How can I stop intestinal gas?

Question

I work at an electronics store full time and I have a big problem with intestinal gas. To avoid embarassment, I hold them in and I end up with a strong pain and inflammation in my abdomen. I end up extremely bloated and I need to know how can I control this. Help!!

Answer 1

Great question! OK, having been cursed with this affliction for some time now, I have some solutions. 1) Carbonated drinks are bad. I used to drink a lot of soda and carbonated waters. When I quit them, gas production markedly decreased. 2) Sugarfee gum causes gas. You wouldn't think so, and sugarfee gum is really the only thing out there right now, but sorbitol (the sugar in sugarfree gum) produces gas in the stomach and gut. 3) Iron pills don't help. I had low iron, so my doctor recommended iron supplements to prevent anemia. Well, these things produce gas. I recommend instead a healthy serving of greens each day. 4) Avoid milk. I got intense gas pain from milk. By switching to Lactaid, all dairy-related gas is gone. I think (but have not had it checked) I may be lactose intolerant, which can develop as people age. Their bodies simply quit (for an unknown reason) production of lactase, the enzyme which allows for breakdown of lactose, the sugar in milk.

Taking Beano and simethicone (the little green pills, like Gas-X) really only work in the stomach. Once the gas gets to the intestines, they have no effect. Someone recommended to me probiotics, which you get in the healthfood store, but I have not tried them.

Good luck -- I have now become an ardent drinker of water and tea, my success has been so great. The biggest change for me was reducing my cola intake -- I dropped 2 pants sizes in 1 week, the bloating from gas was so bad (and then so reduced).

Answer 2

Intestinal gas symptoms are definitely common and usually cause discomfort and interrupt daily life. There are products sold over the counter that can help with these symptoms. Simethicone (Gas-X) and activated charcoal can relieve symptoms after intestinal gas has already formed. Simethicone has no known side effects and its safety has been well-documented. Activated charcoal is promoted for relief of intestinal gas. However, it not approved for this indication nor has it shown to be effective. Other medications such as alpha-galactosidase (Beano) and lactase enzymes are taken with food to prevent gas from forming. These are also often used to help in digesting food for individuals who may have lactose intolerance. If you need immediate relief and cannot associate your symptoms with certain foods, you should use simethicone. Also, many of these products are available in different forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet, and soft gel. There are also many non-drug options you can incorporate to reduce your intestinal gas. You may benefit from changing your eating habits and diet. Reducing the consumption of gas-producing food may be appropriate. Some other tips are: relax a bit before eating, avoid the temptation to rush through a meal, eat and drink slowly in a calm environment, chew food thoroughly, avoid washing down solids with a beverage, eliminate cigarettes smoking, do not overload the stomach at any one meal, avoid carbonated and caffeinated beverages, avoid food with air whipped into them, avoid tight-fitting clothing and belts, avoid long term use of cold/allergy medications, and develop a regular routine of exercise and rest.
Hope this helps!

--Jessica, University of RI, College of Pharmacy

Answer 3

Take a look at your eating habits. If you're eating the way most North Americans do, that's probably the trouble. Make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and cut back on fried foods.

You may be lactose intolerant or have food allergies as well. I would see a doctor about it.

Answer 4

drug stores have many anti gas remidies over the counter

Answer 5

Beano its in the store

Answer 6

eat slower actually chew ur food and dont only eat crap food !!

Answer 7

buy this stuff called gas-x.