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Gas and bloating are a natural result of the digestion process, but too much gas can be painful or embarrassing. Luckily, you can often reduce those unpleasant symptoms by making a few simple changes to your diet. Keep reading for tips on how to get relief.

1

Relieve gas pains with a hot pad.

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5

Steer clear of common foods that cause gas.

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  1. Gas forms when bacteria break down undigested food in your colon. [6] This is totally normal, but you might find that some foods give you a lot more gas than others. For example, you might want to cut back on: [7]
    • Certain vegetables and fruits, such as beans, peas, and other legumes, broccoli and cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, apples, peaches, prunes, and whole wheat.
    • Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and mannitol.
    • Soda and other carbonated drinks, which can cause air bubbles to get trapped in your stomach.
    • Fried, greasy, or fatty foods, which can slow down digestion and trap gas in your intestines longer.
    • Foods like garlic, eggs, and fish won’t necessarily cause more gas, but they can make your gas smell a lot worse. [8]
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6

Go dairy-free if you have lactose intolerance.

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  1. Cow milk contains lactose, which disagrees with many people's digestion. [9] If dairy triggers your symptoms, avoid milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products made with lactose milk. If you’re not ready to cut out dairy completely, try drinking only small amounts of milk or sticking to yogurt or hard cheeses, which many people find easier to digest. [10]
    • You can find a variety of dairy alternatives in most grocery stores. Popular options include soy, almond, rice, and oat milk.
    • You can also reduce your symptoms by taking lactase supplements before you eat or drink dairy. Talk to your doctor before trying lactase supplements, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications or supplements. [11]
7

Limit simple carbohydrates and sugars.

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  1. If you always feel icky after eating bread, baked goods, or candy, you might have a problem digesting simple carbs. Cut back on sweets and products made with refined flour, like white bread or pasta. You may notice a big difference in how you feel! [12]
    • Carbs are still an important part of your diet, so don’t cut them out completely. Stick to foods that are rich in healthy, complex carbs, such as starchy vegetables, whole grains, and fruit.
    • Don't replace sugars with artificial sweeteners, as they can also cause bloating.
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9

Ask your doctor about activated charcoal supplements.

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  1. Some studies show that it’s especially effective when you combine it with gas-relief medications like simethicone (Gas-X). [14] Check the instructions on the package to figure out how much to take and whether to use it before or after a meal.
    • Ask your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you're already taking other medications. Activated charcoal may prevent your body from absorbing some medications properly. [15]
    • Possible side effects of activated charcoal include staining of the tongue, black stools, and constipation.
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10

Take over-the-counter gas relief medicines before you eat.

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  1. Before your next meal, try a digestive enzyme supplement such as Beano or BeanAssist. These medicines break down the hard-to-digest carbohydrates that tend to cause bloating and gas. [16]
    • Simethicone-based medications, such as Gas-X or Mylanta Gas Minis, are intended to break down gas bubbles that have already formed in your gut. However, it’s not clear how effective these medicines really are.
    • Always read the directions on the package before using an over-the-counter medication to treat or prevent gas. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first if you have a medical condition or are taking other medicines or supplements.
11

Let out gas instead of trying to hold it.

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  1. When you’re gassy, it can feel embarrassing to just let it rip. But remember, passing gas is a necessary and normal part of the digestion process. Holding it in will just make you feel more bloated and uncomfortable. Instead of holding it, find a comfortable place to release your gas. [17]
    • If you are in public when a bout of gas or bloating strikes, find a bathroom where you can stay until the pain has subsided.
    • Moving around can help, too. Take a brisk walk around the block or walk up and down a set of stairs to help the gas make its way out.
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12

See your doctor for frequent or severe symptoms.

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  1. If you have painful bloating or excess flatulence daily, the issue may extend beyond what you can fix by changing your diet. [18] See your doctor if you have frequent gas pains that interfere with your daily life, or if you have severe symptoms such as bloody stools, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss you can’t explain, or frequent nausea or vomiting. [19] You may have a condition such as:
    • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS affects your colon and causes cramping and diarrhea when you consume certain foods. [20]
    • Celiac disease. This is a digestive disorder triggered by eating gluten, a protein found in bread and other food products containing wheat, barley, or rye. [21]
    • Crohn's disease, a gastrointestinal disorder that can become severe if not treated effectively. [22]

How Do You Treat Bloating?


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  • Question
    Why am I so bloated and gassy at night?
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Expert Answer
    You might be eating too quickly. Slowing down how you eat also prevents you from swallowing as much air as you do when eating quickly, so bloating and burping won't occur as often.
  • Question
    Why do I feel bloated all the time?
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Expert Answer
    Bloating is typically caused by swallowing air. Soda, for example, can make you bloated due to the air bubbles. Bloating can also be caused by something you've eaten that's fermenting in your bowel and creating gas. Eating dairy, for example, can also cause tremendous gas and bloating if you are lactose intolerant.
  • Question
    What can I do if I bloat every time I eat?
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Expert Answer
    Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three big meals. You should also avoid laying down or going to sleep right after you've eaten. Try not to lie down for ideally three hours, but at least two hours, after eating.
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      Tips

      • Regular exercise helps relieve gas and bloating and prevent future bouts from occurring. Take daily walks, jogs, or swims to give your body the opportunity to release gas. [23]
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      Warnings

      • Don't remove a food group from your diet or start taking new supplements or medications without first consulting your doctor.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To reduce bloating and gas, try to avoid holding the gas inside, since this builds up pressure in your abdomen, and find a private place where you can pass it instead. You can apply a hot pad or compress for quick relief from pain and pressure if you're able to lay down. Over-the-counter medicines that contain simethicone can also minimize your symptoms. If you prefer natural remedies, try activated charcoal or garlic supplements instead. For tips on dietary changes you can make to help prevent gas and bloating, read on!

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