There are a couple of reasons why you pass gas. First, you tend to gobble up some air as you eat or drink. Second, bacterial action on the food you ate causes the production of air.
Experts say that it’s not uncommon for anyone to pass gas 14 to 23 times per day, and the normal amount of gas you pass may range anywhere from 6 to 64 ounces daily. But if you feel like you are passing more than usual and you always need to excuse yourself to go to the other room, fret not. There are some things that may be done to ward off flatulence. Read on to know some effective home remedies on minimizing gas production.
Steer Clear of Foods Known to Produce Lots of Gas
There are some foods that can leave you feeling gassy, which is not only embarrassing but also oftentimes leaves you feeling so uncomfortable. It’s a good idea to stay away from or limit your consumption of gas-forming foods such as onions, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, prunes and especially beans.
Leave Beans Soaked in Water Overnight
If you cannot avoid but serve beans on the table and enjoy all the protein and fiber they contain, it’s a good idea to soak them in water overnight before cooking. This helps in reducing their gas-forming properties. Make sure that you cook them the following day with fresh water. Using a pressure cooker works wonderfully too.
Avoid Sulfur-Rich Foods
What’s more embarrassing than passing gas loudly? Passing gut-wrenching smelly gas loudly! If you are having a hard time staving off flatulence, you also might want to avoid eating foods that are rich in sulfur as they tend to produce gas that smells offensive. Limit your consumption of eggs and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, kale and radish.
Turn Your Back on High-Sugar Foods
As mentioned earlier, the action of bacteria on food is one of the reasons why you produce gas. Sugar is something that bacteria love to feed on. That’s why it is a good idea to limit your consumption of foods that are laden with refined sugar. However, do have plenty of fruits because the kind of sugar they contain doesn’t count.
Gradually Incorporate Fiber in Your Diet
If you’re coming from a low-fiber diet and you want to switch to a high-fiber one, make sure that you do it gradually. Otherwise, packing your system with a lot of fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber will only make your digestive system work harder and produce a lot of gas.
Eat Yogurt to Replenish Good Bacteria
Having a healthy gut can save you from going through an embarrassing bout of flatulence. A great way to keep your tummy in top-top shape is by consuming yogurt that contains food bacteria which keeps the number of bad ones in check. Make sure that you opt for unsweetened yogurt to prevent those bad bacteria from feasting on sugar.
Drink Herbal Teas Daily
The consumption of herbal teas helps soothe the gut, thus keeping the formation of excessive amounts of gas at bay. Have a cup of your favorite herbal tea after meals or during snack times. Some of the best herbal teas that may help ward off flatulence include chamomile, clove, ginger, cinnamon and peppermint.