how to cure excessive gas problem

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How to Find the Best Gas Prices

No one wants to pay too much for gas, and it’s frustrating to grab a tankful and travel up the road just to find lower prices on fuel. Check out this guide to finding the best gas prices, and rest assured that you’re not overpaying at the pump.

Know Your Destination

Gasoline prices in California might be higher than Florida gasoline prices, so knowing your destination means knowing exactly when to fill up that tank. Check your local gas prices before you leave town, and compare them online to gas prices in your destination area. Fill up in the place with the lowest gas prices to ensure that you’re not spending too much money on fuel. Remember that gas prices tend to fluctuate, so mapping gas price trends is a great idea when it comes to saving money.

Check With Your Travel Services

Many people who plan on traveling purchase a travel service that offers roadside assistance along with mapping services and travel discounts. Your favorite travel service might offer gas price mapping along your travel route, making it easy to get the best local gasoline prices regardless of where you’re heading. Since the travel service is designed to assist you on your trip, you can also use its website to check local travel conditions like weather and roadwork or even detours. Use your travel service’s website or smartphone application to get the best gas pricing.

Download a Gas Prices App

There are lots of helpful gas pricing applications designed for use with your smartphone. Just download an app and use the search option to find the best gas prices regardless of your travel route. Some of these apps also offer GPS driving directions, accident reports and sneak peeks at radar traps as you travel. Assisted by other travelers, many of the applications provide an up-to-the-minute gasoline prices map that changes as the prices fluctuate.

Tricks for Cheaper Gasoline

A great option for finding gasoline prices that you can afford includes utilizing a credit card with cash back for the purchase of gasoline. You might also time your purchase so that the gasoline you buy is at its densest, early in the morning or at the coldest part of the day. Gas might be cheaper on a weekday because many people wait until the weekend to buy their gas, as noted by Smart Asset.

Grab a Discount Card

Find the lowest gas prices at your local gas station by grabbing a discount card designed to save you money at the pumps. Some grocery stores and gas stations offer reward cards that save you money when you purchase gasoline. Make your purchases at the grocery store, and save money on gasoline in the station attached to that store. Reward cards are a great way to get the lowest gas prices even when others are paying more at the same pumps.

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Belching, gas and bloating: tips for reducing them.

Belching, gas and bloating can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Here's what causes these signs and symptoms — and how you can minimize them.

Belching or passing gas (flatus) is natural and common. Excessive belching or flatus, accompanied by bloating, pain or swelling of the abdomen (distention), can occasionally interfere with daily activities or cause embarrassment. But these signs and symptoms usually don't point to a serious underlying condition and are often reduced with simple lifestyle changes.

When belching, gas or bloating interferes with your daily activities, there may be something wrong. Find out how to reduce or avoid gas and gas pains, and when you may need to see your doctor.

Belching: Getting rid of excess air

Belching is commonly known as burping. It's your body's way of expelling excess air from your upper digestive tract. Most belching is caused by swallowing excess air. This air most often never even reaches the stomach but accumulates in the esophagus.

You may swallow excess air if you eat or drink too fast, talk while you eat, chew gum, suck on hard candies, drink carbonated beverages, or smoke. Some people swallow air as a nervous habit even when they're not eating or drinking.

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes cause excessive belching by promoting increased swallowing.

Chronic belching may also be related to inflammation of the stomach lining or to an infection with Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for some stomach ulcers. In these cases, the belching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as heartburn or abdominal pain.

You can reduce belching if you:

Flatulence: Gas buildup in the intestines

Gas in the small intestine or colon is typically caused by the digestion or fermentation of undigested food by bacteria found in the bowel. Gas can also form when your digestive system doesn't completely break down certain components in foods, such as gluten, found in most grains, or the sugar in dairy products and fruit.

Other sources of intestinal gas may include:

To prevent excess gas, it may help to:

Try an over-the-counter remedy. Some products such as Lactaid or Dairy Ease can help digest lactose. Products containing simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, others) haven't been proved to be helpful, but many people feel that these products work.

Products such as Beano, particularly the liquid form, may decrease the gas produced during the breakdown of certain types of beans.

Bloating: Common but incompletely understood

Bloating is a sensation of having a full stomach. Distension is a visible or measurable increase in abdominal size. People often describe abdominal symptoms as bloating, especially if those symptoms don't seem to be relieved by belching, passing gas or having a bowel movement.

The exact connection between intestinal gas and bloating is not fully understood. Many people with bloating symptoms don't have any more gas in the intestine than do other people. Many people, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome or anxiety, may have a greater sensitivity to abdominal symptoms and intestinal gas, rather than an excess amount.

Nonetheless, bloating may be relieved by the behavioral changes that reduce belching, or the dietary changes that reduce flatus.

When to see your doctor

Excessive belching, passing gas and bloating often resolve on their own or with simple changes. If these are the only symptoms you have, they rarely represent any serious underlying condition.

Consult your doctor if your symptoms don't improve with simple changes, particularly if you also notice:

These signs and symptoms could signal an underlying digestive condition. Intestinal symptoms can be embarrassing — but don't let embarrassment keep you from seeking help.

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Are You Farting Too Much?

Excessive gas can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. These steps can help.

A sudden burp on the phone with your colleague. Breaking wind while getting into downward-facing dog--we've all been there (some, more than others). Whether you call it burping, belching, or tooting, there are ways to manage excessive gas.

Gas in the stomach is primarily caused by air a person swallows while eating or drinking, and it's released from the mouth as a burp. Gas that is passed by flatulence is caused by the body’s inability to absorb or digest some carbohydrates in the small intestine. Once this undigested food passes into the small intestine, bacteria break it down, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and sometimes methane.

Here are some of the main culprits when it comes to gas:

It’s common to experience some gas after eating — and to release it through belching or flatulence. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) , passing gas up to 25 times a day is normal.

But if you’re experiencing painful gas and the embarrassment of chronic and foul-smelling flatulence, you can play detective and eliminate the cause with the following steps.

1. Avoid Foods Known to Cause Gas

One way to manage farting and belching is to eat fewer of the well-known gassy foods that are high in FODMAPs. FODMAPs stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.

“These are short-chain sugars, or carbohydrates, found in many foods that the small intestine (where the majority of digestion occurs) has a hard time absorbing,” explains Rabia de Latour, MD, a gastroenterologist and an assistant professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. “This then leaves them untouched for some of the gut bacteria in your colon to break down.”

In people who are sensitive to FODMAPs, the by-products of this breakdown (hydrogen gas) can cause symptoms, such as bloating , diarrhea, constipation , abdominal pain , and flatulence.

Common foods containing FODMAPs include:

Some scientific evidence suggests a low-FODMAP diet can improve painful GI symptoms, including excessive gas. For example, a research review published in February 2021 in the European Journal of Nutrition determined that a low-FODMAP diet decreased digestive symptoms by a “moderate to large extent” compared with a control diet.

“When attempting a low-FODMAP diet, know what you are getting into,” Dr. de Latour advises. “It can be very restricting. To find your trigger foods, I recommend keeping a food diary and eliminating foods one by one to keep track of which food eliminations provide the most benefit.”

To make the process easier, consider working with a dietitian, who can help identify problem foods, suggest alternatives, and safely reintroduce foods to your diet you had previously eliminated.

2. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Sorbitol and related sugar alcohols are FODMAPs that are used in many sugar-free versions of foods. “Sorbitol is often the first ingredient in any brand of sugar-free gum I’ve found at local grocery stores,” says Stephen Bickston, MD , a professor of internal medicine and the medical director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the Center for Digestive Health at VCU Health in Richmond, Virginia. “One to two sticks [of gum] is akin to eating a prune.” But the sugar substitutes that are found at a typical coffee stand or in popular soft drinks are not the kind that cause gas. The various packet sweeteners — yellow (sucralose), pink (saccharine), and blue (aspartame) — are not associated with gas or laxative effects.

3. Eat and Drink Slowly

When you eat or drink fast, you can swallow a lot of air, which can cause gas, says Dr. Bickston. The simple solution? Slow down when you eat. If you have dentures, check with your dentist to be sure they fit properly so you’re not gasping air while eating.

4. Don’t Fill Up on Air

Consider reducing or eliminating habits that cause your stomach to fill with air and lead to gas, like:

5. Try Herbs for Gas Relief

Some research suggests that herbs may help relieve excess gas. For example, a review published in 2019 in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that peppermint oil significantly improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including abdominal pain and bloating.

A review published in November 2018 in the journal Nutrients found that ginger helped speed digestion. If the stomach empties faster, gas can move more quickly to the small intestine to relieve bloating and discomfort.

Chamomile is thought to aid in a number of digestive issues, including upset stomach , bloating, and intestinal gas, by relaxing GI muscles and improving digestion, according to a research review .

When Gas Is a Symptom of an Underlying Problem

If excessive gas is persistent or severe, consult your doctor — it could be a sign of a more serious digestive condition, such as:

Also, warns Bickston, if you've had abdominal surgery, a hernia , or significant weight loss or weight gain, never dismiss your gas-like symptoms as normal. Get them checked out.

As annoying as it might be, some gas is a natural by-product of the body’s digestive system. But if your gas is excessive, painful, or chronic, talk to your doctor about possible causes and remedies.

Additional reporting by Ashley Welch .

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Gas and Gas Pain

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What is intestinal gas?

Intestinal gas is a mix of odorless vapors, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen and methane. This gas forms in the digestive system . When these vapors mix with intestinal bacteria, an unpleasant sulfur odor can develop.

Your body releases gas through the mouth (belching) or rectum (flatulence). Sometimes gas gets trapped in the stomach. This gas buildup causes abdominal pain and bloating (a swollen or tight feeling).

How common is intestinal gas?

Intestinal gas is a fact of life — a natural result of food digestion. Everyone feels gassy now and then. Studies suggest that most people pass gas (fart) up to 21 times per day.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes intestinal gas.

Causes of intestinal gas include:

Who might get intestinal gas?

Excess gas can make your stomach feel swollen or bloated. You may pass flatulence (sometimes foul smelling). Though uncomfortable, excess gas is rarely a concern. Things that make you produce too much gas include:

What are the symptoms of intestinal gas?

Gas symptoms vary depending on the cause. Some typical symptoms of intestinal gas are:

What are the signs of an intestinal gas problem?

You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience gas along with:

Diagnosis and Tests

How is intestinal gas diagnosed.

Your healthcare provider may ask you to keep a food diary for a week or more to see if certain foods or drinks make you gassy. Because excessive gas can be a sign of a health problem, you may need one or more of these tests:

Management and Treatment

How is intestinal gas managed or treated.

By treating a health condition that causes excessive gas, you can enjoy better health. For occasional gas, your healthcare provider might suggest one of these over-the-counter products:

Prescription medications may help if you have a motility problem like IBS. Antibiotics can treat bacterial overgrowth in the intestines that cause excess gas and bloating.

What are the complications of intestinal gas?

Extra gas can cause pain, discomfort and embarrassment, but it’s usually not a serious health problem. Gas buildup can sometimes feel more worrisome, though. Gas on the left side of the colon can cause chest pain that you might mistake for a heart attack . Gas buildup on the right side can mimic pain from gallstones or appendicitis . A health professional should check out these symptoms for any concerning underlying cause.

How can I prevent intestinal gas?

Most foods containing carbohydrates can cause gas. A food diary can help you determine which foods make you gassy. But don’t cut out too many things. Many vegetables, fruits, dairy products, wheat products and beans cause gas, but they’re also very good for you.

To reduce your body’s gas production, you can:

Living With

When should i call the doctor.

You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:

What questions should I ask my doctor?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

A note from Cleveland Clinic

While intestinal gas is common, the symptoms — belching, flatulence, bloating and stomach discomfort — can be embarrassing and even painful. Gas is sometimes a symptom of a more serious health problem. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. The right treatment can ease gas symptoms so you can go about your day in confidence.

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Digestive Disorders

How to Get Rid of Gas: Remedies and Treatments

Gas is air that is trapped in the digestive tract . It is either passed by burping or flatulence. Gas occurs naturally as a result of swallowing and digestion. Passing gas several times a day is normal. There are two potential causes for discomfort with gas: passing excessive amounts of gas or not passing enough gas.

Excessive gas can be caused by diet. Eating the following can lead to experiencing excessive gas:

It can also be caused by a lower intestine or digestive disorder like celiac disease , Crohn’s disease , gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Passing gas is excessive when it occurs more than 20 times per day.

Gas discomfort can also occur when it does not move through your intestines. When you do not pass gas at a normal frequency, you may experience bloating and abdominal pain. Other intestinal obstructions could occur if you have colon or ovarian cancer.

Remedies and Treatments for Gas

If you have gas pains that are disrupting your daily activities, there are some easy remedies that you can try at home to alleviate the pain. The two best ways to treat your gas pains are by changing your diet and taking over-the-counter medications.

You can change your diet and eat foods that reduce the amount of gas your body makes. This can alleviate gas pains quickly. It’s important to be mindful of what you’re eating by keeping a diary of your diet and gas symptoms. That will help you target what may be reacting with your digestive system.

Changes to your diet should include eating smaller portions, reducing the amount of air you are swallowing by taking slow and deliberate bites of your food, and avoiding chewing gum or hard candy to reduce the amount of air you swallow.

You might need to cut out certain fruits and vegetables that cause intestinal gas. Limiting your dairy and whole grain consumption can also help. Try to avoid high-fat foods and beans or lentils that cause bloating and discomfort.

The amount and cause of gas can differ from person to person, so take note of what you’re eating and how your body is responding to it. You can experiment by taking out and gradually reintroducing foods to discover what element of your diet causes gas pains.

Over-the-Counter Medication

These products are designed to reduce gas symptoms. You should take these if you have excessive or painful gas:

When to See a Doctor

Gas is a common occurrence, but if yours is persistent and painful or associated with vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, or blood in the stool you should consult your doctor as it may indicate a serious medical problem .

Other signs of alarming gas symptoms include:

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how to cure excessive gas problem

How to get rid of trapped gas

how to cure excessive gas problem

There are many ways to release gas from the intestines. They include letting it out, passing stool, avoiding gum, taking peppermint supplements, and more. If these do not help, over-the-counter remedies are available.

Gas trapped in the intestines can cause sharp pain, cramping, swelling, tightness, and even bloating.

Most people pass gas between 13 and 21 times a day. When gas is blocked from escaping, diarrhea or constipation may be responsible.

Gas pain can be so intense that doctors mistake the root cause for appendicitis , gallstones , or even heart disease .

20 ways to get rid of gas pain fast

Luckily, many home remedies can help to release trapped gas or prevent it from building up. Twenty effective methods are listed below.

Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to avoid these symptoms is to simply let out the gas.

A bowel movement can relieve gas. Passing stool will usually release any gas trapped in the intestines.

Eating too quickly or while moving can cause a person to take in air as well as food, leading to gas-related pain.

Quick eaters can slow down by chewing each bite of food 30 times. Breaking down food in such a way aids digestion and can prevent a number of related complaints, including bloating and indigestion .

4. Avoid chewing gum

As a person chews gum they tend to swallow air, which increases the likelihood of trapped wind and gas pains.

Sugarless gum also contains artificial sweeteners, which may cause bloating and gas.

5. Say no to straws

Often, drinking through a straw causes a person to swallow air. Drinking directly from a bottle can have the same effect, depending on the bottle’s size and shape.

To avoid gas pain and bloating, it is best to sip from a glass.

6. Quit smoking

Whether using traditional or electronic cigarettes , smoking causes air to enter the digestive tract. Because of the range of health issues linked to smoking, quitting is wise for many reasons.

7. Choose non-carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks, such as sparkling water and sodas, send a lot of gas to the stomach. This can cause bloating and pain.

8. Eliminate problematic foods

Cans of carbonated drinks

Eating certain foods can cause trapped gas. Individuals find different foods problematic.

However, the foods below frequently cause gas to build up:

Keeping a food diary can help a person to identify trigger foods. Some, like artificial sweeteners, may be easy to cut out of the diet.

Others, like cruciferous vegetables and legumes, provide a range of health benefits. Rather than avoiding them entirely, a person may try reducing their intake or preparing the foods differently.

Some herbal teas may aid digestion and reduce gas pain fast. The most effective include teas made from:

Anise acts as a mild laxative and should be avoided if diarrhea accompanies gas. However, it can be helpful if constipation is responsible for trapped gas.

10. Snack on fennel seeds

Fennel is an age-old solution for trapped wind. Chewing on a teaspoon of the seeds is a popular natural remedy.

However, anyone pregnant or breast-feeding should probably avoid doing so, due to conflicting reports concerning safety.

11. Take peppermint supplements

Peppermint oil capsules have long been taken to resolve issues like bloating, constipation, and trapped gas. Some research supports the use of peppermint for these symptoms.

Always choose enteric-coated capsules. Uncoated capsules may dissolve too quickly in the digestive tract, which can lead to heartburn .

Peppermint inhibits the absorption of iron, so these capsules should not be taken with iron supplements or by people who have anemia .

Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, and indigestion. It may also have ulcer-fighting properties.

Consuming clove oil after meals can increase digestive enzymes and reduce the amount of gas in the intestines.

When gas pains strike, place a hot water bottle or heating pad on the stomach. The warmth relaxes the muscles in the gut, helping gas to move through the intestines. Heat can also reduce the sensation of pain.

14. Address digestive issues

People with certain digestive difficulties are more likely to experience trapped gas. Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease, for example, often experience bloating and gas pain.

Addressing these issues through lifestyle changes and medication can improve the quality of life.

People with lactose intolerance who frequently experience gas pain should take greater steps to avoid lactose or take lactase supplements.

15. Add apple cider vinegar to water

Apple cider vinegar aids the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. It may also help to alleviate gas pain quickly.

Add a tablespoon of the vinegar to a glass of water and drink it before meals to prevent gas pain and bloating. It is important to then rinse the mouth with water, as vinegar can erode tooth enamel.

16. Use activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is a natural product that can be bought in health food stores or pharmacies without a prescription. Supplement tablets taken before and after meals can prevent trapped gas.

It is best to build up the intake of activated charcoal gradually. This will prevent unwanted symptoms, such as constipation and nausea.

One alarming side effect of activated charcoal is that it can turn the stool black. This discoloration is harmless and should go away if a person stops taking charcoal supplements.

17. Take probiotics

Girl doing yoga at home

Probiotic supplements add beneficial bacteria to the gut. They are used to treat several digestive complaints, including infectious diarrhea.

Some research suggests that certain strains of probiotics can alleviate bloating, intestinal gas, abdominal pain, and other symptoms of IBS.

Strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are generally considered to be most effective.

Gentle exercises can relax the muscles in the gut, helping to move gas through the digestive system. Walking or doing yoga poses after meals may be especially beneficial.

19. Breathe deeply

Deep breathing may not work for everyone. Taking in too much air can increase the amount of gas in the intestines.

However, some people find that deep breathing techniques can relieve the pain and discomfort associated with trapped gas.

20. Take an over-the-counter remedy

Several products can get rid of gas pain fast. One popular medication, simethicone, is marketed under the following brand names:

Mylanta Gas

Anyone who is pregnant or taking other medications should discuss the use of simethicone with a doctor or pharmacist.

Trapped gas can be painful and distressing, but many easy remedies can alleviate symptoms quickly.

People with ongoing or severe gas pain should see a doctor right away, especially if the pain is accompanied by:

While everyone experiences trapped gas once in a while, experiencing regular pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms can indicate the presence of a medical condition or food sensitivity.

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Last medically reviewed on January 25, 2020

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How to Get Rid of Gas, Pains, and Bloating

how to cure excessive gas problem

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Abdominal gas is quite typical. Often, certain home remedies and supplements can help you release gas from your stomach. But if you’re experiencing discomfort, you may want to see a doctor.

The average adult passes gas between 13 and 21 times a day. Gas is a healthy part of the digestion process . But if gas builds up in your intestines and you’re unable to expel it, you may start to feel pain and discomfort.

Gas pain, bloating , and flatus frequency can be exacerbated by anything that causes diarrhea or constipation . Gas can also be caused by:

Make an appointment with your doctor if your gas symptoms:

Your doctor can determine the underlying cause. If you don’t already have a primary care provider, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool .

How to get rid of gas

Often, your gas is caused by what you eat. Food is digested primarily in your small intestine . What is left undigested is fermented in your colon with bacteria, fungi, and yeast, as part of digestion. This process produces methane and hydrogen, which are expelled as flatus.

For many people, changing dietary habits is enough to alleviate gas and its accompanying symptoms. One way to determine which foods are giving you gas is by keeping a food diary. Common culprits include:

Once you figure out what food is causing the gas, you can modify your diet to avoid the culprit.

8 tips to get rid of gas and accompanying symptoms

If changing your diet doesn’t completely do the trick, you have several options to try.

Studies have shown that peppermint tea or supplements may reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome , including gas. Talk to your doctor before you start using supplements. Peppermint can interfere with iron absorption and certain medications. It may also cause heartburn in some people.

Supplements will have directions about how much you should take on the bottle. For peppermint tea, drink one cup before each meal for best results.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea can also help reduce indigestion , trapped gas, and bloating. Drinking chamomile tea before meals and at bedtime may reduce symptoms for some people.

Simethicone

Simethicone is an over-the-counter medication that is available under several different brand names. These include:

Mylanta Gas

Simethicone works by consolidating gas bubbles in your stomach, allowing you to expel them more easily. Follow dosing instructions, and make sure to discuss this medication with your doctor, if you’re taking other medications or pregnant.

Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is another type of over-the-counter medication that helps eliminate gas trapped in your colon. You take tablets right before and one hour after meals.

Apple cider vinegar

Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a beverage, like water or tea. Drink right before meals or up to three times daily as long as needed to reduce symptoms.

Physical activity

Exercise can help release trapped gas and gas pain. Try walking after meals as a way to avoid gas. If you have gas pain, jumping rope, running, or walking may help you expel it.

Lactase supplements

Lactose is a sugar in milk. People with lactose intolerance can’t digest this sugar. Lactase is the enzyme the body uses to break down lactose. Lactase supplements are available over the counter and can help your body digest lactose.

Cloves are an herb used in cooking. Clove oil may help reduce bloating and gas by producing digestive enzymes. Add two to five drops to an 8-ounce glass of water and drink after meals.

Preventing gas

If no medical condition is causing the problem, preventing gas may best be accomplished by altering lifestyle habits and diet:

Conditions that cause gas, pains, and bloating

Some conditions can cause excess gas. They include:

The bottom line

Gas can be painful, but it typically isn’t dangerous. If gas pain or bloating are issues for you, look to your diet and lifestyle to see what changes you can make. In many cases, lifestyle and diet modification may be able to eliminate the issue completely.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you don’t notice a difference after several weeks of lifestyle and diet changes. They can run tests to see if your symptoms are caused by a medical condition.

Last medically reviewed on February 28, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI

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About flatulence

Flatulence is passing gas from the digestive system out of the back passage. It's more commonly known as "passing wind", or "farting".

Farting is often laughed about, but excessive flatulence can be embarrassing and make you feel uncomfortable around others. However, it can usually be controlled with changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Flatulence is a normal biological process and is something everyone experiences regularly. Some people pass wind only a few times a day, others a lot more, but the average is said to be about 5 to 15 times a day.

Why it happens

When you swallow food, water or saliva, you also swallow small amounts of air, which collects in the digestive system. Gases can also build up when you digest food. The body needs to get rid of the build-up by farting (flatulence) or burping (belching).

Sometimes you may not notice you have passed wind because most of the gases are odourless and often released in small quantities. Flatulence usually only has a bad smell if it contains gases that smell, such as sulphur. However, it's important to remember it's normal for the gas you pass to sometimes smell a bit.

Excessive flatulence can be caused by swallowing more air than usual or eating food that's difficult to digest. It can also be related to an underlying health problem affecting the digestive system, such as recurring indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) .

Read more about the causes of flatulence .

When to see your GP

There are no medical guidelines defining the normal frequency or volume of flatulence. You're probably the best person to assess your own symptoms.

See your GP if your flatulence is particularly troublesome – for example, if you're frequently passing smelly gas.

You should also visit your GP if you experience additional symptoms, such as:

These symptoms could be an indicator of a more serious health problem and may require investigation, such as a blood or stool test to look for an infection.

Controlling the problem

Excessive flatulence can usually be controlled by making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as:

There are also some over-the-counter medications that can help if your flatulence is troublesome, such as charcoal tablets or simethicone.

If your flatulence is related to an underlying health problem, treating the condition may help resolve it.

Read more about treating flatulence .

Causes of flatulence

There are several natural causes of flatulence. Flatulence can also be caused by some health conditions related to the digestive system, or as a side effect of certain medicines.

Swallowing air

It's perfectly normal to swallow air while breathing and eating. However, it's easy to swallow a lot more air than usual without realising it. This can cause excessive flatulence.

Excess air can be swallowed by:

Hot and fizzy drinks also increase the amount of carbon dioxide in your stomach, although this is more likely to cause belching rather than flatulence.

Food and drink

Some carbohydrates in food can't be digested and absorbed by the intestines. These pass down into your colon to be broken down by bacteria, producing gas, which is released as flatulence.

Foods containing a high amount of unabsorbable carbohydrates include:

Foods containing a lot of unrefined cereal fibre, such as bran, can also sometimes cause problems with wind and bloating.

Other foods and drinks that contain a sweetener called sorbitol (such as sugar-free gum or slimming products) or a type of sugar called fructose (such as fruit juice) can also cause flatulence. This means chewing sugar-free gum can cause flatulence from both the sweetener and swallowing air.

Certain foods, such as cabbage or onions, can lead to the production of gases containing sulphur, which can result in foul-smelling wind. However, the production of smelly wind can vary from person to person depending on what you eat, so it's up to you to work out which foods cause the most smell.

Health conditions

Certain health conditions can cause symptoms of flatulence, including:

Flatulence, often caused by indigestion , is a possible side effect of many types of medicine, including:

Treating flatulence

Excessive flatulence can usually be treated by making changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Several over-the-counter treatments are also available if your flatulence is becoming a problem.

Self care advice

You should try to avoid eating foods high in unabsorbable carbohydrates. For a list of these foods, see causes of flatulence . Certain processed foods should also be avoided as they can contain ingredients that cause flatulence, including:

However, it's still important to eat a healthy balanced diet , including at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Choose foods containing carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These include:

citrus fruits, such as oranges

It's important to note that people react differently to certain foods, so some foods listed above may still cause flatulence. You may find it useful to keep a food diary to see whether certain foods make your symptoms better or worse.

You may also find it useful to eat 6 small meals a day rather than 3 large ones. Smaller meals are easier to digest and may produce less gas.

There's some evidence to suggest drinking peppermint tea can help improve the symptoms of flatulence. There's also some evidence that small amounts of ginger can help with digestion or an upset stomach, which may be causing flatulence. However, pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking ginger.

When eating, make sure you chew food slowly to reduce the amount of air you swallow. This will also help with digestion. Avoid chewing gum as it can also cause you to swallow more air than usual.

You should also give up smoking, if you smoke. Smoking can cause you to swallow more air than usual, and tobacco smoke can irritate your digestive system. See stop smoking for more information and advice about quitting smoking.

Getting plenty of exercise can help improve the functioning of your digestive system and bowel. It has also been shown to help with bloating and the passage of gas.

Medications and other remedies

There are several over-the-counter remedies that can help treat the symptoms of flatulence, some of which are described below.

Charcoal tablets

Charcoal tablets are a type of medication available over the counter from pharmacists. The charcoal absorbs gas in the digestive system, which helps reduce symptoms.

Charcoal tablets may not be suitable for you if you are currently taking other medication. This is because the charcoal might absorb the medication and make it less effective. If you are taking other medication, ask your GP or pharmacist for advice before taking charcoal tablets.

Clothing containing activated charcoal, or charcoal pads placed inside clothing, can help absorb foul-smelling gas released during flatulence. These products can be purchased online.

Simethicone is another over-the-counter medication that can also sometimes help with gas problems.

Dietary supplements

Alpha-galactosidase is a dietary supplement that may help improve the digestion of carbohydrates and reduce symptoms of flatulence. It's found in a product called Beano, which has been shown to have some effect in reducing flatulence and is available from some pharmacists and health food shops.

Probiotics may also be useful in treating flatulence. Probiotics are a dietary supplement, usually sold in liquid or capsule form, which encourages the growth of "friendly bacteria" in your digestive system.

The "friendly bacteria" should help digestion and reduce the symptoms of flatulence, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) . Probiotic yoghurts may also help, but avoid those with artificial sweeteners or added fibre.

Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window

Last updated: 23 February 2023

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Treatment for Gas in the Digestive Tract

How can i reduce or prevent excess gas or gas symptoms.

To reduce or prevent excess gas or gas symptoms , your doctor may recommend swallowing less air, changing your eating and drinking habits or diet, or taking medicines or supplements.

Swallowing less air

Swallowing less air may help ease gas symptoms, especially if you belch a lot. Your doctor may recommend you

A stick of chewing gum, four hard candies, and a glass of soda with a straw.

Changing your diet

To reduce gas, your doctor may suggest changes to your eating and drinking habits or diet . For example, your doctor may recommend eating smaller, more frequent meals or consuming less of the foods and drinks that increase your gas symptoms. For example, some people have more gas symptoms after they consume

Your doctor may also recommend changing what you eat and drink to treat certain health conditions that may cause gas symptoms—such as celiac disease , irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) , or lactose intolerance .

Taking medicines or supplements

In some cases, doctors may recommend medicines or supplements to help reduce gas or gas symptoms. The medicines or supplements your doctor recommends will depend on which gas symptoms you have and whether a health condition is causing your gas symptoms.

Doctors may recommend

For safety reasons, talk with your doctor before using supplements, probiotics, or any complementary or alternative medicines or medical practices.

This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

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Nutrition and Information Recipes

Gas: Beat The Bloat

Natalie Egan, MS, RD, LDN Brigham and Women's Hospital Previously published on Intelihealth.com

We all have gas. Yet, we're embarrassed to mention it to health-care providers and friends in social conversation. Ten percent to 20 percent of adults have the digestive complaints of belching or flatulence. Here's the good news: bloating or gas doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong with digestion. But to minimize gas and its embarrassment, the first areas to focus on are diet and eating habits.

The Passing Of Gas

The three most common ways of expelling gas are burping, abdominal bloating, and flatus. Swallowed air, which may stay in the stomach for a period of time, is released by belching. Bloating typically occurs with air that is trapped in the colon or small bowel. Air passed through the bowel is typically passed as flatus. A normal individual emits flatus from 12 to 25 times per day, with more gas in the intestine later in the day than earlier.

Intestinal gas is made up of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane. The composition varies depending on the type of intestinal gas. Gas is caused by various factors, the most common of which are eating behaviors and the bacterial fermentation of certain foods.

Bacterial Fermentation

The colon is filled with bacteria, yeasts and fungi, which break down the foods not digested by the small intestine, mostly different forms of carbohydrates. These bacteria particularly enjoy undigested carbohydrates, and the fermentation leads to gas production, hydrogen and methane expelled as flatus. Lactose is one of the most common sources of gas-causing carbohydrate, affecting people who are "lactose intolerant," meaning they do not have the enzyme lactase needed to digest the carbohydrate. Typically, lactose is found in dairy products. Beans are the second most common carbohydrate implicated in gas production. The indigestible carbohydrate in beans that typically causes flatus is raffinose.

Behaviors, Food Choices And Activity

Eating behaviors and other habits such as gum chewing, gulping foods and drinking with eating can cause us to swallow air. Bulky foods such as lettuce, cabbage, and dense breads not chewed into small enough pieces increase swallowed air.

Typically, swallowed air contains oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It tends to not have a foul smell, but it does contribute to the discomfort associated with gas.

People vary widely in how sensitive they are to gas production. Keeping a food record to document incidences of gas in relation to foods eaten can shed light on whether food or behavior may be aggravating the situation.

Behaviors And Food Choices That Can Lead To Gas

Beat The Bloat

Bloating is a sensation that makes the abdomen feel larger than normal. The abdomen doesn't get physically bigger until its volume increases by one quart, so the bloated feeling may occur, but the abdomen is not distended. Intestinal gas may cause the feeling of bloating.

Here are additional suggestions to decrease bloating:

It is important not to completely omit foods from the diet that may cause gas. As we know, a high-fiber diet is important for bowel regularity and colon health, so it is well worth the patience it may take to slowly build up tolerance to these types of carbohydrates. Start by adding the offending high-fiber food in smaller quantities, such as a half cup or less. Be sure that fluid intake and activity levels are adequate, as they help to move foods through the digestive tract.

Natural And Other Remedies For Gas

Many advertisements tout medications or remedies that reduce gas and bloating. Some have been shown to be of value in clinical studies, others have not yet been proven scientifically but are anecdotally helpful. Before trying anything, you may want to consult with your physician.

Two products on the market can help with food-related gas and bloating. Both products are packaged forms of the enzymes needed to break down the problematic carbohydrates. Lactase, found in products such as Dairy Ease and Lactaid, can be taken with dairy foods to help break down lactose and lessen gas. Beano helps digest the indigestible carbohydrate in beans and other gas-producing vegetables.

Natural remedies for gas include:

Over-the-counter gas remedies include:

When To Be Concerned

In most situations, occasional gas and abdominal discomfort does not require medical attention. Over- the-counter products, or a self-assessment of habits and changes in eating behaviors can help remedy the situation. However, you should seek medical attention when there is an increase in frequency, location or severity of the symptoms, or if they are accompanied by weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting or heartburn.

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