How to Relieve Gas From Your Stomach

Passing gas is a natural process that, most of the time, happens without any help. However, trapped air can lead to bloating and pain, making you feel very uncomfortable. In such cases, it may be a good idea to practice certain techniques to relieve abdominal discomfort.

5-Minute Crafts will show you different ways to trigger the need of releasing gas from your stomach.

❗ Important: This article has been created for informative purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult your doctor if you’re experiencing excessive bloating.

1. Massage your abdomen in a clockwise motion.

This simple method not only helps you relieve trapped gas, but it can also reduce bloating and cramps.

2. Use apple cider vinegar or baking soda.

It’s believed that drinking a glass of water with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar dissolved in it might help you release trapped gas.

At the same time, diluting 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water may have the same effect.

❗ Do not exceed the amount of baking soda previously mentioned. Too much of this ingredient could lead to digestive problems.

3. Try with fennel seeds.

Chewing on a teaspoon of fennel seeds is a natural remedy for gas release. However, this method should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to safety reasons.

4. Place a heating pad on your stomach.

A hot water bottle may also help. The heat may help you relax your muscles, encourage trapped gas to pass through the intestines, and reduce abdominal pain.

❗ Make sure that the heating pad or water bottle is not too hot before placing it on your belly.

5. Drink herbal tea.

Herbal teas made from ginger, anise, chamomile, and peppermint may support digestion and effectively relieve gas pain.

Moreover, anise tea can be especially helpful if trapped gas is caused by constipation due to its slightly laxative effects. However, this natural ingredient should be avoided if there are symptoms of diarrhea.

6. Perform some yoga poses.

The following yoga poses may stimulate certain parts of your body that can encourage gas release. In order to feel more comfortable, it’s advisable to practice these positions in private.

Moreover, it’s recommended to pay attention to your breathing. Allow your stomach to expand whenever you inhale. As you exhale, pull your navel toward your spine.

• Wind-relieving pose: Lie on your back lifting your legs upward at 90º. Then bend your knees and draw your thighs into your belly, making sure to keep your ankles and knees together. Hold your legs with your arms by clasping your hands. Finally, bring your neck upward, tucking your chin into your chest or onto your knees.

• Happy baby pose: Lie on your back and bring your knees up to each side of your body. Point the soles of your feet toward the ceiling, making sure to keep your knees bent. Then grab your feet with your hands and gently pull them down. Hold this position for up to 1 minute.

• Seated forward pose: Sit upright on the floor, keeping your legs straight in front of you. Then bend forward from your hips, trying to lean your chest on your knees without lifting them. Make sure to bring your hands toward your toes as far as possible.

Tips to prevent trapped gas

• Avoid using a straw when drinking. When you drink through a straw, or from a bottle, you may swallow air at the same time, which can cause gas pain and bloating. Therefore, it’s advisable to drink from a glass.
• Don’t chew gum. This will make you take in air, increasing the possibility of trapped gas. Moreover, the artificial sweeteners in sugarless gum can result in bloating.
• Make sure to eat slowly. Eating too fast or as you move can lead you to swallow air along with food.
• Opt for non-carbonated drinks. Carbonated liquids, such as soda and sparkling water, have a lot of gas, which ends up in your stomach.