15 Ways to Relieve Stomach Gas

Nearly everyone will need to know how to get rid of gas at some point in their lifetime. Over-the-counter medications can be very effective. However, there are natural remedies that relieve gas (often quickly). You have many options, from using peppermint, chamomile tea, or clove oil to exercising or making diet changes.

Self-care is usually highly effective for relieving occasional gas and bloating. These methods can also help people struggling with more frequent or constant gas caused by conditions like chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If self-care doesn't relieve your gas, you may need to consult a healthcare provider for medical options.

1. Herbal Teas

Spearmint, chamomile, ginger, peppermint, and anise teas are all known to get rid of gas naturally. They may also amplify peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions that push gas through the intestine.

That said, avoid anise if you have recurring diarrhea since it may have a mild laxative effect. This can be helpful, however, if you think constipation is adding to your gas pains.

You should avoid chamomile if you're allergic to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or chrysanthemums. If you're allergic to those allergens, you may also have an allergic reaction to chamomile.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is used by many people to relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of tea or warm water. Apple cider vinegar may also fight bacteria that contribute to bloating and discomfort.

3. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a porous form of charcoal with tiny spaces that trap gas. Taking activated charcoal before or after meals may help prevent painful gas.

Activated charcoal can cause constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting if overused, so always start with the smallest recommended dose. Be aware that activated charcoal can turn your stool black, which is harmless.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint supplements are often used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas. Look for peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules that prevent stomach upset.

You can also try eating candies made with real peppermint or sipping peppermint tea. Peppermint oil frequently used for the treatment of IBS can also be purchased online and added to water.

Peppermint may prevent your body from absorbing iron, so avoid it if you are taking iron supplements to treat iron-deficiency anemia.

5. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are known for relieving intestinal gas. An amount thought to be safe is around 1 teaspoon. Try chewing the seeds to see if that helps.

There are some concerns regarding the safety of fennel while pregnant or breastfeeding. In such cases, play it safe and choose a different option to get rid of gas.

6. Clove Oil

Clove oil may relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion. Try taking a clove oil capsule after meals to stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce the production of gas.

Clove oil should not be used in children. Even small amounts may cause severe side effects such as seizures and liver damage.

7. Ginger

Ginger helps reduce fermentation in the stomach, which may relieve gas and bloating. You can take ginger supplements or drink ginger tea. You can also add fresh ginger to your food or eat slices of pickled ginger. 

8. Exercise

Exercise eases gas pain by encouraging movement in the intestines. Walking is one of the best and most convenient options since you can do it anytime, anywhere. Jogging and cycling are also good options.

Any exercise that causes the compression and extension of the intestines can help release gas. This includes calisthenics like:

• Squats
• Crunches
• Burpees
• Russian twists

Be sure to stay well hydrated by drinking water during and after your workout. The water can also soften stool and relieve constipation.

Yoga

Several yoga poses can relieve trapped gas by gently twisting and bending the intestines. A few examples include:

• Child pose (balasana)
• Spinal twist (supta matsyendrasana)
• Knee to chest (ardha apanasana)
• Forward fold (uttanasana)
• Low lunge (anjaneyasana)
• Garland pose (malasana)

9. Warm Water or Heating Pad

Sipping warm water (about the temperature of a drinkable cup of tea) stimulates peristalsis, pushing gas from the colon and easing cramping and pain.

A heating pad or hot water bottle can also relieve gas by relaxing the muscles, releasing trapped gas and easing pain. Or, you could relax in a hot bath. If you use a heating pad or hot water bottle, don't place it directly on your skin. Put a towel or cloth between them.

10. Baking Soda

Baking soda neutralizes stomach acid and relieve painful bloating, particularly during pregnancy. Try drinking an 8-ounce glass of water with 1/2 teaspoon of dissolved baking soda.

It is important not to use baking soda for the long term or to take more than 1/2 teaspoon at a time since this can cause an imbalance of electrolytes and symptoms like irregular heartbeats.

11. Abdominal Massage

Abdominal massage stimulates your digestive system, pushing gas out of your body. Press down gently on the painful area and rub in circular motions in the direction of your colon. You can perform this on someone with gas pains or on yourself.

12. Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) products containing simethicone are very effective in relieving gas.

Brand names for simethicone include:

• Maalox Anti-Gas
• Mylanta Gas
• Gas-X
• Phazyme

Beano is an OTC product that contains the digestive enzyme alpha-galactosidase. This can help if you are prone to gas after eating beans or vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Beano breaks down complex carbs into simple sugars, which may be a problem if you have diabetes.

If you get gas after consuming dairy products, try taking Lactaid, which contains a digestive enzyme that breaks down lactose in dairy and prevents it from fermenting in the gut.

13. Deep Breathing

Deep breathing moves the diaphragm, creating a massage-like motion that pushes gas through the intestines.

1. Start by lying down and closing your eyes.
2. Put one hand on your chest and the other one on your abdomen.
3. Inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for two seconds, then exhale for six seconds.
4. Your abdomen should expand when you breathe in. Try to make the hand on your abdomen rise while the hand on your chest remains still.
5. Keep doing this for five to 15 minutes, or until you begin to feel relief.

Breathing from the diaphragm also reduces stress, which can contribute to trapped gas.

14. Pass the Gas

If trapped gas is causing pain, go to a private place where you can pass the gas (fart). Many people find that this gives them immediate relief.

Trapped gas is painful because it creates pressure in your digestive tract. Gas that builds up in your stomach or the left side of your colon (large intestine) can feel like chest pain. Gas that builds up on the right side of your colon can feel like appendicitis pain.

Try lying on your left side. This position supports your body's natural process because the intestines move gas in this direction.

15. Have a Bowel Movement

If you have painful gas and bloating, it may be because it's trapped behind stool. The best advice in this case is to sit on the toilet and try to have a bowel movement. Oftentimes, the action of sitting will send signals to the brain that it's time to go.

It's important not to rush or strain; give yourself time. However, don't stay on the toilet longer than 10-15 minutes. Sitting on a toilet seat puts excessive pressure on your rectum and anus, increasing the risk of or worsening existing hemorrhoids.

If you are constipated, you may speed this along by eating extra dietary fiber or taking an osmotic laxative. In severe cases, you can try using an enema to flush out hardened stool.

Preventing Gas

The best way to deal with gas and bloating is to identify the cause and take steps to prevent it from happening.

One of the most common culprits is swallowing too much air. To prevent excessive air swallowing, avoid things like:

• Chewing gum
• Drinking soda and other carbonated drinks
• Eating or drinking too quickly
• Talking while eating
• Drinking through a straw
• Smoking

Another way to prevent gas is to identify and avoid foods that cause gas. This can vary from person to person, but some of the more common culprits include:

• Carbonated beverages
• Apple or prune juice
• Fried, spicy, or fatty foods
• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, onions
• Beans
  
• Dried fruits
• Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, mannitol, or maltitol

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt can also cause gas in people who are lactose intolerant and don't naturally produce the enzymes needed to break them down. Taking a lactase supplement often solves this problem.

Another strategy is to avoid foods classified as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). These are types of dietary sugars that are hard to break down and end up fermenting in the colon. FODMAP diets are often followed by people with IBS to better control gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Summary

Most people can get rid of gas using herbal remedies, OTC medications, or increasing their activity. Relieving yourself as soon as you need to pass gas, having a bowel movement and applying heat to your tummy also eliminate gas and gas pain.

Lifestyle changes like avoiding gas-producing foods and reducing the amount of air you swallow can prevent gas. Consult your healthcare provider if gas doesn't improve, causes ongoing pain, or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or a fever.