The Gas Problem

 Is Too Much Flatulence  Bothering You?

Although having gas is common, it can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing at times. Gas is eliminated either by burping (belching) or passing it through the rectum (flatulence). Half to two liters is produced normally in adults and may pass up to 14 times a day on an average. But the condition can be really bad for some individuals -one study noted a person who expelled gas 140 times daily, with 70 passages in a period of just four hours. Although every one has gas, but why do some suffer from it more than others? The answer lies either in their biological conditions of their gastro-intestinal tract or in their eating habits. The Gas usually comes from two sources

- (a) the air that is swallowed in with food while eating, (b) as a part of normal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestine.

When the digestive system is not able to digest some carbohydrates (sugar starches and fiber found in many foods) due to some shortage and absence of certain enzymes, these undigested carbohydrates when they reach large intestines are broken down by harmless bacteria to produce gas (carbon dioxide, hydrogen and in some methane) .This gas formation increases in people who suffer from lactose intolerance (carbohydrate intolerance). Irritable bowel syndrome — a chronic form of stomach upset that gets worse from stress and Malabsorption (when your body cannot absorb or digest a particular nutrient properly).

Though the symptoms are usually bloating , abdominal pain , belching and flatulence not everyone experiences all of them. The amount of gas produced and the sensitivity of the gasro-intestinal tract to the gas , determines the kind and the intensity of the symptoms that are produced .For example bloating in the abdomen is not produced by excessive gas, it is usually the result of an intestinal disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The cause of IBS is unknown, but may involve abnormal movements and contractions of intestinal muscles and increased pain sensitivity in the intestine. These disorders may give a sensation of bloating because of increased sensitivity to gas.

Homeopathy for excessive gas

Homeopathy can be a great help for those who suffer from this ?too much gas ?problem. Homeopathic medicines Carbo Veg, Lycopodium, China and Nux Vomica lead the homeopathic table in treating this problem.

Carbo Veg is suited for nearly every kind of symptoms that are associated with gas- belching, flatulence, pains, bloating. It is indicated in excessive gas formation and when everything eaten seems to get converted into gas. Carbo Veg is also indicated in complaints of obstructive flatulency (pains around heart, abdomen or any where) that are relived by passing gas.

Lycopodium is indicated in cases where the involvement of lower abdomen is more pronounced also when gas is produced in the evening hours. Lycopodium patients usually complain of a constant sense of fermentation in the abdomen. China is more indicated in cases where whole abdomen bloats like a drum. Nux Vomica suits those who are more affected by gas problem because of excessive consumption of alcohol and or rich food.

Hints for controlling excessive gas

Following simple diet and lifestyle changes can help to reduce gastrointestinal gas and relieve symptoms

Be careful while eating

Eat more slowly,Chew your food thoroughly and Relax while you eat. Make sure that you don?t swallow air while you eat. Do not deliberately swallow air to force a belch

Eat what suits you

Foods that may cause gas include beans; vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage; fruits, such as apples, and peaches; whole grains; soft drinks and fruit drinks: milk and milk products,

Exercise regularly

Exercise regularly and Walk for 10 to 15 minutes after eating.