Controlling Intestinal Gas Naturally
Intestinal gas, flatulence, farting or breaking wind is a
natural part of the digestive process. This odorless gas,
although at times embarrassing, is the result of good digestion.
Every day our body produces one to three pints of gas that is
ultimately passed. Intestinal gas is made up of oxygen,
nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane. If we notice an
unpleasant smell, it is because the gas contains other
compounds, including hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.
Bacterium that lives in our intestinal tract is what produces
most intestinal gas. It digests the food we eat; primarily
sugars, starches and cellulose. When ingested sugars are not
been properly broken down, they can ferment and produce gas as
they pass through the small intestine. Contractions of the small
intestine propel this gas through the large intestine, where it
is expelled out the rectum. This prevents gas from accumulating
in the body, which can cause cramping.
Certain foods produce more gas then others. Some healthy foods
such as fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, beans and peas often are
the worst offenders. These foods are high in soluble fiber.
Fiber slows the digestion of starches in the small intestine,
thus promoting increased gas. Fiber, however, has many benefits
including promoting a healthy digestive tract, regulating our
blood sugar and maintaining normal cholesterol levels.
Normally we pass gas about fourteen times a day. Intestinal gas
is only considered excessive if it is being passed over twenty
times per day. If someone complains of excessive gas, but isn't
passing it over twenty times a day, then something else may be
going on. Perhaps the real concern is the foul odor to their
gas, an inability to hold gas back, or even a problem with
soiling their undergarments when gas is being passed. Thankfully
there are a number of natural, alternative health remedies we
can try which may help to reduce or eliminate the embarrassment
of intestinal gas from our lives.
Recommendations For Wellness
Avoid foods such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, coffee,
eggs, fish, prunes, radishes, dates, figs - or artificial
sweeteners like sorbitol - which can promote gas production.
Limit high fat foods. Fats slow the digestion of foods through
the stomach and small intestine.
Avoid milk and milk products, especially if you suspect you are
lactose intolerant.
Try taking a digestive enzyme or digestive bitter tonic before
meals to help improve carbohydrate digestion.
Activated charcoal tablets, when taken before a meal, have been
shown to greatly reduce gas formation.
Ginger, either fresh or in tablet form, is useful in relieving
flatulence.
Catnip and fennel are herbs that are often used to ease bloating
and reduce intestinal gas.
Nature's Sunshine's Anti-Gas Formula contains a blend of herbs
that assist the body's efforts to expel gas.
Supplementation with probiotics such as acidophilus and
bifidophilus supports healthy bacteria in the digestive tract
and keeps gas-producing bacteria in check.