The emission of a mixture of gases also known as flatus present in the intestine is known as flatulence. These gases are produced by the symbiotic bacteria and yeast that are found in the intestinal tract. Flatus is released through the anus under pressure and usually accompanies sound and a foul odor. Flatulence can be painful at times due to bloating and can be embarrassing as well.
The common symptoms of flatulence are feeling bloated and uncomfortable, excessive expulsion of wind, belching and pain in the abdomen.
Major cause of flatulence is swallowing of air. Some people swallow as a matter of habit and this condition is known as aerophagia. While the oxygen is present in the air, it is absorbed by the body and the nitrogen is expelled out of the body in flatus as it is not absorbed by the mucous lining.
Excessive bacteria in the intestines, consumption of large amount of fibrous foods, consumption of products rich in malt extracts, digestive disorders, disturbed bowels, irregular bowel movements or constipation, food or water prepared in unhygienic conditions, high fat diet, colorectal cancer, fat malabsorption are some of the cause of odorous flatulence.
Home remedies to cure flatulence are:
- ½ teaspoon of dry ginger powder mixed with a pinch of asafoetida and a pinch of rock salt and drank with warm water will help relieve from gas.
- 2 teaspoon of brandy mixed with warm water and drank before going to bed.
- Fresh ginger soaked in lime and chewed after meals.
- Dill oil mixed with a teaspoon of hone and taken immediately after meal can be a good relief.
- 1 teaspoon of pepper mixed with 1 teaspoon of dry ginger and 1 teaspoon of green cardamom seed and drank with water after 1 hour after meal.
- Peppermint is also very good as the menthol soothes the digestive muscles. Peppermint oil mixed with caraway oil helps treat abdominal discomfort.
To cure flatulence it is very essential that patient consume a good diet and avoid foods that produce gas such as beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, yeast especially in breads and cheese.
Avoid carbohydrate drinks too. Oats, potatoes, rice, bananas, citrus, grapes, meat, egg, peanut butter and yoghurt should also be avoided.
Eating smaller meals is better. Chewing the food slowly is important as it gets digested faster. Regular exercise and walks keeps the muscle in shape. Regular bowel movements is very essential as it keeps the gas produce bacteria’s limited thus reducing flatulence.