Gas can be painful, but there are many ways to remove it from your stomach instantly. You may try over-the-counter (OTC) medications, avoid certain foods, and eat more slowly.1

Most people pass gas through the anus or mouth 13-21 times a day.2

How Does Gas Feel?

Gas symptoms can vary from person to person and will depend on your current diet and state of health.

Common symptoms of gas are:34

• Belching or burping: Passing gas from the stomach through the mouth
• Bloating: Feeling full or experiencing swelling in your abdomen
• Flatulence: Passing gas through the anus
• Pain: Trapped gas in your digestive tract can sometimes cause pain.

Instant Remedies To Remove Gas From Your Stomach

Natural remedies for gas are generally safe for most people. Experiment with different methods, as a natural remedy that works for one person might not work for another.

Light Exercise or Physical Activity After Eating

Taking a 10-15-minute walk after a meal can improve gas symptoms.5 Yoga can also improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can cause excess gas.6

Abdominal Massage

Massaging your abdomen can help relieve digestive symptoms, including gas and constipation.7 

Hot Compresses

Applying a hot compress to your abdomen can help promote bowel movement and gas release.8

Dietary Changes

Certain herbs and spices can help relieve gas, such as dill, ginger, parsley, and coriander, as well as teas like ginger or chamomile.9

What Over-the-Counter Treatment Looks Like

Many OTC medicines can help relieve gas symptoms.

Simethicone

This is a medicine that causes gas bubbles in your stomach, which helps you belch or burp more easily.

Common examples of simethicone medicines are Alka-Seltzer, Gas X, and Gas-Aide.1011

Lactase

Lactase is an enzyme that helps break down lactose during digestion. People with lactose intolerance produce low levels of this enzyme and cannot easily digest lactose as a result.

Lactase can be found in Dairy Ease and Lactaid.10

Alpha-Galactosidase

Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that digests natural sugars found in beans and vegetables.

Taking alpha-galactosidase medications like Beano and BeanAssist can help break down these sugars and relieve gas symptoms.10

Tips for Preventing Excess Gas

Taking preventative measures can help you reduce gas symptoms and relieve pain.

Swallow Less Air

We swallow air daily when eating and drinking. Some ways to reduce swallowing air include:1

• Avoid smoking.
• Do not eat while standing, talking, or walking.
• Eat more slowly.
• Limit chewing gum, candy, and carbonated drinks.
• Make sure dentures fit your mouth correctly.

Dietary Changes

Gas usually comes from the breakdown of carbohydrates in the large intestine. Your diet plays a major role in the amount of gas you can have in your digestive tract.

Some foods that have carbohydrates that can cause excess gas are:12131

• Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, and kale
• Foods that contain gluten, like pasta, bread, cereal, and crackers
• Foods that contain lactose, like milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt
• Fruits, like peaches, pears, apples, and fruit juices
• High-fat foods like fried foods, beef, pork, and foods made with a lot of butter
• Legumes like beans, peas, and lentils
• Whole grains and high-fiber foods

When To Seek Care

While gas is a part of everyday life, there are situations when gas symptoms might require a visit to a healthcare provider.

Sudden or drastic changes in your gas symptoms could mean you have a more serious medical condition like lactose intolerance, IBS, celiac disease, reflux diseases, and many others.4

Get medical attention if you have any of the following, along with gas symptoms:144 

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in your stool
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Gas symptoms that change suddenly
• Heartburn
• Severe pain
• Weight loss

A Quick Review

Having gas is a normal part of the body's digestive process. However, at times, it can cause symptoms like belching, flatulence, bloating, and pain.

You can try natural remedies like exercising or hot compresses, or OTC medicines. Additionally, small changes in your diet can help.

If you experience sudden changes in the amount of gas you are experiencing, reach out to a healthcare provider to rule out a more serious underlying condition.