20 ways to minimise gas!

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Whether you call it 'flatulence', 'abdominal bloating', or just plain 'gas', it remains a problem for millions of individuals.  Gas is most often a sign of one or more flaws in the complex process of digestion, absorption or elimination.

As so many things can cause or contribute to the problem, a broad spectrum approach is usually necessary to get the condition under control.  The recommendations below are general guidelines for the treatment of gastrointestinal gas due to non-pathological conditions.

1. Do NOT eat quickly.  Avoid stress while eating.
2. Chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.
3. Do NOT overeat.
4. Do NOT drink more than a glass full of liquid with a meal.
5. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of pure water each day.
6. Eat your vegetables lightly steamed.
7. Avoid swallowing air as you chew or drink.
8. Avoid the foods you have difficulty digesting.
9. Minimise sweets (biscuits, sugars, syrups etc)
10. Minimise alcohol, coffee and carbonated beverages.
11. Minimise fatty or fried foods.
12. Do NOT eat within one hour of bedtime.
13. Keep your meals simple but vary them from day to day.
14. When using nutritional supplements, try to use the capsule or powder form in preference to pills or tablets.
15. Avoid the use of a lot of spices on your food.
16. Exercise daily, but wait at least 1 hour after your meal.
17. To maximise your digestive powers, eat when at least slightly hungry and not according to the clock.
18. Use acidophilus, when indicated, to restore friendly colon bacteria.
19. Use digestive enzymes, when indicated, to help digestion of protein, fats and carbs.
20. Use hydrochloric acid supplements, when indicated, to aid the digestion of proteins. Do NOT use if you have an ulcer.

Natural Herbs to assist digestive problems.

Fennel Seed - This herb is widely used to calm upset stomachs, relieve gas and indigestion, and to help promote overall digestive health.

Ginger - This herb is widely used to help fight upset queasy stomachs, and to fight motion sickness. It is also believed to be an effective helper in the digestion of rich foods.

Celery Seed -This herb has been used to help quell digestive muscle spasms. It has also found to be helpful in the digestion of protein. 

Artichoke - This herb has been used as a liver helper and to encourage digestive juice production so the food you eat can be passed into the digestive tract efficently.

Peppermint - This natural herb offers stomach-soothing relief. It is considered an excellent digestive aid that contains nature ingredients that help to promote the flow of gastric juices. It helps to refresh the entire digestive system.

Chamomile - This stomach-helping herb helps in the relaxation of the stomach. It helps to fight occasional heartburn, indigestion, and nervous stomach, while relaxing the entire body.

Marshmallow Root - This herb contains Calcium and vitamins. Calcium has proven to be of great help in bringing relief from occasional heartburn. Marshmallow Root also is made up of high gel like composition that can be of aid in helping to coat and soothe the stomach.