HOW MANAGE FLATULENCE NATURALLY?

‘13’ is not always a lucky number. Especially not, as 13% of the U.S. population are suffering from flatulence with all its negative consequences for our health, pain included. Fortunately yet, there are natural solutions, as interpreted in this blog. Just read on...

Kerry Bowmaster from Santa Catalina Island, CA, asks:
 
If we talk about chronic health conditions, mine is flatulence, only too often related to abdominal pain. Since conventional medications has not helped yet, I wonder if nature got an answer.
 

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND

Dr. Fritz:
 
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), i.e. bloating (flatulence) with excess gas buildup and pain in the gastrointestinal tract, is certainly not a disease, but inconvenient for those 13% of the population affected – and sometimes for their environment.
 
Fortunately yet, nature offers non-synthetic short- and long term solutions with no side effects to avoid and relieve bloating, respectively. In terms of nutritional and other lifestyle adjustments.

WHAT TRIGGERS FLATULENCE?

However, before we focus on those natural modalities, we should see what exactly may be the cause of this condition at all. With special reference to diet, digestion, and hormonal changes.
 
‘Schizophrenically’ some otherwise healthy diet can well release flatulence.  E.g.,
 
Beans
 
On one side, beans are loaded with most essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein, but on the other hand they may cause bloating, sometimes related to abdominal pain, because of their equally high content of fiber and a type of sugar – called oligosaccharides – which our body has difficulty to break down.
 
Still, for relief we may not at all refrain from beans which – again – are basically health food even if this seemingly ‘schizophrenic’ situation may be hard to understand.
 
Especially, as there are beans to digest more easily like mung and adzuki beans.
 
Or we may replace conventional beans with their ‘cousins’ lentils, quinoa and grains.
 
Also, when soaking beans before they are cooked can reduce gas.
 
Not only this, eating small amounts of beans per day, can build up gut bacteria reducing flatulence over time.
 
The protein

Gluten
 
as it is found in some types of wheat is another potential elicitor of bloating.
 
Again, instead of refraining from wheat at all, consider buckwheat, quinoa, oats (pure), wild rice, or almond and coconut flour.
 
Also

Rye
 
a ‘cousin’ of wheat and an appreciated cereal grain, also basically loaded with vitamins and minerals essential for our health, may cause bloating because of its high content of fiber and – yes – gluten.
 
Same is with
 
Barley
  
However, to avoid and relieve flatulence, both- rye and barley - can be replaced by gluten-free grains such as quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat and oats.
 
Another popular nutriment we don’t want to miss but which is a candidate for flatulence are
 
Apples
 
As they are loaded on one side with healthy antioxidants and vitamins but on the other, with a type of fruit sugar named fructose not everybody can digest easily. At least not as is when harvested.  
 
Same is with

Pears
 
However, instead of refraining from healthy fruit, cook pears before consumption.
 
Or replace it by alternatives such as, inter alia, grapes, bananas, straw-/blue-/blackberries, or cantaloupes.
 
Onions
 
are also health food (e.g., to increase life-saving HDL cholesterol) but still may increase bloating because of its soluble fiber named fructans.
 
Same is with
 
Garlic
 
To compensate both, collard greens, fennel, leeks or celery are an alternative option. As well as herbs like basil and chives.
 

NATURAL SOLUTIONS – SCIENTIFICALLY VALIDATED

Yes - flatulence can be managed naturally. Based on research and scientific validations at, inter alia, following Italian medical institutions:

• University of Bologna, Bologna
• Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome
• University of Naples, Naples
• University Medical School, Bari

 
With special reference to following nutritional and other lifestyle adjustments.
 

NUTRITIONAL ADJUSTMENTS

Essential Oils
 
Swallowing fennel and curcumin essential oils in combination may relieve flatulence/bloating and abdominal pain. 
 
Peppermint Oil
 
Well known for treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), peppermint oil is also recommended for relief of bloating and gas.
 
Because this natural remedy relaxes intestinal muscles, thus helping gas and stool to pass on effectively.
 
Although you may avoid peppermint oil if you suffer from heartburn.
 
As we know from other health issues like, e.g., heart health, consuming too much
 
Salt
 
is also counterproductive when it comes to flatulence, since sodium tends to retain water in your body giving us the feeling of flatulence.
 
On the other hand, integrating enough
 
Probiotics
 
i.e., good bacteria in your intestines, is essential for regulating the bacteria in the colon known of producing too much gas to cause flatulence.  
  

OTHER LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS

hysical Activity
 
Especially walking regularly for better bowel movements and release of excess gas from the colon is recommended.
 
Abdominal Massage
 
following the path of the large intestine is also very helpful naturally, by applying steps of massage as follows:

• Moving down toward left hip slowly
• Rub with light pressure up toward right side of ribcage in circular motion
• Place hands above right hip bone
• Rub across upper belly area straight toward left rib cage

  However, discontinue in case of pain.
 
Sauna
 
Taking a relaxant warm bath may relieve stress with better functioning of the GI tract, thus reducing bloating at the same time.
 
Releasing also extra sodium with sweating to help relieving water retention.
 
Another lifestyle adjustment beneficial to relieve bloating and related discomfort, is to have
 
Regular Meal Times
 
instead of sporadic heavy meals during the day.

IN A NUTSHELL

‘13’ is not always a lucky number. Especially not, as 13% of the U.S. population are suffering from flatulence with all its negative consequences for our health, abdominal pain included. Fortunately yet, there are natural solutions, as interpreted in this blog.

QUESTIONS AND/OR INTEREST IN OUR SEMINARS?

Just ask us

DISCLAIMER

All information stated in this blog are for your personal education, and not to replace the advice of your healthcare provider.