by Janeen Elite

Created on: December 04, 2009

While most people have suffered from stomach bloating at some point in their lives, it doesn't make the condition any easier to bare. Not only is stomach bloating uncomfortable, but in some instances it can be embarrassing as well. Some women can get so bloated they can even be mistaken for being pregnant.

There are quite a few possible causes of stomach bloating such as: a food allergy, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), lactose intolerance, PMS, eating too quickly, drinking carbonated or alcoholic beverages, or eating certain foods that are gas producing such as beans, broccoli, cabbage or bran.

Luckily there are a few home remedies for bloating that you can use to help relieve the problem.

Home Remedies for Bloating

Drink Hot Tea

Actually drinking any tea can help relieve bloating but Chamomile seems to be one of the most effective. You can also try Ginger, Peppermint or fennel tea which work very well.

Mix Baking Soda with Water

While this is not the most tasty home remedy, it is an effective one. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink down. Works quickly if bloating is due to excess gas.

Try Bay Leaf

If you would like to try an old fashioned home remedy, try using a bay leaf. Fill a large coffee cup with boiling water and add one bay leaf. Let steep for 5 minutes and then drink it as hot as you can stand it and as quickly as you can. Both the bay leaf and the hot water will help to eliminate gas.

Drink a Carbonated Beverage

While in some cases drinking a carbonated beverage can bring about gas and bloating, at other times it can also help you relieve it. Drinking a carbonated beverage such as root beer or 7 up can often help a person to belch, naturally getting rid of pent up gas.

Try an Over The Counter Gas Remedy

There are a bunch of over the counter gas remedies you can purchase at your local drugstore that can help reduce bloating and gas. Some of the more commonly used and most effective are Gas X, Di-Gel, Mylanta Gas, Maalox, Alka-Seltzer or Beano.

Try Charcoal

Another very popular home remedy is Charcoal. You can purchase charcoal in the form of Charcocaps over the counter and it is a handy item to keep around the house. Take 1 to 4 pills (according to directions on the bottle) when experiencing bloating due to excess gas. This also helps to sooth upset stomachs.

Take a walk

Quite often physical activity can help eliminate the extra gas that is causing bloating. A simple 15 minute walk can help relieve discomfort.

Try a Lactose Intolerance Aid

If you believe your bloating is due to consuming dairy products, try an over the counter product such as Lactaid which can help your body digest dairy foods and eliminate gas and bloating. If you are known to be lactose intolerant, it is a good idea to always carry one or two of these pills or chewable tablets around with you and take immediately before eating any foods containing dairy.

Try an over the counter PSM medication

If your bloating is due to PMS symptoms, there are over the counter products such as Midol or Pamprin that can help relieve bloating symptoms.

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