How To Flush Gas And Bloating From Your Stomach Using Just 4 Ingredients

Written by Pooja Srinivas  • 

Flatulence is a terrible issue. It not just causes too much discomfort, but it also causes bloating. Bloating makes one’s abdomen look visibly protruded and that can be very embarrassing when you want to wear figure-hugging dresses for dinner with your beau or even friends. Sometimes, bloating is caused because of bingeing too much, while other times, it happens because of not eating the right foods. Basically, it is because of the wrong diet. But before you rush to the nearest pharmacy or visit the doctor, try some simple remedies to combat bloating.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let us take a look at what is bloating and how it occurs before we talk about the remedies.

Why Does Bloating Happen?

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Some of the most common reasons for bloating are enlisted as follows:

  • Lentils And Beans: Legumes such as lentils and beans have unabsorbed carbohydrates called galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and fructans. According to research, these unabsorbed or poorly absorbed sugars ferment rapidly because of the bacteria in the gut and this causes gassiness and bloating (1).
  • Certain Fruits And Vegetables: Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and carrots are high on starch. Consuming such vegetables could lead to flatulence. Fruits such as apricots and prunes that are high in natural sugars also cause bloating and gassiness.
  • Dairy Products: If you are lactose intolerant, you know the terrible experience of accidentally having milk or other dairy products. Lactose, or in other words milk sugar, can be a source of flatulence and discomfort.
  • Sweeteners: Some people find it hard to digest fructose, which is a sweetener used in preserved food. The chemical called “sorbitol” that is used in artificial sweeteners is also difficult to digest. Both fructose and sorbitol can cause grave bloating troubles and hence, we must cut down on preserved foods and artificial sweeteners.
  • Whole Grains: While whole grains are rich in fibres, they end up causing flatulence if consumed too much. Fibres are an indigestible form of carbohydrate that can create bloating, gas, and even constipation when taken in large portions. To make sure whole grains do not affect us too much, stepping up our water intake is best. Water does not let the fibre absorb too much fluid from our digestive channel.

Natural Oils That Can Help Us Deal With Bloating

Now that we know what causes bloating, let us look at some of the natural oils that can be immensely soothing.

1. Chamomile Oil

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According to research, chamomile oil helps in bringing down the inflammation in the bowels (2). Regular use of this oil can also bring down the pain due to cramps. Additionally, one can safely depend on chamomile oil to ease the gas in the intestines. For best results, apply it directly on the skin.

2. Cumin Oil

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Cumin oil works wonders for treating intestinal and stomach pain. It can also help to cure IBS (read: irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms such as constipation and loose motion. One could apply cumin oil on the bloated tummy before going to bed.

3. Ginger Oil

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Ginger is a renowned carminative herb (in simple terms, a herb that relieves flatulence). This cooking staple makes it easier for gas to be flushed out of the digestive tract. Packed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, this herb serves as a huge relief from bloating, abdominal aches, and other digestive disorders (3).

4. Peppermint Oil

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According to research, peppermint oil is highly beneficial to treat flatulence (4). It contains eugenol and thymol that help in maintaining a balance between the intestinal and oral ecosystem and thus, reduce the probability of food fermentation. It is also packed with antispasmodic properties. It also helps in combatting IBS, stomach issues, gallbladder diseases, menstrual cramps, and liver fatigue.

Flatulence and bloating can be quite painful. Often, one feels uneasy and embarrassed, and the pain in the abdomen only makes things worse. While we do our best to avoid eating food that would cause us trouble, the foods mentioned above aren’t bad unless we eat them in larger quantities. Legumes are rich in proteins and fibres are a must, but the key is to consume an optimum level of food. Along with watching what and how much we eat, it is necessary for us to drink enough water, regulate our sleep cycles, and stick to a healthy exercise schedule to achieve overall well-being.

At times, we may end up falling prey to temptations and end up feasting too much on our favourite beans burrito or lentil soup. The next morning (or even the same night) can be hard as your tummy balloons and begins to ache. But now that you know how magically these herbal oils work, you know the natural cure to dealing with pesky bloating once and for all!

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