Stop Blaming the Dog! 10 Tips to Reduce Gas
Gas and bloating is often to blame for changed plans, clothes that feel too tight and your poor dog being blamed for that stench in the house. Due to poor dietary habits and stagnant digestion many expel gas at least 14 times a day. That can add up to almost 4 pints of air daily. Here are my 10 Tips to reduce gas and bloating.
- Avoid Drinking With Your Meal. No pop, coffee, tea, milk, juice, etc. If you need to drink try a 1/2 of glass room temp water. Liquids can destroy enzymes that are needed to digest your food. The result is slower digestion and increased gas.
- Avoid Poor Food Combining. Try to keep starches and proteins separate and fruit in isolation. This will also maximize digestion and allow your body to break down food more efficiently.
- Chew Your Food. You’ve heard it before, but it’s a crucial element in reducing gas and bloating. Digestion does start in the mouth and is responsible for triggering the rest of the digestive process.
- Try 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother in 1/2 glass of water 20 mins before your meal or 30 mins after. The apple cider vinegar maintains the stomach’s pH balance so that food is effectively broken down during the digestion process. Please note that apple cider vinegar can interfere with drugs like insulin and diuretics( MayoClinic.com)
- Ginger is a Digestive Aid. Add some to your cooking or make a fresh ginger tea by boiling some peeled ginger in water.
- Parsley is an Excellent Herb for Reducing Gas. Add this to your cooking or add it to a fresh juice combination. Parsley should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Cut out Dairy & Wheat. If gas is consistently a problem for you it could be an indication of a food sensitivity or allergy. Dairy and Wheat are the most common offenders. Avoid these foods or any others that you feel you may be sensitive to.
- Replenish your Healthy Bacteria. Consider adding some probiotics to your diet. Kefir, Miso, Real Sauerkraut are food sources of probiotics. You can also take it in a supplemental form. Consuming more beneficial bacteria will not only help aid in the elimination of gas, but also keep your colon in optimal working order.
- Oregano Oil is one of my Fav Natural Remedies to Have in the House. Among its many uses, it has been shown to be helpful in reducing gas and bloating. 1 to 2 drops in 1/2 glass of water can help to calm down an unsettled stomach.
- Take a Chill Pill! Emotions play a huge role in creating gas and bloating. When we are stressed and anxious we often swallow more air. Excessive emotional stress can also increase hydrochloric acid causing gas to build up in the intestines. If you find that this is the culprit for your gas have a Gratitude Sandwich daily. Start your day with a thought of gratitude and end your day with another thought. This will help to hold the days stressors in perspective and will reduce stress on your digestive system.
Disclaimer: Please note that this information is provided as a guideline only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own intuition, nutritionist, physician or trained professional.
