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Adding certain foods to your diet, such as cumin and ginger, is among the many home remedies for bad-smelling gas. If you're not keen on adding cumin and ginger to your meals, there are several other things you can rely on that can help you too.
Gas is a common and very natural problem among people, though it can range from normal to very severe. Bad smelling gas is a byproduct of poor digestion and may happen due to several reasons. It usually occurs when we consume certain foods or swallow air while drinking or eating. Other potential causes include:
- constipation
- food intolerances
- certain antibiotics
- underlying gut problems, such as IBS
- intake of high-fiber foods
- infection in the digestive system, such as SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)
While intestinal gas usually goes away on its own within a day or two, it can recur depending on your diet, lifestyle habits, or certain medications.
The good news is that there are numerous at-home remedies to get rid of foul-smelling gas. If you find yourself having a lot of gas, accompanied by a foul smell and discomfort, it’s best to opt for home remedies and treatments.
Best Home Remedies for Bad-Smelling Gas
An individual might be able to reduce foul-smelling flatulence by making some easy adjustments to their regular diet and routine. The methods discussed below are some of the best home remedies for bad-smelling gas fast:
1. Add certain foods to your diet
Adding certain foods to your everyday meals is one of the most effective home remedies for bad-smelling gas. Diet plays a major role in your digestive function, and while some foods contribute to flatulence, others might potentially help get rid of it. So, be mindful of what you eat and how it makes you feel when you are facing gas problems.
People with gas issues must include carminatives in their diet, which refer to certain herbs or food preparations that can help reduce and prevent the formation of gas in the digestive tract. Some foods to add to the diet include:
- cumin
- coriander
- ginger
- peppermint
- caraway
- fennel
- basil
- rosemary
- cinnamon
- anise
2. Avoid certain types of foods
Home remedies for bad-smelling gas also include avoiding certain foods, particularly high-fiber foods. This is because foods rich in fiber are slightly challenging to digest. They break down and undergo the fermentation process slowly, thereby producing foul-smelling gas. Many of these slow-digesting foods also have sulfur, which can again lead to flatulence.
Other types of food to avoid are cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts as they may lead to smelly farts. Additionally, fermentable carbohydrates may lead to digestive problems such as stomach pain and further cause bad smelling gas. These foods are loaded with carbs, which are difficult to absorb in the digestive tract and result in gas and farts.
Some fermentable carbohydrate foods to avoid include fructose (found in most vegetables and fruits), lactose (found in dairy products), polyols (found in alcohol and sweeteners), fructans (found in grains), and galactans (found in beans and legumes).
3. Take probiotics
Taking probiotics is among the most effective home remedies for bad-smelling gas. Probiotics increase the good bacteria in the digestive system and help reduce gas and various other gut problems. Some probiotics to add to your diet include kimchi, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and more.
4. Stay hydrated
Hydration is also important to prevent flatulence. Dehydration causes constipation, which can further lead to foul-smelling gas accompanied by stomach pain and bloating.
Aside from dehydration, certain medications and foods can also cause constipation, and therefore, it is beneficial to consume extra fluids to help your stool pass easily without any discomfort.
5. Take some medication
Taking certain medications can also help reduce bloating and foul-smelling gas. These include galactosidase, alpha-galactosidase, and other medications with enzymes. People with IBS can opt for tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm, Novartis) to ease gas.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If you do not find relief by practicing the aforementioned home remedies for bad-smelling gas, it is time to see a doctor. Your healthcare provider can run some tests and provide the best treatment according to the symptoms you are facing. It is also important to contact a doctor if you are experiencing the following signs:
- bloody stool
- unexplained weight loss
- change in frequency of bowel function
- nausea and vomiting
If you experience any other abnormal symptoms with bad-smelling gas, consider talking to a doctor immediately.
