Flatulence is caused by the production of gas in the intestines. A certain amount of gas arises from the normal activity of enzymes and micro-organisms in the digestive system; however, excess gas results from increased fermentation.

A number of factors can lead to increased gas production: a failure to chew food properly during meals; not relaxing while eating, and chronic stress; food sensitivities or allergies; a diet comprised largely of processed, sweetened industrial foods; and a decline in digestive system function and secretions due to aging.

Symptoms include bloating and discomfort after meals, and a feeling that gas may be trapped in the abdomen. Gas may sit for hours after meals, move upwards, or downwards. The offensiveness can give an indication of the degree of stagnation or putrefaction in the intestines.

Treatment

General

The general approach is to improve digestive system function along with diet. Optimal digestive system function is dependent on rest and relaxation during meals because sympathetic nervous system activation inhibits secretions, motility, and absorption. Chew food well, relax for half an hour during meal times, and de-stress—in other words develop a healthy eating routine that is not burdened with other tasks.

A comprehensive digestive stool analysis (CDSA) will help identify any pathogens such as candida or parasites in the system. Markers of pancreatic insufficiency will indicate the necessity to supplement with digestive enzymes. Faecal calprotectin indicates inflammation in general that is a marker for further investigations. Acid reflux, contrary to popular thought, is a sign of low acidity. Avoid proton pump inhibitors and ant-acids (PPIs).

Diet

Avoid unhealthy ultra-processed foods which are full of refined sugars, the optimal substrate for fermentation. Milk sugar is also a problem, especially for those with lactose intolerance, a common condition past adolescence.

A FODMAPS diet will certainly help; however, food sensitivities should be ruled out with an IgG test or an eliminate-and-challenge diet, along with other chronic digestive system problems. Blood typing can help orientate the diet to suit the constitution.¹

Herbs

A class of herbs known as carminatives are used to help with excess gas. These include ginger, aniseed, fennel, coriander, angelica root, and celery seed. Chamomile tea or peppermint may also help.

Bitter herbs will also improve digestive system function in general: gentian, dandelion root, centaury, wormwood, white horehound, and artichoke.

Cell Salts

Natrum sulph is for liver support with incarcerated gas. Silicea is a constitutional type suffering distention, cramping, foul gas, sour eructations, constipation or chronic loose stool.

Homeopathy

Remedies can be taken in 6x, 6c or 30c acutely, three pillules under the tongue or dissolved in a little water. Take every 2-3 hours.

Asafoetida—colic and flatulence, bowels feel knotted; gas moves upwards, causing rancid eructations, regurgitates liquids; offensive, loose stool.

Carbo-v—excessive flatulence, offensive, bloated abdomen, obstructed; dyspepsia, digestion slow, trouble from least amount of food; rancid eructations; morning nausea; colic better doubling up; worse lying down; loose stool.

China—trapped gas, bloated abdomen long after meal, stomach feels cold; anorexia, feels sated, aversion to food; weak and slow digestion; loud belching; colic better bending double; galls stone, jaundice; food tastes bitter, bitter belching.

Colocynthus—flatulent colic, griping pains, worst least food; better pressure and doubling up; nausea and vomiting.

Lycopodium—loud flatulence; bloating and fullness soon after a meal; hunger but small quantities fill the stomach; fermentation, rumbling, hiccough, gas; starchy foods aggravate; worse evening; better hot drinks.

Nux-v—a sensitive, bloated abdomen a few hours after a meal; digestion is disordered due to fine foods, alcohol, stimulants, and stress; rumbling, heart burn, belching; constipation with ineffectual stool, never done feeling; irritable.

Raphanus—retained gas, distention, unable to pass gas up or down.

Sulph—Gas, eructations; sore abdomen, biliary colic, jaundice, haemorrhoids, early morning loose stool.

Disclaimer: this article is intended for the purpose of general education only, and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment advice, or a prescription that is given in a consultation with a qualified physician.

References:

1.         D’Adamo P. Live Right For Your Type. Penguin Books; 2002.