16 Ways to Relieve Gas Pain Fast (2024)

There are a few ways to quickly remove gas from your stomach, such as over-the-counter medications like simethicone, activated charcoal, and herbal remedies made from ginger or anise.

This article discusses the effectiveness of some of the remedies people turn to to instantly remove gas. It also talks about ways to prevent gas.

Remedies to Relieve Gas

Several natural remedies and over-the-counter medications can help relieve gas quickly. Things that may be helpful include:

• Herbal teas like spearmint, ginger, or anise
• Apple cider vinegar added to tea or water
• Fennel seeds
• A heating pad or warm bath
• Gentle exercise
• Deep breaths
• OTC medication, such as simethicone

In order to relieve gas and bloating, you will need to get yourself to fart or burp. You can try a few different things to help get rid of gas naturally, some of which may work better for you than others.

Don't Hold Gas In

If your symptoms are related to trapped gas, don't worry about modesty. Instead, go to a private place and let out a big burp. Or find a bathroom and relieve yourself. The less gas there is in your system, the less likely it will cause you pain.

Move Your Bowels

If you can have a bowel movement, do it. Don't wait until you are in the comfort of your own home. In the end, having a bowel movement will help in two ways:

• It gets the muscles in your large intestines moving. This will encourage the gas to make its way out of your system.
• A ​bowel movementempties the rectum of any stored stool. This frees up the area so that the trapped intestinal gas can move.

Herbal Tea

Spearmint, ginger, and anise teas are all known to help get rid of gas naturally. That said, avoid anise if you have recurring diarrhea since it may have a mild laxative effect. This can, however, be helpful if you think constipation might be adding to your gas pains.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another natural ingredient used by many people to relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion. Simply add 1 tablespoon of ACV to a cup of tea or warm water. You can drink this mixture regularly or any time you feel gassy.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are known for relieving intestinal gas naturally. A safe amount is thought to be approximately 1 teaspoon. Try chewing some seeds and see if they are helpful.

Peppermint Supplements

Peppermint supplements are often used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas. Look for peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules. You can also try eating candies made with real peppermint.

Peppermint may prevent your body from absorbing iron, so don't take it with an iron supplement or if you are anemic.

Ginger

Ginger helps reduce fermentation in the stomach, which may relieve gas and bloating. You can drink ginger as a tea or take ginger supplements. The best way to consume ginger is in your food. Try adding it to savory dishes, or eat slices of pickled ginger.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can help neutralize stomach acid, which may relieve painful bloating. Try drinking an 8-ounce glass of water with 1/2 teaspoon of dissolved baking soda.

It is important not to use this remedy for the long term or to take more than 1/2 teaspoon at a time, since dangerous side effects can occur such as dehydration or a ruptured stomach.

Massage

Try gently massaging your abdomen. This can stimulate your digestive system and help gas move down and out of your body.

Press down gently on the painful area and rub in circular motions in the direction of your colon.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is porous, meaning it contains small spaces that help trap gas. Taking activated charcoal before or after meals may help prevent painful gas.

Activated charcoal may result in constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Thus, its use is somewhat controversial within the medical community. However, you may be able to reduce these side effects by starting out with small doses.

If you try activated charcoal, you may find that it turns your stool black. However, black stools from charcoal supplements are not concerning.

Clove Oil

Clove oil may help relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion. Try taking a clove oil capsule after meals to increase digestive enzymes and reduce the production of gas.

Heat

Heat can be very emotionally soothing. In addition, heat helps to relax the muscles in your gut and relieves pain. You can use a heating pad or hot water bottle, or relax in a hot bath to get rid of gas and gas pain.

If you use a heating pad or hot water bottle, put a layer of clothing between your bare skin and the heat to protect your skin from a burn. If you have frequent gas pain, consider taking a heating pad with you to work.

Walking

Gentle exercise can help ease gas pain. Walking is the easiest option since you can do it practically anytime, anywhere.

Yoga

Yoga is another great option if you have space and privacy. Several yoga poses, such as child's pose (balasana) and happy baby (ananda balasana), are known for helping trapped gas move through the intestines.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing may help relieve gas, but you will need to practice before you'll be able to use this technique.

1. Start by lying down and closing your eyes.
2. Put one hand on your chest and the other one on your abdomen.
3. Inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for two seconds, then exhale for six seconds.
4. Your abdomen should expand when you breathe in. Try to make the hand on your abdomen rise while the hand on your chest remains still.
5. Keep doing this for five to 15 minutes, or until you begin to feel relief.

Since deep breathing from the diaphragm is so effective for reducing stress, it's worth taking the time to learn how to do it. You can then use this breathing technique as needed for future gas attacks. With practice, you will be able to do it wherever you are, in any position.

OTC Gas Medication

Some people find that over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as simethicone and Beano are helpful for relieving gas.

Brand names for simethicone include:

• Maalox Anti-Gas
• Mylanta Gas
• Gas-X
• Phazyme

Beano contains the digestive enzyme alpha-galactosidase, which may help if you are prone to developing gas after you eat beans or certain kinds of vegetables. If you get gas after drinking milk or eating dairy products, try taking Lactaid, which contains a digestive enzyme called lactase.

Prevention

Once you find a way to relieve your gas pain, try to identify what might have been the cause. That way, you can avoid future problems.

The most common culprit of gas is swallowing too much air. To prevent excessive air swallowing, avoid these things:

• Chewing gum
• Drinking soda and other fizzy drinks
• Eating or drinking too quickly
• Talking while eating
• Drinking through a straw
• Smoking

Diet

Changing your diet can also help prevent gas problems. Since high-fiber foods can contribute to gas, you may be tempted to cut them out of your diet. However, your gut needs fiber to function well, and high-fiber foods contain essential vitamins and minerals. So moderation is your best bet.

Some examples of high-fiber foods include:

• Vegetables (especially asparagus, artichokes, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, corn, and potatoes)
• Lentils
• Kidneys beans
• Peas
• Certain fruits (for example, apples, peaches, pears, bananas, raspberries, and strawberries)
• Whole grains

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt may also contribute to extra gas for some people. So can fruit juices and sugar-free candies that contain sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol.

It's a good idea to keep a food diary since everyone is different. What may cause gas in one person won't in another.

Summary

For milder gas, there are some things you can do to relieve your symptoms at home. Relieving yourself as soon as you need to pass gas or have a bowel movement, walking, applying heat, and taking deep breaths can all help relieve gas pain.

You may also find OTC remedies and supplements helpful. But talk to your healthcare provider before taking them to be sure they are safe for your situation.