Healthy Living Makes a Difference

To put it as maturely as possible, gas is what happens when air is released from either the mouth or rectum. This can be uncomfortable and embarrassing when it is excessive or smelly. Bloating occurs when gas fills the abdomen and this area appears distended (a.k.a “a food baby”).

Gas can be made up of different elements and may be produced in different ways. Often it is from people swallowing an excessive amount of air (whether from talking too much while eating, eating too quickly, or drinking carbonated beverages) which can create an odourless rectal gas or gas in the upper stomach which causes belching. Gas can also be caused by poor digestion, which leads to bacterial fermentation. This gas gives off a foul odour, similar to that of rotten eggs.

Suggestions

It is important to chew food well while eating slowly and in a relaxed state. It is also advised to avoid drinking with meals and eliminate carbonated beverages. In addition, consider natural supplementation this holiday season to help relieve the discomfort of gas and bloating after consuming a large meal or certain foods that are harder to digest.

The Essentials

Digestive enzymes help break down foods into substances we can absorb. Consult a natural product advisor to determine which enzyme formula is best suited for you in order to support proper digestion. In addition, probiotics are highly recommend as they play a role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. They are used to balance out the “bad bacteria” that are the culprits behind the fermentation of undigested food and also help produce enzymes.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has been used for general detoxification and intestinal disorders. As a digestive aid, it can bind many unwanted substances in the gastro-intestinal tract such as toxins and gases. Therefore, it can be used for internal problems such as diarrhea, unpleasant smelling and excessive flatulence, waste and toxin removal from the gut, food poisoning management, intestinal infection reduction, yeast die-off symptom relief and neutralizing excess stomach acid for ulcer and reflux problems!

Therefore, those looking for general digestive cleansing and intestinal support, eating out or presented with questionable food, struggling with gas with bloating and cramps, exposed to moldy food or experiencing food/alcohol poisoning, suffering from bad breath or occasional acid reflux can benefit from internal activated charcoal supplementation.

Activated charcoal is most effective when it comes from a high quality source. When derived from pure coconut shells it has superior power. Look for a product that has been manufactured for ultra-purity and excellent pore volume.

Carminative Herbs

Carminative herbs have antispasmodic activity that are used to alleviate cramps in the digestive tract and ease flatulence. These are good at soothing the stomach and fighting inflammation, reducing excess gas and bloating, stimulating peristalsis of the digestive tract and fighting yeast and bacteria such as H. Pylori. A few examples include fennel, anise and caraway seed. These aromatic herbs are well known spices that have been used to help with conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, indigestion, heartburn, in addition to helping dissolve mucous in the upper respiratory tract.

Ginger acts as a both a bitter and carminative herb meaning it helps to both stimulate digestion and relieve flatulence. It helps relieve digestive upset including lack of appetite, digestive spasms, indigestion, dyspepsia and gas or flatulent colic. Ginger is also a mild anti-inflammatory, improves the tone of intestinal muscles and may protect the stomach from the damaging effect of alcohol and certain drugs. Ginger is an effective treatment for those struggling with nausea, dizziness and vomiting whether it be from motion sickness or seasickness, throughout pregnancy or following surgery.