Gas and Abdominal Pain: Ways for Relief
Gas build-up in your digestive system is a normal part of the digestive process; everyone passes gas. If you've ever experienced a sharp pain in your stomach and felt as though your waistline was expanding beyond possibility, then you've probably been experiencing abdominal pain due to gas build-up. This can be incredibly painful, and if you've found yourself in a position you're probably experiencing gas build-up and hoping for relief. Gas is a natural byproduct of the bacteria in your intestines, which break down the starches, sugars, and fibers when you eat food. This usually isn't anything serious or life-threatening, but that doesn't mean it isn't painful and can have you experiencing discomfort. Gas is typically eliminated through burping or passing it through the rectum (flatulence), and it's usually enough to give you some relief. An increase in gas in your digestive system may be from eating food known to produce gas in your system.
If you've been experiencing gas and abdominal pain, then have no fear because, in this article, we will cover everything on gas and abdominal pain and the ways you can seek relief.
Causes of Gas in The Digestive Tract
A couple of sources cause gas in the digestive system:
Swallowing air. Swallowing air is one of the most common causes of gas in the digestive system. Typically, this is caused without you even noticing by chewing gum, smoking, or eating. It's even possible to swallow too much air if you wear ill-fitting dentures. The most common way people release swallowed air is through their mouth by belching. The remaining gas is absorbed into the small intestine and then goes to the large intestine, where it's released by passing gas through the rectum.
Bacteria. Gas is mainly caused by bacteria in the large intestine. Your body can't break down some sugars, starches, and fibers, and this can cause gas. Usually, these foods are beans, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and grains. Typically, when food isn't able to be digested in the stomach and small intestine, it's broken down in the large intestine, and then the gut bacteria produces gas during digestion. This is the main cause of gas.
Ways To Relieve Gas Pain
Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the best ways to relieve gas pain is by drinking apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can help fight the bacteria in the intestine, which is causing abdominal gas accumulation and the main cause of the discomfort you're experiencing. Instead of drinking the apple cider vinegar straight, diluting it in water, tea, or juice is best. Drink it right before you eat to reduce discomfort and provide relief.
Exercise
It might seem simple, but one of the ways you can relieve gas pain is by exercising. Something as simple as walking after eating can help ease your discomfort considerably. Try exercising, even if it's just a little, when experiencing gas and abdominal pain. Running or jump roping can help you to expel the gas if you're in pain.
Peppermint
It's been shown that peppermint, whether drinking tea or using supplements, can help to relieve abdominal pain. It's also been shown that peppermint can help considerably with irritable bowel syndrome. With peppermint tea for gas, drinking a cup before every meal is usually recommended.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is another helpful solution for discomfort relief from gas and indigestion. This works the same as peppermint tea, and it's recommended to take one cup before every meal and at bedtime to experience relief.
Cloves
Cloves are commonly used in cooking, making it easy to incorporate them into your everyday routine to help reduce gas. Cloves work by producing digestive enzymes, and you can either incorporate them into your meals or add a few drops to water and drink them after eating.
Change of Diet
Many times, gas is simply caused by what you eat, so a diet change can help alleviate your symptoms. Suppose you're eating a lot of food high in fat or fiber, beans, lentils, and carbonated beverages. Keep track of what you eat and what causes gas, and then you can work to eliminate these foods with a diet change.
When To Seek Help
It's rare that gas is a medical emergency or requires serious help, but sometimes it can escalate, and when accompanied by specific symptoms, it is necessary to seek medical help. Colon cancer can be a fear, and if you're seeing any symptoms of color cancer, you want to talk to your doctor. You also want to look for warning symptoms such as loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, blood stool, or severe abdominal pain.
