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What are the Best Remedies for Flatulence?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Some of the best remedies for flatulence include charcoal tablets, peppermint tea, and lactase supplements. For many, however, prevention of flatulence may be easier and more effective than trying to treat it after it has developed. Some people may attempt to prevent it by making changes in their diets and avoiding drinking beverages through straws or chewing gum. It is important, however, to understand that most people pass gas several times per day. Treatment isn’t usually necessary, but a person may turn to remedies for flatulence to get rid of excessive or painful gas.

One of the best remedies for flatulence is activated charcoal. When a person chews activated charcoal tablets before and after consuming a meal, the charcoal may help to absorb excess gas. These tablets are typically available at most drugstores, and a person may find them at a health food store as well. They are available over the counter and generally are considered safe. An individual who takes medication, however, may do well to ask his doctor whether activated charcoal is safe for him to use, as it may absorb some of the medication he is taking along with the excess gas.

Beans are one of the most common causes of flatulence.
Beans are one of the most common causes of flatulence.

Peppermint tea is also among the best remedies for flatulence. The peppermint oil found in peppermint tea contains a substance called menthol. This substance may help to calm digestive muscle spasms and reduce gas. An individual may also get relief by chewing on peppermint. Unfortunately, however, some people may notice more frequent heartburn after consuming peppermint.

Chewing gum can cause a person to swallow air, which may increase flatulence.
Chewing gum can cause a person to swallow air, which may increase flatulence.

Some people are lactose intolerant, which means their bodies have difficulty digesting a dairy sugar that is referred to as lactose. One of the symptoms of lactose intolerance is gas. By taking products that contain an enzyme called lactase, a person may have an easier time digesting lactose and have less gas. Additionally, a person may buy dairy products that have been altered to be free of lactose in an effort to avoid excess gas.

Foods such as cauliflower encourage flatulence.
Foods such as cauliflower encourage flatulence.

In some cases, a person may change his diet to prevent flatulence rather than treating it after the fact. For example, a person may eat fewer beans and vegetables that encourage flatulence, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. An individual may also avoid fatty foods and reduce dairy product consumption in an effort to eliminate flatulence. Additionally, a person may avoid drinking beverages through straws or chewing gum in an effort to have less gas.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon1001438

When my daughter was a baby, I gave her catnip tea for gas.

drtroubles

Whenever I get really gassy I turn to herbal remedies for flatulence so that I don't have to worry about any unpleasant additives. I think that natural remedies for flatulence work really well and are cheaper than a lot of the over-the-counter drugs that do the same job.

What I like to drink is a simple herbal tea with cardamom, cinnamon or cloves added to it. It does a great job of easing up on the tightness in my stomach caused by excess air. Another thing I like to do is eat fresh pineapple and papaya. For some reason these fruits do a great job of clearing up any gas and work well as a simple treatment for flatulence.

Mae82

@Sara007 - When my son had gas issues as a baby I looked up all sorts of cure for flatulence online and found that the ones that worked was quite simple. First we burped him frequently after feeding to get out as much air as possible. If he was still gassy we would move on to an actual product.

One of the best holistic remedies for flatulence we found was Colic Calm Gripe Water. This homeopathic formula has a great track record of calming infant stomachs and is completely natural. There are no side effects from the product and you can use it on an as needed basis.

Sara007

Can anyone recommend some home remedies for flatulence that would be safe for a baby?

I have noticed my daughter is quite gassy these days and whenever I pick her up she tends to fart. I really worry about her stomach issues and know it can't be comfortable to have that much air in your body. I am hoping I can find some flatulence treatments that are safe and work well.

So far I have changed the nipples on all of her bottles so that we had a better fit. I am hoping this will help her take in less air, but I would still like give her something that she can take for the gas.

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    • Beans are one of the most common causes of flatulence.
      Beans are one of the most common causes of flatulence.
    • Chewing gum can cause a person to swallow air, which may increase flatulence.
      By: blende40
      Chewing gum can cause a person to swallow air, which may increase flatulence.
    • Foods such as cauliflower encourage flatulence.
      By: ExQuisine
      Foods such as cauliflower encourage flatulence.
    • Charcoal tablets can help reduce the amount of gas produced.
      By: elen_studio
      Charcoal tablets can help reduce the amount of gas produced.
    • People with lactose intolerance or milk allergies may experience flatulence after consuming dairy products.
      By: lidante
      People with lactose intolerance or milk allergies may experience flatulence after consuming dairy products.