Relieve Flatulence With Alternative Remedies

Flatulence occurs when "flatus" or gases from your intestines get passed through your rectum. Causes for flatulence include lactose intolerance, too much intake of fiber, some prescription medications, celiac disease, constipation, intestinal bacteria, irritable bowel syndrome, colon disorders, swallowing too much air and dyspepsia. If you are flatulent, you may experience symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, bloating and emission of foul-smelling gas from the rectum. This can cause physical discomfort, as well as create embarrassing social situations. If you want to solve this problem, there are alternative remedies that might be able to offer you some relief.

Instructions

1. Make note of the foods that seem to trigger flatulence. Dairy products can contribute to the problem, if you are lactose intolerant. Beans, broccoli, citrus fruits, apples, pears, bran and other fiber-rich foods can also cause gas. You may need to cut back on the foods that bother you the most.

2. Use activated charcoal powder when you get too gassy. Carefully stir 3 tablespoons in a glass of distilled water and drink it down. It doesn't taste particularly pleasant, but it does ease flatulence. Activated charcoal can get very messy, so be very careful when using it to keep it from ruining your clothes. Do not use activated charcoal if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, suffer from intestinal problems, have had surgery in recent weeks or are allergic to activated charcoal. If you are on prescription medications, speak with your doctor before taking activated charcoal.

3. Chew a few fennel seeds to reduce cramping and gas. Fennel aids in improved digestion and keeps flatulence at bay. Fennel seeds come from an aromatic plant commonly grown in Asia and Europe. You should not eat them if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have estrogen-dependent cancer or take ciprofloxacin, a drug used to treat bacterial infections.

4. Mix together a teaspoon of lime juice with a teaspoon of powdered ginger and take it when you experience flatulence and gas pains. Ginger comes from the stem of a plant called zingiber officinale that originates in India and is used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Ginger has long been used to treat digestive disorders. Avoid ginger if you are on blood thinners or are on an aspirin regimen. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, suffer from a digestive disorder or are on another type of prescription drug, ask your doctor if you can safely take ginger.

5. Eat yogurt, but make certain that it contains live culture acidophilus. The live cultures in acidophilus are what propels fermentation and turns pasteurized milk into yogurt. This good bacteria can help ease bloating and gas. Consider eating yogurt on a regular basis to prevent flatulence from occurring. You should not eat yogurt if you take ciprofloxacin, as there may be an adverse reaction.

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