9 Ways to Reduce Flatulence Naturally

We’ve all been there: after a heavy meal comes painful gas. Are you unlucky enough to experience it often? Then, you’ll want to reduce flatulence naturally. Excess gas is a result of several factors and it doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of all ages.

For example, spicy foods are a common culprit leading to gaseous build up in the stomach. Stress, too, produces a lot of acid. Its role cannot be underemphasised. When you gulp your food, you’re also taking in air. This results in unpleasant side effects such as belching and…well, farting. The unpleasant odours associated with flatulence can be caused by the very foods that we eat every day. It’s a good idea to be mindful and try to determine which of your favourites might actually be contributing to your discomfort. We’ll help you to be more aware of what’s happening in your guts. Read on for some brilliant advice.

Hey, stomach…why so gassy?

Unlucky lactose

Dairy milk is a major player when it comes to creating intestinal gas. Quite a few people across the globe are extremely sensitive to cows’ milk and are much better off without it. Happily, this is no problem at all. There are a multitude of plant milks from which to choose. It’s not just soya anymore. Try almond, oat, coconut, hazelnut, quinoa, spelt or macadamia and find your favourite.

Callous constipation

If you’re someone who often suffers from constipation, you’re far more likely to be frequently flatulent. Time to get things moving. Your intestinal transit and digestive system need a boost. The longer you’re bunged up, the greater the accumulation of toxins in your body. Nobody wants that, so let’s take a look at how to sort it.

Here’s how to reduce flatulence naturally

Ginger gets to the root of the problem

Don’t underestimate the power of ginger tea. This root is a delicious digestive superhero. You only need to take a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger before meals to arm yourself against gas. Add powdered or fresh to your meals to easily regulate the acid that can lead to indigestion and flatulence. Easy, eh?

Gas is carried away by caraway

These spicy beauties are petite, but they pack a punch – a healthy one aimed straight at excess gut gas. Because they stimulate proper digestion, you can add them to foods that are known offenders. Caraway can neutralise the cramping and bloating that some foods – beans, artichokes, cabbage and broccoli – are renowned for causing.

Garlic goes the distance

Garlic boasts two amazing components: allicin and diallyl sulfide. Allicin is found in garlic as allinase and it helps to defend your intestines from microbes.

Because it’s so popular, there’s no excuse for not exploring garlic’s abilities as a natural remedy. It improves digestive transit and regulates the accumulation of stomach gases. For best results, eat it fresh by itself or as a raw ingredient in condiments.

Dandelion tea defies indigestion

A common medicinal herb, dandelion is beneficial in addressing many health problems. Drinking a cup of this tea before main meals can help reduce gas in your digestive tract. Not keen on dandelion infusion? Use it as a spice to season dishes. Look out for dried or crushed versions in health food shops.

Be partial to parsley

Whether you prefer to use it fresh or dried, parsley, is a tasty and effective way to keep the production of excess gas in check. Try it in dressings, sauces and even smoothies. It’s lovely with kiwi or apple.

Go carbon neutral

It’s not as well-known as the others, but it’s well worth exploration. Coal absorbs and neutralises intestinal air that causes flatulence. Find it in supplement form at health food shops and larger supermarkets. Just take it before meals to prevent the formation of excess gas. 

Let lemon love your guts

Lemon is one of those miracle foods. It’s got an enviable array of healing properties – from aromatherapy right through to the ones we’re discussing today. If you’re having trouble with your digestive system, lemon should be on your shopping list. Make a habit of drinking lemon juice before and after every main meal. You’ll see an immediate benefit for your belly, but there are all sorts of other health conditions it can address. Here are a few.

Chamomile makes you smile

Chamomile tea excels at relaxing your stomach. When your gut isn’t all tensed up, gas is less likely to accumulate. Therein lies the magic of chamomile. It’ll improve your digestion naturally and efficiently.

The star that is anise

Aniseed can send flatulence packing. Even better, it can do the same to the stomach pain that gases cause. Simply boil a cup of water and add a tablespoon of anise powder. Leave it to steep for a few minutes and then sip it. You can enjoy this infusion daily. In fact, you should. It’s an easy way to keep those gases at bay.

Just a few last tips…

Pay attention to probiotics

Probiotics can make an easy meal of the microbes that cause excess gas. Whether you drink a special probiotic beverage (we recommend one that is non-dairy, such as kombucha) or take a supplement, they’re a great weapon against flatulence. They’ll also help you to maintain a healthy colon and improve overall wellbeing.

Warm compresses impress

If you are suffering a particularly painful bout of trapped gas and it’s just not budging, try this method. Soak a towel in hot water. Squeeze it to remove the excess, then place it on your abdomen. Repeat the process until the muscles in your belly relax and the pain disappears.

Well, there you have it! There are all sorts of things you can do to prevent and relieve excess gas and flatulence. All of these treatments are safe, of course, but don’t ignore persistent pain. If you’re constipated or your stomach is painful for more than a few days, we urge you to make an appointment with your GP. A swift diagnosis can make all the difference.