The "F" Word
No one over five-years-old, or guys in a bar, thinks it funny or wants to talk about it. But, since it happens to everyone once in a while and to most of us more often as we age, if we can get the subject out in the open, there’s much to be learned about how to avoid the problem or at least decrease its occurrence. As a chiropractor, believe me, I run into the problem a lot. When I give someone a chiropractic adjustment, often the pain relief experienced in one area of the body is expressed with an audible or silent-but-deadly expression of relief in another. So, let’s talk openly for a moment about gas, flatulence, farting.
Though gas and the resulting flatulence is normal on occasion, there are ways that we can avoid it in excess. Though beans are the list topper of gas creators in most people’s mind, beans will not, as a rule, create as much gas if you eat beans prepared from dry rather than beans from a can. You’ll need to soak the dry beans overnight in water, and then in the morning remove any beans that are left floating on top. These are the culprits that contain the most air and, therefore, create the most gas. Swallowing air is a major cause of gas and it can happen in several ways that can easily be avoided: drinking through a straw, chewing gum, smoking, and eating too quickly are a few of the ways. You can also reduce gas buildup by doing mild exercise after meals, which helps to move air through the body and also aids in digestion.
If, however, you still find that you have gas buildup and feel bloated or have gas pains, there are several home remedies to may ease the problem. You can drink: tea containing peppermint, fennel, chamomile or anise; a teaspoon of lime juice mixed with a teaspoon of ground ginger; water in which you’ve blanched lemon verbena leaves or parsley; or just drink plenty of water. Also, lying on your back and pulling your legs up to your chest will help relieve pressure.
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