How to Stop Stomach Gurgling Gas: 12 Effective Solutions
Discover 12 effective solutions to end stomach gurgling gas discomfort. Learn how to stop stomach gurgling gas for good!
Introduction
Few things are as embarrassing as stomach-gurgling gas in public or during an important meeting. That rumbling, growling noise can make you feel self-conscious and desperate to find a way to stop it. How to stop stomach gurgling gas is a common concern, but thankfully there are some effective solutions.
Stomach gurgling, also known as borborygmi, is the rumbling sound caused by the movement of gas through the intestines. It’s a normal part of digestion, but excessive gurgling can signal an underlying issue like food intolerance, poor digestion, or a gastrointestinal disorder.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 practical tips to help you how to stop stomach gurgling gas and the embarrassment it can cause. From dietary changes to over-the-counter remedies, we’ll cover a range of options to help you find relief.
How to Stop Stomach Gurgling Gas with 12 Tips
-
Identify and Avoid Trigger Foods
One of the primary causes of stomach gurgling gas is food intolerance. Even if you’re not allergic to certain foods, your body may have trouble digesting them properly, leading to excessive gas production and gurgling sounds.
Common culprits include:
- Dairy products (lactose intolerance)
- Wheat and grains containing gluten.
- Beans and legumes
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
- Carbonated beverages
- Artificial sweeteners
Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods seem to trigger your stomach gurgling gas. Once you’ve pinpointed the offenders, try eliminating them from your diet to see if your symptoms improve.
-
Take Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down the foods you eat into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by your body. If you’re lacking in certain enzymes, it can lead to poor digestion and excessive stomach gurgling gas.
Over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements like lactase (for lactose intolerance), alpha-galactosidase (for gas from beans and legumes), and betaine HCl (for low stomach acid) can help improve digestion and reduce gas and gurgling.
However, it’s always best to consult with your doctor or a dietitian before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking other medications. How to Stop Stomach Gurgling Gas.
-
Eat Slowly and Chew Thoroughly
Gobbling down your food too quickly can lead to swallowing excess air, which gets trapped in your digestive system and causes stomach gurgling gas. Eating too fast can also make it harder for your body to properly digest the food, contributing to gas and gurgling.
To avoid this, try to slow down and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing. This will help you avoid swallowing too much air and give your digestive enzymes more time to start breaking down your food.
It’s also a good idea to avoid drinking through a straw, as this can increase the amount of air you swallow.
-
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to stomach gurgling gas by slowing down digestion and making it harder for food and gas to move through your intestines. When you’re dehydrated, your body tries to compensate by pulling water from your digestive tract, leading to harder, drier stools that are more difficult to pass.
Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water or other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages per day. You may need to drink even more if you’re physically active or live in a hot climate.
Staying properly hydrated can help keep things moving smoothly through your digestive system and reduce gas and gurgling.
-
Increase Your Fiber Intake
Fiber is essential for healthy digestion and can help reduce stomach gurgling gas by preventing constipation. When you’re constipated, gas and waste products can get trapped in your intestines, leading to excessive gurgling sounds.
Try to get plenty of fiber from sources like:
- Fruits (berries, pears, apples with skin, etc.)
- Vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, etc.)
- Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa, etc.)
- Legumes (beans, lentils, peas, etc.)
- Nuts and seeds.
Gradually increase your fiber intake to prevent gas and bloating, and ensure to drink plenty of water to help the fiber move through your system.
Note: If you have a pre-existing gastrointestinal condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), you may need to limit certain high-fiber foods that can aggravate your symptoms. Work with a doctor or dietitian to determine the right fiber sources and amounts for you.
-
Try Over-the-Counter Gas Relief Products
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you just can’t seem to get rid of that pesky stomach gurgling gas. In these cases, over-the-counter gas relief products can provide some temporary relief.
Look for products containing:
- Simethicone (an anti-foaming agent that breaks up gas bubbles)
- Alpha-D-galactosidase (an enzyme that helps break down gas-producing carbohydrates)
- Activated charcoal (absorbs gas)
- Bismuth subsalicylate (coats and soothes the digestive tract)
These products can help expel trapped gas and reduce gurgling sounds, but they don’t address the underlying cause of your gas and gurgling. Use them sparingly and in combination with other long-term strategies for managing your symptoms.
-
Try Peppermint or Ginger Tea
Peppermint and ginger are two herbs that have been traditionally used to soothe digestive issues like gas, bloating, and stomach gurgling. They work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, allowing gas to pass more easily.
Sipping on a warm cup of peppermint or ginger tea after meals can help relieve gas and gurgling. You can also find peppermint and ginger supplements in capsule or oil form if you prefer.
Just be cautious with peppermint if you have acid reflux or GERD, as it can potentially worsen these conditions in some people.
-
Practice Stress Management
Believe it or not, stress can have a significant impact on your digestive health and may contribute to stomach gurgling gas. When you’re stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, diverting blood flow away from the digestive system and slowing down digestion.
Stress can also cause muscle tension in the abdomen, trapping gas and waste products and leading to gurgling sounds.
To mitigate the effects of stress on your digestion, try incorporating relaxation techniques like:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Meditation or mindfulness practices
- Yoga or other gentle exercises
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Spending time in nature
Finding healthy ways to manage your stress levels can help keep your digestive system running smoothly and reduce issues like stomach gurgling gas.
-
Consider a Low-FODMAP Diet
The low-FODMAP diet is an eating plan that restricts certain types of carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. These carbs, known as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), can draw excess fluid into the intestines and feed the gas-producing bacteria that live there.
For some people, following a low-FODMAP diet can help reduce symptoms like excessive gas, bloating, and stomach gurgling. This diet has been particularly helpful for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
-
Rule Out Underlying Medical Conditions
In some cases, excessive stomach gurgling gas may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. Some potential culprits include:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic disorder affecting the large intestine, IBS can cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation along with excessive gas and gurgling sounds.
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can lead to poor nutrient absorption and excessive fermentation, resulting in gas, bloating, and gurgling.
- Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach empties too slowly, allowing food to ferment and produce excess gas. It’s commonly seen in people with diabetes.
- Lactose Intolerance: The inability to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, leading to gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that can damage the small intestine and cause malabsorption issues leading to excessive gas.
If dietary and lifestyle changes don’t provide relief for your stomach’s gurgling gas, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. They can run tests to check for any underlying conditions and provide appropriate treatment.
-
Try Gas-Relieving Supplements
In addition to over-the-counter gas relief products, several natural supplements may help reduce stomach gurgling gas:
- Activated Charcoal: Binds to gas-producing compounds and helps expel them from the body.
- Digestive Enzymes: These can aid in the proper breakdown of foods, reducing gas production.
- Probiotics: Restore healthy gut bacteria balance, improving digestion.
- Fennel, Caraway, or Anise Seeds: Traditional remedies that may help expel gas.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This can help increase stomach acid production for better digestion.
Always check with your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or take medications. Some supplements can interact with drugs or have side effects.
-
Try Abdominal Massage
Gentle abdominal massage may help relieve stomach gurgling gas by helping to move things along in your digestive tract. Try massaging in a clockwise, circular motion around your abdomen to encourage the expulsion of gas.
You can also try specific yoga poses like Wind-Relieving Pose (Pawanmuktasana) that gently massage the abdominal area.
Be cautious with massage if you have any abdominal injuries, inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease, or recent abdominal surgery. Check with your doctor first if you have any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Stop Stomach Gurgling Gas
How do you settle a gurgling stomach and gas?
Try sipping peppermint or ginger tea, taking an over-the-counter gas relief product, practicing stress-relieving techniques like deep breathing, or gently massaging your abdomen.
Why is my stomach so gurgly and gassy?
Excessive stomach gurgling and gas can be caused by things like food intolerance, poor digestion, swallowing air, constipation, and underlying conditions like IBS or SIBO.
What medicine stops stomach noises?
Over-the-counter products containing simethicone, alpha-D-galactosidase, activated charcoal, or bismuth subsalicylate can temporarily reduce stomach gurgling and gas. For persistent issues, your doctor may recommend medications depending on the underlying cause.
How to stop a noisy stomach?
Strategist diets for a noisy, gurgling stomach include avoiding trigger foods, taking digestive enzymes, staying hydrated, increasing fiber, practicing stress relief techniques, trying a low-FODMAP diet, and considering supplements like activated charcoal or probiotics.
Conclusion
How to Stop Stomach Gurgling Gas.: Stomach gurgling gas can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable issue, but there are plenty of strategies to help get it under control. From dietary changes to stress management techniques, the key is finding the approach that works best for your situation.
Remember to start slowly and be consistent with any new remedies you try. If excessive gas persists despite your efforts, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. How to Stop Stomach Gurgling Gas.
With some patience and the right tactics, you can banish those awkward gurgling sounds and get back to living your life without worrying about stomach gurgling gas.
