undigested food are other symptoms indicative of this remedy.
4. Asafoetida – For Bloating with Burping
Asafoetida is very suitable for treating excessive gas in the abdomen accompanied by loud burping. The gas tends to push upwards, and loud burps appear forcibly with difficulty. The burps have a foul smell. A bad taste in the mouth is present, and the abdomen feels full and greatly distended with colic. There appears a sensation as if the abdomen would burst. Gurgling and rolling of flatus is present in the abdomen, and a pulsation may be felt in the pit of the stomach.
5. Raphanus – For Natural Gas Relief
Raphanus is prepared from the fresh root of Black Garden Radish. It belongs to the natural order Cruciferae. Raphanus is prominently indicated for gas that is obstructed in the abdomen. The gas accumulates and is retained in the abdomen. It neither pushes upwards nor downwards. Abdomen gets enlarged, inflated and distended. Griping pain around the navel is felt. Any pressure on the abdomen is unbearable. A burning sensation in the abdomen, stomach pain, and intense nausea may also be present.
6. Colocynth – For Gastric Problems
Colocynth is prepared from the pulp of the fruit of plant named “Bitter Cucumber.” The natural order of this plant is Cucurbitaceae. Use of Colocynth is considered in cases of gas with abdominal pain. The pain may be cutting, colicky or cramping in nature. Bending over double and putting pressure helps relieve the pain. Exercise or discharging gas may also ease the colic in some cases. Along with pain, constant rumbling and croaking, and nausea and vomiting may be present.
7. Nux Vomica – Effective Homeopathic Medicine for Gas with Constipation
Nux Vomica is highly beneficial for treating gas trouble with constipation. The abdomen is sensitive to pressure. Bloating is noted a few hours after eating. Loud rumbling and gurgling arise from gas. There is marked constipation even with a frequent ineffectual urge to pass stool. Other symptoms indicative of this remedy include heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, sour belching, sour vomiting. Nux Vomica also suits those who are more affected by the gas problem because of excessive consumption of alcohol and or fatty food.
The Formation of Gas in Our Abdomen
When the digestive system is not able to digest certain carbohydrates (like sugar starches and fiber found in many foods) due to shortage or absence of certain enzymes, these undigested carbohydrates (when they reach large intestines) are broken down by harmless bacteria to produce gas (carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane). This gas formation increases in people who suffer from lactose intolerance (carbohydrate intolerance).
Though the symptoms are usually bloating, abdominal pain, belching, and flatulence, not everyone experiences all of them. The amount of gas produced and the sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract to the gas determines the kind and the intensity of the symptoms. For example, bloating in the abdomen is not produced by excessive gas, it is usually the result of an intestinal disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The cause of IBS is unknown but may involve abnormal movements and contractions of intestinal muscles and increased pain sensitivity in the intestine. These disorders may give a sensation of bloating because of increased sensitivity to gas.
Managing Problems with Gas
1. Following a simple diet and lifestyle changes can help to reduce gastrointestinal gas and relieve symptoms. These include eating slowly, chewing the food thoroughly, being relaxed while eating and not swallowing excessive air while eating.
2. It is also important to eat food that suits you. Certain foods like beans, vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, fruits, such as apples, and peaches, whole grains, soft drinks, and fruit drink, milk and milk products, tend to cause gas.
3. Exercising regularly helps improve digestion and it is advisable to walk for 10-15 minutes after consuming a meal.