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Also known as wind, this is the buildup of excessive air in the intestine which occurs through nervous swallowing, or gulping food and drink. Some foods, when they ferment, also produce an accumulation of gas in the intestine. Symptoms include stomach pain and a swollen belly.
Treatment - Dietary
For those who are lactose intolerant, milk can cause excessive gas. Replacing cow’s milk with goat’s milk or soya drinks may help. Reduce intake of fibre, particularly beans and peas. Reduce intake of fermented foods: cheese, soya, alcohol. Charcoal tablets provide immediate relief by absorbing gas. Reduce intake of carbonated drinks. The Hay diet may help: it recommends avoiding mixing proteins and carbohydrates at the same meal. Eat fruit before meals - not as a desert or with other food. HerbalInfusion of sweet flag: pour a cup of boiling water on 2 teaspoons on the dried herb, infuse for 10 minutes. Drink half a cup before meals. Ginger infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of grated fresh root of ginger, infuse for 5 minutes. Drink whenever needed.
Homeopathy
To be taken every 30 minutes for up to 4 doses: Stomach feels constantly full of gas: Argentum nitricum 6c. Burning discomfort with some fluid reflux in the throat: Arsenicum album 6c. Painful stuck gas, made worse by onions and garlic: Lycopodium 6c.
Chinese Medicine
Flatulence is thought to be caused by stagnation of stomach energy. Chinese doctors recommend magnolia bark, orange or lemon peel.ReflexologyApply pressure to the stomach point, located on the soles of both feet, above the mid line, below the ball of the foot. Apply pressure to the large intestine point, located on the soles of both feet in the area over the lower tarsal bones.
Exercise
Regular exercise stimulates the digestion and promotes the reabsorption and expulsion of gas. Do not exercise within 2 hours after eating.YogaThe shoulder stand can help relieve the pain and discomfort of flatulence:Lie on your back and raise your legs as you inhale, bending your knees if necessary. Exhale and lift your legs as high as you are able to do comfortably. Hold the position while breathing normally for several minutes, then gradually reverse the process, bringing your legs down. Orthodox Usually, dietary adjustment is all that is necessary. Doctors advise reducing fibre intake. Charcoal tablets are sometimes recommended.
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