How to Remove Gas from Stomach Instantly

Gas is a natural by-product of eating and digesting food and almost everyone burps and passes gas up to 15-20 times a day. While it may be embarrassing, it is rarely a sign of an underlying problem unless it is accompanied by other symptoms.

Functional medicine provides a holistic approach to treating gastrointestinal issues. It also offers some quick-fix remedies to provide instant relief from gas.

Let’s delve deeper into the causes of gas, and functional medicine strategies for relief that has worked wonders for our Wellfinity members.

Functional Medicine Understanding of Gas

Stomach gas is simply the presence of air or other gases in the digestive system, which often leads to symptoms such as bloating, burping, flatulence and passing wind.

This gas usually builds up in the stomach when you swallow air while eating or drinking and can be exacerbated when you eat too much fiber or the wrong foods, such as beans, lentils and carbonated drinks.

If fiber or food is not digested in the small intestine and gets passed into the large intestine, then too gas can be formed. Decreased intestinal motility – the slower than usual movement of digested food in the intestine – and bacterial overgrowth (or SIBO) can also cause gas to form.  Food intolerances such lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy can also lead to excess gas.

Functional medicine does not view gas as a problem in itself.

However, when gas or pain is persistent and / or there are other associated symptoms, then it is a potential indicator of deeper imbalances in the gut microbiome. These associated symptoms maybe bloody stools, change in consistency of stools, change in frequency of bowel movements, weight loss, constipation or diarrhoea, and persistent nausea or vomiting.

The gut microbiome comprises of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms and plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. An imbalance in this complex ecosystem can lead to various gastrointestinal issues, including excessive gas.

Dysbiosis occurs when the bad bacteria in the gut outnumber the good bacteria. This can be caused by a number of reasons, such as poor diet, stress, antibiotics and lack of physical activity. Due to this imbalance, certain bacteria may excessively ferment undigested carbs in the intestine, thus producing more gas than usual. Moreover, the imbalance can also trigger inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to various GI symptoms, including gas, bloating and discomfort.

Gut imbalances can cause chronic digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

It can also impair the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients compromise the immune system (most of which rests in the gut) making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Through the gut-brain axis, and unhealthy gut can impact mood and cognitive functions and even cause anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Unhealthy gut also contributes to metabolic disorders like obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Lifestyle, diet, and stress significantly impact gut and digestive health. A sedentary lifestyle, dehydration, smoking, and alcohol consumption can lead to digestive issues such as gas and bloating.

A diet high in fiber supports digestion but may also produce excess gas. Short-chain carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, carbonated beverages, and food intolerances can cause digestive discomfort.

Stress alters gut motility and sensitivity, impacting digestion and potentially causing symptoms like gas, bloating, and stomach pain.

It is essential to identify the underlying causes of gas through a holistic lens. A comprehensive approach considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and the environment.

It analyses the root cause(s) and designs a personalized treatment plan suited to the individual’s need, for a long-term solution. Thus, it facilitates effective and sustainable remedy for digestive health.

4 Ways to Remove Gas from Stomach   

Functional medicine usually advocates the 4R approach. The 4Rs are as follows:

1. Remove inflammatory foods
2. Replace it with beneficial bacteria
3. Re-inoculate with high-potency probiotics
4. Repair your gut with essential nutrients.

Otherwise, there are four basic ways to get immediate relief from gas using natural remedies rather than medications with side effects. When necessary, natural supplements can support digestive health.

Physical Movements and Breathing Techniques

Gentle physical activities like walking and yoga play a significant role in stimulating digestion and reducing gas. These activities help move gas through the digestive system more efficiently, alleviate discomfort, and promote overall gut health.

Walking encourages the muscles in the digestive tract to contract, thus helping to move food and gas through the intestines more effectively. This alleviates bloating and the associated discomfort. Like other physical activities, it also improves blood flow to the digestive organs, enhancing their function and promoting quicker digestion.

Yoga aids in reducing gas and improving digestive health through physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques.

Key poses include:

• Wind-Relieving Pose (Pavanamuktasana) for expelling trapped gas,
• Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana) for massaging abdominal organs,
• Child’s Pose (Balasana) for stimulating digestion,
• Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana) for promoting gas movement, and
• Twisting Poses (Ardha Matsyendrasana and Supine Twist) for massaging internal organs and improving circulation.

Dietary and Herbal Remedies

Warm lemon water: Warm lemon water is a simple yet effective remedy for stimulating digestion and providing instant relief from digestive discomforts like gas. Drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning encourages the production of stomach acid and bile, which are essential for breaking down food efficiently.

The citric acid in lemons enhances enzyme function, aiding in the digestion of fats and proteins. Additionally, lemon water helps to hydrate the body, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation, which in turn reduces gas build-up.

Herbal Teas: From a functional medicine perspective, herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger, and chamomile are invaluable for supporting digestive health and expelling gas quickly.

• Peppermint tea: It contains menthol, which has antispasmodic properties that relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. It thus facilitates the movement of gas and reduces bloating.
• Ginger tea: It is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and carminative effects, which enhance digestive efficiency and prevent the formation of gas by accelerating gastric emptying and promoting the breakdown of proteins and fats.
• Chamomile tea: It offers a calming effect on the digestive system due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help in reducing gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.

Supplements and Over-the-Counter Solutions

Various supplements are available today that claim to reduce gas build-up and provide relief from its symptoms. Most of these are in the form of enzymes or probiotics.

Enzymes: These help and support in the process of digestion. There are several types of digestive enzymes, each targeting specific nutrients. For instance, Amylase breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars, Protease breaks down proteins into Amino acids, and Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

When food is broken down effectively by these enzymes, it passes through the digestive tract smoothly. This minimises the amount of fermentable food reaching the large intestine, which then reduces the overall production of gas and associated symptoms such as bloating and discomfort.

Probiotics: These are live microorganisms. They are often referred to as ‘good bacteria as they help in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for overall digestive health, immune function, and even mental well-being. Probiotics can be found in certain foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented products, as well as in dietary supplements

It is noteworthy here that not all probiotics are the same. There are different strains of probiotics that offer different benefits. Some of them that are particularly effective in supporting gut health and reducing gas production.

Apart from probiotics, infection control supplements such as garlic extract, and oregano oil, can help treat bacterial, fungal, and parasitic overgrowth by restoring balance to the gut microbiome. These supplements support the immune system and inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Apple cider vinegar or supplements with betaine and pepsin help in resolving low stomach acid, which in turn promotes beneficial bacteria.

Wellfinity’s Holistic Approach to Managing Gas

At Wellfinity, we emphasize the importance of personalized nutrition and lifestyle modifications to address digestive issues effectively. Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, we recognize that each individual has unique needs and challenges.

The cornerstone of Wellfinity’s approach is a comprehensive health assessment conducted by our team of experts. This assessment involves a detailed evaluation of the client’s medical history, dietary habits, lifestyle, and stress levels.

By understanding the unique factors contributing to digestive issues, we tailor make a personalized plan that includes specific dietary recommendations, targeted supplements, and effective stress and lifestyle management techniques.

By focusing on personalized nutrition, we help clients identify specific dietary triggers and intolerances that may contribute to gas and other digestive problems. This tailored approach involves integrating nutrient-rich foods, probiotics, and natural supplements that support gut health.

Additionally, we encourage lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity, adequate hydration, exposure to elements of nature, and mindful eating practices to enhance digestion and reduce gas production.

Stress reduction strategies such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices are integrated to support overall gut health.

This holistic and personalized approach ensures that each client receives a plan that is specifically designed to meet their individual needs and promote long-term digestive wellness.

When to Seek Further Assistance

As said earlier, simply having gas build-up is not a problem. It is a very normal part of eating and digesting food. The problem arises when you have persistent gas and boating, with or without pain. This can be sign of digestive disorders such as IBS, SIBO or food intolerances.

Chronic gas can also be accompanied by irregular bowel movements – an alternating pattern of constant constipation and diarrhoea – that signifies an imbalance in the gut microbiome.

Unexplained weight loss could signify malabsorption and constant fatigue and weakness could be indicative of nutrient deficiencies or chronic inflammation.

Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or unexplained rashes can sometimes be linked to gut health issues, as the gut-skin axis plays a crucial role in overall health.

Functional medicine suggests both immediate and long-term strategies that focus on the root cause(s) of gas build-up. Immediate relief can be achieved through simple dietary adjustments such as avoiding trigger foods, drinking warm lemon water, and consuming herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, and chamomile. Gentle physical activities like walking and specific yoga poses also play a crucial role in stimulating digestion and relieving gas.

Functional medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that includes personalized nutrition plans, targeted supplementation with probiotics and digestive enzymes, and effective stress management techniques.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of diet, lifestyle, and mental health is key to achieving sustained digestive health and preventing recurrent issues.

Wellfinity’s functional medicine approach offers personalized care and advice and helps you uncover the root causes of your symptoms. We develop a comprehensive, tailored plan for optimal gut health.

By taking a proactive and integrative approach to your digestive wellness, you can improve your overall quality of life and achieve lasting relief from gas and other digestive discomforts. Consider consulting with Wellfinity’s functional medicine practitioners to embark on a journey towards better health and well-being.