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How to treat flatulence?

Posted by editor07 on Tuesday 24 Mar 2009

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Flatulence refers to the production of various gases in the digestive tract during the process of digestion. This mixture of gases is known as flatus and is ejected from the rectum when we pass gas or fart. Excessive flatulence is caused due to fermentation of food by action of bacteria in the intestines and can result in bloating or abdominal pain.

What causes flatulence?
Flatulence is caused by swallowing excess air while eating or swallowing food, excessive swallowing during salivation and intake of certain foods such as garlic, onions, beans, cauliflower, scallions, turnips, leeks, brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, oats, wheat, radishes, sweet potatoes, lentils, dairy products and carbonated drinks. Certain allergies, intake of high fiber foods, lactose intolerance and intake of certain medications can also cause flatulence.

Treatment for Flatulence:

Flatulence can be treated by bringing about some changes in the diet and increasing the intake of vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and folic acid that aid digestion and prevent the formation of excess gas. You need to analyze which foods cause gas and avoid their intake.

Peppermint for treating flatulence: This herb comes in handy for the treatment of flatulence. Take ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh peppermint leaves and steep them in boiling water for about 10 min. The cooling properties of peppermint help soothe the gastrointestinal tract and enhance digestion.

Fennel tea for treating flatulence: Take 1-2 tsp of fennel seeds and grind them. Add them to a cup of boiling water and allow them to steep on low flame for about 10 minutes. Drinking this before each meal prevents the formation of gas. Alternatively, you can also chew about ¼ tsp fennel seeds before or after meals.

Ginger tea for treating flatulence: Boil a cup of water with ½ tsp of ginger powder on low flame for about 15 min. Leave it covered with a lid for about 5 min. Strain and add 7-8 drops of onion juice and peppermint juice. This provides instant relief from bloating and flatulence.