How often is it that you have a flatulent stomach? Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion. It is also a part of the natural process of digestion. A person gets rid of the excess gas by either burping or passing flatus. Trapped gas may lead to a sense of discomfort and if it escalates further leading or constipation, it should be treated well. Many people deal with IBS also called as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This results in an increase in gas pain.
What are the causes of gas?
Predominantly, the gas in your stomach is caused by swallowing air when you eat or drink. However, most of it is released when you burp. When specific starches and carbohydrates aren’t fully digested in the small intestines, they more into the large intestine. In the large intestine, the bacteria breaks them down through the process of fermentation. During this process, it ends up producing gas as a byproduct. It ends up using some of the gas by bacteria while the other is absorbed by the body. The remaining portion of the gas is released by the body in the form of a pungent/unpleasant odor through anus.
What are the foods that cause gases and what are the dietary factors that contribute to increased gas in the digestive tract?
Some of the high-fiber foods that may cause gas are as follows-
· Vegetables
· Whole grains
· Fruits
· Beans and peas
High-fiber foods are responsible for increase gas production while fiber keeps regulating the levels of blood sugar and cholesterol. Following are some other factors that contribute to increases gas-
1. Beverages that contain soda.
Beer and other aerated drinks contain soda which increases stomach gas.
2. Sugar substitutes.
Xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol are some of the artificial sweeteners that may cause gas in excess format.
Is gas similar to bloating?
Even though closely related, bloating and gas are not the same. A feeling or fullness or tightness in the abdomen is called bloating. Gas, on the contrary, is accumulation of air in the digestive tract. This can contribute to a sensation of bloating.
Ayurvedic medicines for gas
When there is an imbalance in Vata Dosha, especially in the colon, it results in indigestion or bloating. Ayurvedic medicines focuses on reducing gas formation. These medicines also play a key role in eliminating toxins. Following are some Ayurvedic medicines for gas-
1. Hingwashtak Churna.
One should refrain from eating processed meats and fried foods that are spicy and oily as the food we eat plays a key role in nourishing our body. Hingwashtak Churna is a multiherbal ayurvedic supplement which is at the forefront to treat several gastrointestinal disorders. The churna is made with the formulation of eight key ingredients. All these ingredients are responsible for optimizing the overall health.
It works on the premise of two principles- Digestion also known as Pachan and Deepan, known as appetizer. A combined action of this medicinal herb works to ease digestion. It also combats loss of appetite. The vata pacifying traits in this herbal medicine help control abdominal cramps.
Some of the main ingredients in this churna are Cumin, Asafoetida, Ginger, Black pepper, Pippali, Long Pepper and Fennel. Owing to their astounding carminative properties, Black pepper and Pippali eases a flatulent stomach. If there is excessive gas due to the accumulation of gases in the stomach, it is recommended to visit the hospital.
2. Pippalyasava.
Pippalyasava alleviates a plethora of digestive issues! Some of the gastrointestinal disorders one deals with are abdominal pain, flatulence, heartburn, discomfort in stomach, acid reflux disease etc. The herb has carminative properties that triggers the production of digestive juices. It also promotes the absorption of essential nutrients in the body’s tissues. Irritable Bowel syndrome also known as IBS is the ones that persists due to consumption of foods that triggers allergies, consumption of food at irregular intervals and many other mental and physical factors. However, the dosage of this medicine differs from person to person. Other factors such as the person’s age, severity of the infection and digestive ability are also considered while prescribing a dosage. Pippalyasava is the best ayurvedic medicine for gases.
3. Lavan Bhaskar Churna.
Renowned for its astounding health benefits and therapeutic properties, Lavan Bhaskar Churns is the medicine used for gastrointestinal problems. In the ancient world of Ayurveda, it is a traditional hallmark medicines for indigestion and gastric disorders. The ingredients in this churna are various types of constituents such as pomegranate seeds, cardamom, jeerak, cinnamon and different types of salts. These constituents have a variety of anti-flatulent properties. Sea salt and black salt are the major ingredients in the churna. Even classics such as Charaka Samhita support this herbal medicine. It not only reduces flatulence, it also works as a great appetizer. The combined effect of substances such as cumin, rock salt, laung and jeera results works wonders and provides faster relief!
4. Abhyarishta.
An ayurvedic supplement, Abhyarishta is used for treating a multitude of illnesses, flatulence being one of the many! One’s sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits is the main cause of gases. Haritaki is the medicine used for relieving constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. It cures a wide spectrum of health spectrums. This medicine combines the healing properties of herbs helps manage constipation, bloating and flatulence.
This medicine is the best remedy for a plethora of ailments. It is extremely safe for kids above three years of age. It is forbidden for pregnant women owing to the presence of herb colocynth which can cause contractions in the uterus. The ones having diabetes should also refrain from consuming this medicine.
5. Ajwain.
Going by the name Carom seeds, Ajwain acts as a natural antacid (a medicine used reduces too much acidity in the stomach). Ajwain plays a pivotal role in relieving gases from the body. The carminative properties in the medicine expels gases from the stomach. It also reduces bloating and other gastrointestinal disorders to a great extent.
It is one of the best ayurvedic medicines for gases.