There are certain times when you just can’t stop eating, no matter how hard you control yourself. When your favorite food is in front of you, you can’t help but eat a little bit too much. Next thing you know, you are experiencing indigestion. When you are too full and your digestive system functions improperly, indigestion occurs. Along with indigestion, there is also a possibility that you have excessive gas in the stomach and you might also experience bloating.

Gas occurs when there is too much air that has been taken in in the process of chewing or even by swallowing. Bloating is a swelling in the abdomen and your stomach feels bulky due to the excessive or slight increase in the abdominal area. Both are caused by too much intake of spicy and fatty foods, refined sugar, fried dishes, and processed foods. Excessive consumption of foods such as apples, cabbage, beans, corn, onion, oats, potatoes, and most dairy products, such as milk and cheese, are also some of the possible causes.

Though having excess gas and experiencing bloating are not really serious health conditions, these can be potential sources of inconvenience and embarrassment, most especially if you are in a social gathering or a public area. Once you are experiencing these, it will make you feel uncomfortable, too. You might not want anyone to smell – or worst, hear – when your excess gas is let out. However, you do not necessarily have to totally avoid the foods taht cause these conditions just so you will not have indigestion, gas, and bloating. There are a number of natural remedies for you to get rid of them, as well as to get rid of embarrassment and discomfort.

1. Activated charcoal. Before eating, take a charcoal supplement so that it can assist in relieving gas and bloating even before they start to act up. Charcoal is known to be effective in taking away the excess air and it also helps in the absorption of toxins from the body. In addition, activated charcoal also lessens the odor when the gases are being let out.

2. Fennel. Chew fennel seeds or make a tea out of it by pouring crushed fennel seeds into a glass of boiling water. You can also apply fennel oil and massage it unto your stomach to help relieve the pain. Through fennel seeds, your digestion is improved and your stomach is soothed. Moreover, it also helps in the body’s natural release of gas.

3. Caraway Seeds. Add caraway seeds to foods that are believed to cause gas since these seeds ease excessive air and they also help in stimulating proper digestion. Caraway seeds are also known to help ease indigestion and cramping.

4. Ginger. This is very helpful when it comes to easing gas and bloating. It helps in taking away the excess gas in the intestines. You can either drink ginger tea or eat fresh grated ginger. Before meals, you can also mix it in your food for gas relief.

5. Garlic. Garlic helps in stimulating digestion. Fresh garlic is known to bring best results. You can also make a garlic soup or take garlic supplements. Garlic helps in relieving the intestines from gases that were trapped there. Aside from decreasing the gas in the intestines, garlic is also an effective aid in the improvement of metabolism and in eliminating toxins as well. Garlic also has qualities which help in stimulating the gastric fire.

6. Hot Water. You can drink plain hot water or pour crushed fennel seeds and make tea out of it. Drink a half glass of hot water and drink it as hot as you can possibly take. The hot water, once taken in, provides a soothing feeling especially in the stomach part. The hot water also aids in letting out the gas through burping.

7. Peppermint Oil. Make two drops of this oil on a cold or hot water and drink it at least once a day. One of the primary contents of peppermint is menthol which helps in relieving and soothing the digestive muscles. It provides a cooling feeling in the stomach and also eases the discomfort.

8. Dandelion Tea. The dandelion tea is a great remedy since it soothes the discomfort and pains brought about by gas and bloating. It is also known to relieve gas. You might also want to add dandelions to your meals.

9. Dill Pickle. Drink pickle juice, about a teaspoonful, or take a dill pickle.  You may also put a drop of dill oil in a teaspoon of honey after meal. It helps in relaxing your muscles in the digestive tract and it gives way for gases to pass.

10. Exercise. After eating, you should try to take a few walks instead of sitting down or lying immediately. A little exercise helps the gas move faster in the system and also contributes to improving the digestion process. Another exercise is to lie down and move your legs in the air on a bicycle motion, bringing your left leg to your chest and the right leg afterwards. Do this for a minimum of 5 times, but not after eating. Through this, the trapped gas is eliminated. You may also lie down on the left side of your body since it is said to make the gas move faster.

You can also prevent yourself from having gas and experiencing bloating through chewing your food well, decreasing stress, and by avoiding over-eating. You must practice eating regularly; not skipping meals. Make sure you have healthy eating habits. Watch your fiber intake. Make sure you have regular bowel movements. Moreover, try to avoid chewing gum, smoking, drinking using a straw, and talking while eating since these can add extra air into the digestive tract. Another means of avoiding gas and bloating is by drinking lots of fluid such as water, not carbonated drinks. By taking lots of fluid, the toxins are being flushed out and the digestion process is improved.

 If the mentioned remedies do not work, you better go and see your doctor immediately.

Sources
naturalnews.com
home-remedies-for-you.com
yogawiz.com
practicenaturalcures.com