Natural treatments for intestinal gas

• DEFINITION: Treatment of excess intestinal gas.
• PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
• OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Activated charcoal, artichoke leaf, beta-galactosidase, boldo, carminative herbs (such as chamomile, coriander, caraway, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, parsley, and spearmint), peppermint oil, probiotics, turmeric, yucca, zinc; diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes

Introduction

Passing intestinal gas is a normal process, but it can become unpleasant, uncomfortable, or embarrassing. Intestinal gas has two primary sources: bacteria in the intestines and air swallowed by mouth (aerophagia). Certain foods greatly increase gas production in the intestines by providing nutrients to gas-producing bacteria. Common gas-increasing foods include beans, beer, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, fructose, onions, prunes, red wine, and sorbitol. In general, high-fiber foods cause more gas than low-fiber ones, so people who switch to a whole-food diet frequently experience more gas.

Certain medical conditions can also increase gas-related symptoms, including celiac sprue, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, fat malabsorption, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, and ulcerative colitis. Finally, some people may experience significant gas discomfort without actually producing more gas than other people.

Treatment of excess gas begins with treating the underlying disease if there is one. Beyond that, general steps include avoiding gas-producing foods and minimizing habits that cause aerophagia (such as gulping beverages). Medications such as simethicone, metoclopramide, and antibiotics may also help, although the supporting evidence to indicate that they are effective remains incomplete.

Proposed Natural Treatments

There has been limited scientific investigation of natural treatments to reduce gas in otherwise healthy people. However, some evidence supports the use of natural treatments to reduce gas production among those with IBS (a cluster of nonspecific intestinal complaints) or dyspepsia (a cluster of nonspecific stomach-related complaints). Although not guaranteed, the benefits seen in these studies would likely carry over to people without these conditions.

For instance, a four-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of sixty people with IBS demonstrated the potential of probiotics to reduce gas-related discomfort. Probiotics, by replacing gas-producing bacteria with others that are less likely to create gas, have shown promise. Other treatments for IBS, such as peppermint oil and flaxseed, also hold the potential for gas reduction, providing reassurance about their effectiveness.

The herbs turmeric, artichoke leaf, and boldo have shown promise for reducing gas in people with dyspepsia.

Beano, a product containing the enzyme beta-galactosidase, is widely available for reducing gas caused by consuming beans. This enzyme breaks down some of the gas-producing carbohydrates in beans. However, a study designed to test this substance found only weak evidence of its effectiveness.

Some studies support the claim that oral-activated charcoal may reduce flatulence. Certain herbs called carminatives, traditionally believed to aid the movement of gas, also hold potential. These herbs include anise, caraway, cardamom, chamomile, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, parsley, and spearmint. Their potential effectiveness offers hope for gas reduction.

Numerous alternative therapies, including Chinese herbal medicine, intestinal cleansing, and food allergen identification and avoidance, are said to help improve digestion and reduce gas. However, there is little supporting evidence for these approaches.

One study in dogs indicates that a combination of charcoal, yucca, and zinc acetate significantly reduced the smell of intestinal gas, although not the amount that was released. Taken separately, charcoal was the most effective of these treatments. Garments containing activated charcoal have also shown promise for reducing the odor of flatulence.

Finally, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes may help reduce intestinal gas. It is advised that individuals dealing with excess gas eat slowly and avoid trigger foods known to cause gas. Increasing fiber and staying hydrated may also be beneficial. Exercise, such as specific yoga poses, can help stimulate the digestive system and move gas through more efficiently. Heat and massage applied to the abdomen may also help. 

Bibliography

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"Gas and Gas Pain." Cleveland Clinic, 23 Feb. 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7314-gas-and-gas-pain. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.

Jones, Jerlyn. "12 Proven Ways to Reduce or Stop Bloating." Healthline, 21 May 2024, www.healthline.com/nutrition/proven-ways-to-reduce-bloating. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.

King, Lori M. "Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Symptoms, Causes, Diet, and Treatments." WebMD, 5 Feb. 2024, www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/indigestion-overview. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.

Larijani, Bagher, et al. "Prevention and Treatment of Flatulence From a Traditional Persian Medicine Perspective." Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, vol. 18, no. 4, Jan. 2016, p. e23664, doi:10.5812/ircmj.23664.

Nobaek, S., et al. "Alteration of Intestinal Microflora Is Associated with Reduction in Abdominal Bloating and Pain in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome." American Journal of Gastroenterology, vol. 95, 2000, pp. 1231-1238.