Gas formation or flatulence after meals is a common problem among people of all age groups. Gas formation is caused due to various reasons, such as over eating, eating high fat foods, going to bed immediately after meals or it may be caused due to side effects of certain medicines like pain killers. Eating fast and talking while eating can also cause gas because you tend to swallow air while doing it. Gas can cause a lot of discomfort in the abdomen and sometimes it is accompanied by abdominal pain. Passing the gas in public can put you in an embarrassing position too. To treat gas problem you need to look into the reasons first and then make the required changes in your eating habits.
Natural Remedies For Gas
Eat your Food Slowly
Chew your food properly and slowly so that the digestive juices are mixed with food and the food is easily digested. By eating slowly you can prevent extra air from being swallowed along with your food. You should also eat with your mouth closed for the same reason. This is the simplest natural remedy for gas and it is a part of eating etiquettes too.
Do Not Talk While Eating
Talking while eating is considered bad manners and it is also one of the causes of gas problem. You swallow a lot of extra air if you keep talking while eating and the air causes bloating and flatulence in the abdomen.
Prevent Constipation
Constipation is one of the factors for gas problem. You should include high fibre foods like whole grains, lentils, barley and green leafy vegetables in your diet to regulate bowel movement. Avoid foods that contain starch and refined flour products like white bread, pasta, pizza etc. to prevent constipation and to treat gas problem. Certain vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, beans, cabbage, radish etc. promote gas; avoid eating these food items.
Ginger
Add ginger to your dishes as it helps to relieve gas and flatulence. Soak ginger juliennes in lemon juice with a pinch of salt and chew it after meals. Grate ½ inch piece of ginger, add a few drops of honey and eat it 15 minutes prior to meals to aid digestion.
Asafoetida
Asafoetida is commonly used in cooking, especially in Indian cooking. Asafoetida aids digestion and prevents gas, bloating and flatulence after meals. Add a pinch of asafoetida in dal and vegetables to treat gas problem. Fry ¼ teaspoon of asafoetida powder in 1 teaspoon ghee and eat it with meals twice a day.
Fennel Seeds
Dry roast fennel seeds on a girdle till light brown. Chew ½ tea spoon of fennel after meals to prevent gas formation.
Mint
Mint contains digestive properties. Take 25 grams mint juice; add 1 tablespoon honey and half glass water to it. Drink it in the morning to strengthen your digestive system and to treat gas problem.
Ajwain
Ajwain helps to expel gas in form of burp or through rectum. Mix 6 grams Ajwain with 1 gram rock salt powder and swallow it with half glass of warm water to treat gas naturally. Add Ajwain to your soups and chapattis to prevent gas formation.
