5 ways to get rid of gas fast

If you suffer from excess gas, you may feel uneasy and uncomfortable. Follow these simple tips to get rid of gas fast.

Swallowing an insignificant amount of air is normal, but swallowing lots of air can cause a build-up of excess gas.

• When eating, take small bites and chew your food slowly to reduce the amount of air you take in.
• You should also choose your food and beverages carefully. Certain foods and drinks, such as carbonated beverages and chewing gum, can cause you to swallow too much air.
• If you gulp air when under stress, calm your nerves using relaxation techniques such as slow breathing and meditation.

Carbonated, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can irritate your digestive system, causing you to produce more gas than usual. Where possible, stick to clear, non-carbonated fluids and avoid drinking at mealtimes.

The foods you eat play a major role in your gas production.

• Many healthy foods, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, are difficult to digest because they contain complex carbohydrates that can only be broken down by bacteria in the lower half of your digestive system.
• These bacteria produce several types of gas.While you may feel tempted to cut these foods out of your diet, it is important to remember that complex carbohydrates are an important energy source.
• If they are causing you to suffer excess gas, fear not—simply reduce your portion sizes, and then steadily increase them over subsequent weeks, granting your sensitive digestive system the chance to get used to the change.

Aerobic exercise such as jogging and walking gets your whole body moving, helping to push trapped gas along your digestive tract.

• If you cannot tolerate mild to moderate physical activity, some gentle stretches performed an hour or two after each meal should provide you with welcome relief from gas build-up.

Excess gas is not usually related to any serious medical conditions, but in some cases it can be a symptom of an underlying gastrointestinal disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome.

If lifestyle chances do not help you get rid of gas fast, or if you are experiencing severe and unexplained increases in the amount of gas you produce, talk to your doctor.