Flatulence is the presence of excessive gas in the stomach or intestines that bloats the organs and digestive system. It may be considered an ordinary disease, but eight out of ten people suffer from it. The embarrassment of this disease often makes people uncomfortable and socially awkward while hampering their self-confidence.
Flatulence is often caused by the fermentation of the remaining undigested food element. This fermentation of these carbohydrates happens in the colon by bacterial organisms and generates gas. Foods that normally cause a gas sensation in the stomach include beans and lentils, dairy, green peas, onions, and carbonated beverages.
According to Ayurveda, flatulence is associated with an imbalance of the Vata dosha, which is linked with the movement and expression of the body. When there is excessive Vata brought about by eating the wrong types of food, redundant bulky meals, or having psychological stress, it leads to impaired digestion, resulting in the formation of gas.
Frequent Passing of Gas
Feeling swollen or tight in the abdomen, which can be uncomfortable.
This can range from mild to severe.
Known as borborygmi, this is the sound of gas moving through the intestines.
Flatulence is mostly harmless. However, there are cases when flatulence becomes too much in spite of being harmless and can be a symptom of more serious conditions such as:
It is a common condition whereby an individual continuously passes gas for stretched durations. This disorder affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Gas accumulation can heighten stomach labyrinth pressure, which may trigger symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation, particularly when lying down.
An autoimmune disease in which consumption of the protein gluten results in injury of the small intestines. The individual’s body tends to accumulate too much air or fluid, leading to symptoms such as gas and bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and poor nutrient intake and absorption by the body.
People cannot completely digest the carbohydrate lactose, which is present in the milk and may lead to excess bloating, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
Although rare, it has been reported that chronic gas and other digestive conditions may, in some instances, be a reason for colon cancer; the risk is posed when experiencing weight loss, blood in stool or changes in bowel habits.
It’s advisable to consult a certified Ayurveda doctor if:
Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to treating flatulence, which includes:
Vata is the aggravating factor in flatulence, and to pacify this dosha, food that is easy to digest must be taken. Such foods are warm, well-cooked, oily and moist, and these can greatly enhance the chances of reducing flatulence. Thus, raw, cold, and bulky fibrous foods are best avoided since they aggravate Vata and cause excessive wind build-up.
Several herbs are specifically favoured in Ayurveda for their digestive benefits. Ginger, for instance, is a potent carminative that helps expel gas and improve digestion. Fennel aids in relaxing the digestive tract muscles, thereby reducing the cramping that often accompanies gas. Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties, helps soothe the digestive tract and prevent excessive gas formation.
Instead of being disorganised, Ayurveda places significance in following a certain routine. It is better to eat and sleep on time because it helps control the natural biorhythms of the body. This, in turn, reduces the amount of gas formed in the tummy. Reducing stress is also important, for which yoga and meditation are advised as a means of quieting the mind and hence improving stomach health.
In case the stomach remains uneasy for more than normal periods of time, Ayurveda shall recommend Panchakarma therapies. Basti, in particular, involves the administration of medicated enemas, which help cleanse the digestive tract and restore the balance of Vata. This therapy not only focuses on flatulence but also explores the whole gastrointestinal tract and enhances the body’s absorption capability and excretion efficiency.
Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, which is crucial for diagnosing Flatulence accurately.
Understanding your unique physical and psychological pattern allows us to tailor a Flatulence treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.
In our investigations, we examine the if and how excessive flatulence is progressing by the dietary, lifestyle, and psychosocial aspects, identifying individual factors for customised intervention and pinpointing specific triggers for targeted treatment.
After that, we create a detailed Flatulence treatment plan, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to detoxify, restore dosha balance and enhance digestive health.
Continuous tracking of treatment effectiveness allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised Flatulence treatment plan with Jiva's ongoing support.
87% of patients rate us excellent in service.
78% of patients saw significant improvement in 3 months of treatment.
92% of patients stopped allopathic medicines completely.
Flatulence can be caused by swallowing air while eating or talking, certain foods that are hard to digest, or conditions that affect how the stomach breaks down food.
Ayurveda recommends foods that balance the Vata dosha, known for its airy nature, which can contribute to gas. Foods like cooked rice, wheat, oats, moong dal, and cooked vegetables such as carrots and asparagus are advised. Spices like ginger, asafoetida (hing), turmeric, and black pepper also help reduce gas formation.
In Ayurveda, quick remedies for gas include drinking warm water infused with carom seeds (ajwain) or cumin seeds, which aid in digestion and help expel gas.
Foods such as beans, lentils, carbonated drinks, onions, broccoli, and dairy products are known to cause more gas.
Yes, stress can impact the digestive system and lead to increased episodes of flatulence.
While usually benign, persistent or very foul-smelling, flatulence can sometimes indicate digestive issues or food intolerances.
Ayurveda suggests the following home remedies for flatulence: Pavanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose): This yoga pose helps in expelling excess gas from the stomach. Drinking lots of water & Brisk Walking: Staying hydrated helps to flush toxins from the system and aids digestion. Combined with brisk walking, it stimulates the intestines to pass gas and reduce bloating. Herbal Teas: Drinking warm herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger, or fennel tea can help soothe the digestive tract & promote the release of trapped gas. Abdominal Massages: Gentle clockwise massaging around the stomach area can help stimulate the movement of gas and relieve bloating.
Ayurveda suggests dietary adjustments, herbal remedies like fennel and carom seeds, and lifestyle changes, including regular exercise to manage flatulence.
Yes, regular physical activity helps stimulate normal intestinal contractions by improving digestive health and reducing gas.
