How to Relieve Gas Pain Fast: Expert Tips To Soothe Your Digestive Tract
Plus find out if OTC fixes like activated charcoal really work
It’s not unusual to have belly pressure, bloating and cramps after drinking a Diet Coke or eating a big meal. While bothersome, these symptoms often improve within a few hours. But what if the puffiness is downright painful and you can’t wait? To find out how to relieve gas pain fast, we connected with several experts. Here, we explore their top home remedies.
What causes gas pain?
It’s helpful to know a bit about how the digestive system works to understand why gas causes abdominal pain.
Woman's World Answers
“Our intestines are 25 feet long and covered with stretch receptors, which monitor pressure and sound the alarm if something is off,” explains Will Bulsiewicz, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist, best-selling author and founder of 38TERA.
“Think of them like one of those long, skinny balloons,” he says. “The balloon can be blown up with air, and when it does, it stretches and stretches as the pressure inside increases. When our intestines are stretched by excessive gas, the stretch receptors send signals to the brain that make us feel pain and discomfort.”
What gas pain feels like
Gas pain varies in severity and presents symptoms similar to other digestive problems. However, telltale signs of gas pain include:
- Sharp abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Bloating
- A feeling of fullness
If the gas is in your small intestine, Dr. Bulsiewicz says you might also have discomfort or tenderness around your belly button. Regardless of symptoms, if you experience relief after burping or passing gas, gas is likely to blame. “Once trapped gas is released, generally the discomfort lessens,” Dr. Bulsiewicz explains.
How to relieve gas pain
“If you notice an increase in gas or gas pains, it’s likely due to your diet and [the] foods you consume,” says Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a board-certified family medicine physician and the medical director of SWELL Medical.
Common dietary culprits include high-fiber foods, dairy products (for those with lactose intolerance), carbonated beverages, chewing gum and sugar substitutes, just to name a few. Thankfully, Dr. Purdy says several lifestyle changes can help relieve gas pain—without having to overhaul your diet. Here are a few to try:
Take a short post-meal stroll
If you tend to have gas pain after eating or drinking, try to move your body (even if it’s just for a few minutes). “Going for a walk, doing some gentle yoga or lying on your left side can help get the gas out of your body,” notes Kaytee Hadley, MS, RDN, IFMCP, a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health and the founder of Holistic Health and Wellness. “For a more preventive approach, try going for a walk right after a meal to prevent the gas from building up and causing pain.”
Research confirms this advice. A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that mild physical activity made it easier to pass gas and reduced symptoms of belly bloating. Similarly, a review in the Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine concluded that low to moderate-intensity exercise relieves bloating and gas in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Sip peppermint tea
“Peppermint tea can be a good place to start,” Dr. Bulsiewicz says. “The menthol in peppermint is very relaxing to the intestines and [can] help with gas and bloating.”
Dr. Purdy agrees, adding that chamomile tea can also support digestion. Specifically, it “can reduce indigestion (heartburn), trapped gas and bloating.” To maximize the benefits, the experts we interviewed recommend drinking a cup of peppermint or chamomile tea immediately after a meal or snack to soothe the digestive tract.
Chew on fennel seeds
Have you ever been served fennel seeds after eating at an Indian restaurant? There’s a good reason for that.
“As a part of Ayurvedic tradition, fennel seeds are prized for their cooling and balancing properties,” Dr. Bulsiewicz says. “[They’re] commonly chewed after meals to promote digestion and freshen breath.”
Indeed, a study published in the journal PLoS One found that fennel seed extract protected and strengthened the gut lining of laboratory mice. According to research in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine, fennel seeds also contain insoluble fibers which reduce gas production.
Try over-the-counter remedies
Sometimes, excessive gas requires a different approach. If your symptoms continue or worsen, an over-the-counter remedy may be your best bet to relieve gas pain.
“Activated charcoal is a great OTC medication that can help eliminate gas trapped in your colon,” Dr. Purdy says. “Gas-X and other simethicone medications are another great option. Taking these tablets right before and after meals can provide relief.”
Note: If you opt for activated charcoal, don’t take other medications or supplements for at least two hours. Doing so can prevent them from being absorbed by your body. One to try: NaturaLife Labs: Activated Charcoal Capsules.
When to see a healthcare provider about gas pains
“Remember that some amount of gas is totally normal and healthy,” Hadley says. “But if it’s causing you pain, is excessive or is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider to rule out anything unusual and help you find relief.”
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