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Wind is a build up of excessive gas in the stomach or intestines
which can cause cramps and discomfort.
What to look for
Gas is a normal part of your digestive
process, however it can still be painful and embarrassing. You can usually prevent and
treat gas and gas pains without professional care, but if you have other symptoms, you
should consult with a doctor to find out if you have a more serious health problem.
Causes
Usually when we eat too fast or eat foods
that are raw (such as vegetables, fruits etc) or if we eat under stress,
or eat too quickly we may become flatulent. As well as this, eating too much fats can
cause this problem.
If you eat high-fibre foods, the partially
digested parts of these foods will pass into your intestines, where bacteria begin a
fermentation process that produces gas. A gastrointestinal infection may also produce
intestinal gas.
Treatment
You can usually treat gas and gas pains
without the active involvement of a doctor. Usually changes in what you eat will be of
great benefit to you. If that does not help, there are over-the-counter preparations which
may provide relief. Alternative medicines offer a wide variety of treatments.
Moderate exercise after meals can help move
gas through your system more quickly.
If you are lactose intolerant, lactase
supplements can help you digest milk products more effectively.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
There are many alternative therapies for
gas problems.
Herbal Therapies - Teas
made with peppermint (Mentha piperita), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), or fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) may also relieve gas pains. Teas
made with peppermint (Mentha piperita), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), or fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) may also relieve gas pains.
Homoeopathy - Carbo
vegetabilis is the most commonly used homoeopathic remedy, but Lycopodium is used as well. Nux vomica is used for gas associated with
constipation, and Chamomilla is preferred for
gas in infants. Talk to us about which is most suitable for you. Carbo
vegetabilis is the most commonly used homoeopathic remedy, but Lycopodium is used as well. Nux vomica is used for gas associated with
constipation, and Chamomilla is preferred for
gas in infants. Talk to us about which is most suitable for you.
Lifestyle
Regular exercise stimulates digestion and
promotes the reabsorption and expulsion of gas.
Dietary Considerations
Increase your fibre intake and try
avoiding beans, peas, and fermented foods such as cheese, soy sauce, and alcohol.
Drink fewer carbonated drinks.
Avoid mixing proteins and carbohydrates
at the same meal.
Do not overeat,
eat fewer different food items at one
sitting.
For people who are lactose intolerant,
replacing cow's milk with soy milk may help.
Supplements of charcoal, ginger as well
as peppermint tea help
PREVENTION
One of the main methods of preventing gas
and gas pains is also the primary treatment: Avoid foods that generate gas in your system.
When to seek further
professional advice
you have persistent, unexplained bloating
for more than three days
you have severe abdominal pain
you are flatulent, are losing weight.
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