Flatulence

Description

Flatulence describes the buildup and expulsion of intestinal gas (flatus) that is created by the fermentation of food, incomplete digestion of foods (especially typical carbohydrates) or swallowing of air. The actual gas buildup is alleviated by burping or by passing gas through the rectum.

Symptoms

Symptoms of flatulence include a distended belly, discomfort within the abdomen, moderate chest pains, or chest pains serious enough to mimic a heart attack.

Trigger

Flatulence can be caused by overeating, eating prematurely, refined carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, food allergies, bowel problems, food intolerance, digestive disorders, intestinal disorders, stomach disorders, gallbladder disorders, vitamin B nutritional deficiencies, alcohol, parasites, psychological stress, and/or even misalignment of the spine vertebrae. In cases of chronic flatulence, many of these factors should be screened for and addressed before long-term relief can be achieved.

Note: When coupled with bad breath and tiredness after meals, inadequate stomach acid may be the cause for flatulence.

Caution: Chronic gas can be an indication of a severe gastrointestinal disorder or cancer. If you suffer from chronic flatulence, seek immediate medical attention.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: A few drops of the essential oils of bergamot, lavender, fennel, juniper, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, coriander, or anise, added to water and taken orally might help improve digestive function and eliminate flatulence.

Energy Medicine: Rub your abdomen in a clockwise direction to soothe symptoms of discomfort caused by gas buildup.

Diet plan: Do not overeat, because over consumption of meals, even food that is healthy, is the most typical reason for flatulence occurrences. Consume smaller meals consisting of just a few different food items at each meal. Also, chew your food more slowly and thoroughly, and increase your consumption of higher-dietary fiber foods. Also be sure to identify and eliminate food to which you are allergic or sensitive. Chewing a parsley sprig following meals may also help reduce the signs of flatulence.

Whenever eating beans, soak them overnight in a quart of water that contains six drops of iodine to help reduce gas. Also consume lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in water with your meals, and add more fermented products such as yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk to your general diet plan (unless you are sensitive or allergic to dairy products).

Drop one tsp. of Bentonite into a glass of fresh drinking water and drink once a day after a meal. Bentonite may help absorb gas and meal impurities.

Herbal treatments: Drink anise water, which is made by steeping one tsp. of anise seeds in one cup of water for ten minutes. It can be consumed as a tea or strained and taken when needed by the tablespoon. Add peppermint oil to tea and consume to ease the stomach and calm gas pressure.

Asafetida natural powder is another effective digestive agent. It dispels intestinal gas and may be used as a powder over your own foods to assist decrease intestinal gas accumulation.

Homeopathy: Carbo veg., Lycopodium, Argen nit., Chamomile, Nux mosch as well as Cinchona are useful naturopathic remedies with regard to treating as well as preventing flatulence.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of alternating between hot and cold temperatures using water, ice and steam to maintain and restore health. Treatments include complete body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions and can easily be utilized in the home as part of a self-care program. Numerous naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use hydrotherapy as part of their treatments. We recommend several in-house hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these types of procedures to make sure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment.*

Juice Treatment: Add one tbsp. of garlic or red onion juice to a mixture of carrot, parsley, beet, and celery juice, and consume once or twice per day. Fresh squeezed papaya juice is also very effective for reducing the feelings associated with gas.

Optional Professional Treatment

If your symptoms persist despite following the methods listed above, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following expert care treatments have all demonstrated an ability to be useful for treating gas: Applied Kinesiology, Biofeedback Training, Chiropractic, Detoxification Therapy, Environment Medicine, fasting, Light Therapy, Magnetic Field Treatment, Naturopathic Treatments, Osteopathy, Qigong, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Resources for Additional Information).