- A drop or two may do.
peppermint, or ginger
extract mixed in a cup of water has been used for years as a home remedy for gas, says Dr.
Gossel. "It's been around for years and years," he says, adding that the
chemicals in the extracts presumably relax the muscles of the esophagus, allowing trapped
gas to escape. You can buy any of these extracts at most health food stores
|
| Don't fear fiber. If you're improving your diet with food
like apples, apricots, bananas, beans, brussels sprouts, cabbage, citrus fruits, celery,
eggplant, onions, potatoes, prunes, radishes and raisins, you may have found that you're
getting more bang for your buck than you bargained for—literally. But don't let a
little noise keep you from eating these important, healthy foods. Just be aware that gas
comes with the territory, says Dr. Gossel. As your body gets used to digesting more fiber,
gas will become less of a problem. |
| Cut needless flatulence foods. While you never want to
sacrifice nutrients, some foods do cause more gas than others. Here, from Dr. Gossel, are
some of the more prolific gas producers (many of which are not nutritional necessities):
bacon, bagels, bran, corn chips, fruit juice, gelatin desserts, graham crackers, pastries,
pretzels, popcorn, potato chips and wheat germ. |
| Eat like a bird. Eating frequent small meals rather than a
few large ones apparently also reduces the amount of bacteria in the stomach, creating
less gas, says Dr. Gossel. |
| Make Lactaid your aid. If you're lactose intolerant, the
sugar in milk is difficult for you to digest. If that's the case, Dr. Gossel says to try
products made specifically for the lactose intolerant that have a special enzyme to break
down the sugar. Lactase is an enzyme necessary to digest the milk sugar lactose. 70%
of the world's population, have difficulty in digesting dairy products. Symptoms include
gas, bloating, intestinal discomfort, cramps and/or diarrhea after eating dairy products
With all natural lactase enzyme you can enjoy dairy foods
again, everyday, without discomfort. |
| Check out activated charcoal. Available in most
health food stores, activated charcoal is a detoxifier that
contains an ingredient that helps prevent gas from forming, says Alan R. Gaby, M.D., a
Baltimore physician and president of the American Holistic Medical Association.
"You'll have to experiment whether to take it before meals or after, but it has
worked well for our patients," he says. Don't use it for more than two weeks unless
you're under medical supervision. |
| Try Licorice. The historical use of Licorice for the treatment of stomach disorders has
prompted investigation into the anti-ulcer properties of this herb. Therapeutic effects
were described by the ancient physician herbalists, Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder, for a
variety of conditions including throat and upper respiratory irritation, mucous
expectoration and gastric disorders. |
| Pass the Beano. There's no need to fear the effects of beans
with this product on the market, says Dr. Gossel. Beano is a liquid enzyme, a chemical
that digests. Putting a few drops on your beans before you eat them helps break down their
fiber, preventing excess gas. |
| Write it down. If you're concerned about the amount of gas
you're having, keep track of the problem by writing down each occurrence and the meal that
preceded it. If you see a pattern, eliminate one of the foods that may be causing the
problem for a few days and see if it makes a difference, says Dr. Gossel. |
| See your doctor. If you have gas and abdominal pain or
weight loss, you may have a condition that needs medical attention—such as an ulcer
or gallstones. |
|
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Product Recommendations |
|
- Licorice flavonoids help
inhibit acid secretion, Increases blood flow to gastric mucosal cells, Promotes secretion
of the protective mucosa, Promotes the growth and activity of mucosal cells, Safe, de-
glycyrrhizinated licorice extract.
-
|
 |
- Natural Gastrointestinal Comfort Pepogest
Peppermint Oil help sooth the action on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Help with gas,
bloating, cramps, and nausea.
|
|
May help relieve the body during periods of occasional
gastrointestinal distress, such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and ""stuffed
feelings"" which can occur after eating. Used in acute poisoning due to Charcoal's
ability to neutralize poison. Activated Charcoal is listed in the United States
Pharmacopoeia. The Poison Control Center recommends it for use in poisoning. |
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