Laxatives: Gas Relief Or Risk?

Gas is a natural byproduct of the bacteria in your intestines breaking down fibres, sugars and starches in the food you eat. While intestinal gas and its discomfort often resolve on their own, there are several ways to relieve gas pain. For instance, burping or passing gas through the rectum is usually enough to ease physical discomfort.

Constipation is a common cause of bloating. When you’re constipated, stool takes longer to pass through your colon and leave your body, giving bacteria more time to ferment food and produce gas. Constipation can be addressed by eating a diet rich in fibre, staying hydrated and exercising. If these measures don’t improve constipation and gas, a polyethylene glycol laxative can help.

The role of constipation in gas relief

Constipation is a common condition that can cause or worsen bloating. When constipated, stool takes longer to pass through the colon and leave the body, allowing bacteria more time to ferment food and produce gas. This results in excess gas in the colon, leading to bloating and discomfort.

Constipation can be caused by a low-fibre diet, use of opioid medications, or anticholinergic drugs that slow down the digestive process. It can also be influenced by hormonal changes, such as the drop in progesterone before a menstrual period, or stress.

To relieve constipation and reduce gas, it is recommended to increase fibre intake, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly. A healthy diet rich in fibre, adequate fluid intake, and physical activity can help improve bowel function and reduce the risk of constipation. Additionally, avoiding carbonated beverages, eating slowly, and managing stress can also help alleviate constipation and the associated gas buildup.

In cases where lifestyle changes are insufficient, over-the-counter laxatives can be considered. Polyethylene glycol laxatives, for example, can be beneficial in improving constipation and reducing gas. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medications, as they may have side effects or interactions with other conditions.

While constipation can contribute to gas and bloating, it is important to note that gas pain is usually not serious and often resolves on its own. Burping or passing gas is typically enough to alleviate the discomfort. However, persistent or recurrent symptoms may indicate underlying conditions such as celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), irritable bowel syndrome, or other gastrointestinal issues.

The effect of laxatives on trapped gas

Trapped gas is a common condition that most people will experience in their lifetime. It is often temporary and resolves on its own, but it can also persist or reoccur. Trapped gas is caused by excess gas or fluid in the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause the belly to distend or "balloon out" beyond its normal size. This can lead to abdominal discomfort, pain, and swelling.

Laxatives are one way to relieve trapped gas. They can help to relieve constipation, which is a common cause of trapped gas. Constipation occurs when stool takes longer to pass through the colon and leave the body through the rectum. This allows bacteria more time to ferment food and produce gas, leading to excess gas in the colon. Laxatives help to speed up the passage of stool, reducing the amount of gas produced and relieving the feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen.

However, it is important to note that laxatives should not be used for more than 24 hours, as they can cause side effects such as bloating. In addition, anti-gas medications can help to relieve excess gas, but they can also slow down contractions in the gut and cause constipation. Therefore, it is recommended to try other methods to relieve trapped gas before resorting to laxatives.

Some natural remedies for trapped gas include herbal teas like spearmint, ginger, or anise, apple cider vinegar, a heating pad or warm bath, and gentle exercise such as walking or yoga. Trapped gas can also be relieved by burping or passing gas through the rectum. In addition, making dietary changes, such as avoiding carbonated beverages and high-FODMAP foods, can help to reduce the amount of gas produced in the body.

The impact of dietary fibre on gas relief

Dietary fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet, but what impact does it have on gas relief?

The role of fibre in digestion

Firstly, it's important to understand the role of fibre in digestion. Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be fully broken down and absorbed by the body. Instead, it passes through the digestive system relatively unchanged. This may seem counterintuitive if you're trying to relieve gas, as fibre can contribute to gas formation. However, fibre also has several beneficial effects on digestion, which can help with gas relief in the long term.

Benefits of fibre for gas relief

Fibre adds bulk to stool, which can help to move gas through the digestive system. It also helps to regulate bowel movements, preventing constipation, which is a common cause of gas and bloating. In addition, fibre can help to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which are important for maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbes. This, in turn, can aid in digestion and gas relief.

High-fibre foods to relieve gas

When it comes to relieving gas, not all fibres are created equal. Soluble fibre, found in oats, beans, and fruits like oranges and apples, has been shown to be particularly effective in reducing gas and improving digestion. Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, found in whole wheat bread, nuts, and vegetables like broccoli and carrots, can actually contribute to gas formation. That's not to say you should avoid insoluble fibre, but rather that a balance of both types of fibre is important for optimal digestion and gas relief.

Prebiotics and probiotics

In addition to dietary fibre, prebiotics and probiotics can also play a role in gas relief. Prebiotics are a type of fibre that acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut, helping to promote their growth and activity. Probiotics, on the other hand, are live beneficial bacteria that can be consumed through fermented foods or supplements. Both prebiotics and probiotics can help to improve digestion and relieve gas by supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

In conclusion, dietary fibre plays an important role in gas relief by regulating bowel movements, adding bulk to stool, and supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. However, it's important to remember that not all fibres are equal, and a balance of soluble and insoluble fibre is key. Additionally, prebiotics and probiotics can also help to relieve gas by supporting a healthy gut microbiome. While fibre may not provide immediate relief from gas, it is an important part of a long-term strategy for improving digestion and reducing gas formation.

The use of herbal remedies for gas relief

• Herbal teas: Spearmint, ginger, and anise teas are known to aid in gas relief. Drinking these teas can help relax the muscles in the gut and stimulate digestion, making it easier to pass gas. However, it is recommended to avoid anise if you have recurring diarrhoea due to its mild laxative effect.
• Peppermint supplements: Peppermint oil capsules or peppermint candies can be used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas. Peppermint has gut-relaxing properties and can help alleviate discomfort. It is important to note that peppermint may interfere with iron absorption, so it should not be taken with iron supplements or if you are anemic.
• Clove oil: Consuming clove oil capsules after meals can increase digestive enzymes and reduce gas production in the intestines. Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, and indigestion.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water or tea before meals can help prevent gas pain and bloating. It is important to rinse the mouth after consuming apple cider vinegar to protect tooth enamel.
• Fennel seeds: Chewing fennel seeds can help relieve intestinal gas. A safe amount is considered to be approximately one teaspoon. Fennel seeds are also added to salads, stews, and other dishes to aid in digestion.
• Ginger: Ginger can be consumed as a tea, supplement, or added to dishes to reduce fermentation in the stomach, providing relief from gas and bloating. It helps relax the abdominal muscles and stimulates the digestive system.
• Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is another herbal remedy that can help soothe discomfort and aid in gas relief.

While these herbal remedies can be beneficial, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating them into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

The benefits of exercise in relieving gas

Exercise is an effective way to relieve gas and reduce bloating. It can help to eliminate trapped gas by stimulating the digestive tract and encouraging gas to pass through.

Yoga Poses

Yoga is a great way to relieve gas and bloating. Twisting and bending the midsection with yoga poses can help move gas through the digestive tract. Yoga poses that can help include:

• Child's pose
• Spinal twists
• Seated forward bend pose
• Cat and cow
• Downward-facing dog
• Standing forward bend
• Open triangle pose
• Happy baby pose
• Wind-relieving pose

Walking

Walking is a simple and effective way to relieve gas and bloating. It can help to improve motility in the colon and relieve trapped gas. Walking after meals is a good way to prevent and relieve bloating.

Other Exercises

Other exercises that can help relieve gas include:

• Squats
• Bridges
• Abdominal exercises

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to specific exercises, making some lifestyle changes can also help relieve gas and bloating. These include:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding carbonated beverages
• Eating slowly and chewing well
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoiding gas-causing foods
• Not talking while eating
• Lying on your side

Frequently asked questions