Controlling Intestinal Gas Naturally

Intestinal gas. It's the subject of tawdry jokes and personal embarrassment. Unfortunately, a healthy diet can also create a healthy level of gas. Gas is caused by the bacterium that lives in our intestinal tract. The bacterium digests the food we eat, breaking down the sugars, starches and cellulose. Foods are high in soluble fiber, like whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, cause gas by slowing down digestions. This allows the food to ferment, producing gas. Our body gets rid of the gas through intestinal contractions that move it through our digestive system and out the rectum. All of that clinical talk is fine, unless the gas makes a noisy appearance in a public setting.

Control Your Gas

There are some steps you can take to control you intestinal gas.

• Limit your intake of fatty foods.
• Avoid milk and milk products, especially if you are lactose intolerant.
• Stop using artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, which can promote gas production.
• Take a digestive enzyme, activated charcoal, or ginger before meals to improve carbohydrate digestion.
• Herbal remedies catnip, tumeric, chamomile, peppermint and fennel can ease bloating and reduce intestinal gas. They can be taken in tea form before meals.
• Probiotics supports health bacteria and reduces gas-producing bacteria.
• Don't drink carbonated beverages.

Remember gas is a natural, healthy function. Every person passes gas about a dozen times a day. If it happens to you in less-than-perfect circumstances, just laugh

photo by Lotus Head