Moves to Relieve Gas

Passing gas is as normal and necessary as breathing. In fact, according to an oft-cited study from 1991, the average adult passes gas eight times during the course of a day. Yet even though everyone does it, passing gas can be a source of embarrassment, sometimes even discomfort.

Many over-the-counter medications can be used to reduce gas. In some cases, they're not meant for long-term use, though. Fortunately, there's another approach: Just a little physical activity can help move gas and ease any discomfort you have with it.

This article looks at ways you can use your own body to help relieve gas, and when medical help may be needed instead. It also offers some ideas on how to reduce gas in the first place.

Get on Your Feet

Taking a walk can sometimes be all that's needed to relieve gas and bloating in the short term. According to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, light physical activity can help move intestinal gas and reduce bloating in the abdomen.

At least 30 minutes of exercise, three or four days a week, should be plenty to help keep the bloating and burps at bay.

Lie on Your Side

This simple move may work especially well for releasing gas trapped in the lower intestine. Follow these steps to see if they bring relief:

1. On a bed, sofa, or the floor, lie on your side.
2. Gently draw both knees toward your chest.
3. If you don't get relief after several minutes, try slowly moving your legs down and up a few times.
4. Try using your hands to pull your knees closer to your chest, if you can do this comfortably or without causing more pain.

Squat

Squats are good for more than building strong thighs and gluteal (butt) muscles. Here's how to lower yourself into this position to help relieve gas:

1. Start with your feet hip-width apart and facing forward.
2. Put your hands on your hips or hold on to the back of a sturdy chair. Then, slowly bend your knees until your rear end is close to the floor.
3. Place your hands on the tops of your thighs (or continue to hold onto the chair). Stay in this position until you feel the gas start to move.

When to See a Doctor

Intestinal gas is rarely a sign of a medical problem. Again, it's a normal by-product of digestion. But there are a handful of conditions that are associated with an increase in gas.

These conditions include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lactose intolerance, and celiac disease.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) advises seeing a doctor about gas if there are other symptoms along with it. These may include:

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Bleeding

Otherwise, try changing your diet to exclude foods known to cause gas. They include milk, beans, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, and wheat bran.

There are other changes you can make too. Avoiding smoking will help, as will limiting the use of chewing gum and drinking straws. They both cause you to swallow air, which can lead to more gas.

Summary

There are ways to relieve gas by changing your body position. Being physically active can help keep gas moving. Lying on your side or squatting can also help it pass.

Changing your diet also may help. In most cases, gas is not a serious issue, but you may wish to see a healthcare provider if excess gas persists.