Best Medicines for Gas and Bloating
Gas is a serious pain. Not only can it be painful but it can be very embarrassing especially if it is out of control. So you might be considering your options. But how do you know what is the best medication for gas and bloating?
Going into the gas treatment aisle is not only embarrassing but it can be extremely confusing too. There are so many different medications that all boast the same benefits. So how do you choose just one?
We sat down with Dr. Ken Brown, gastroenterologist, to see what he recommends for his patients experiencing gas and what are the best medicines for gas and bloating.
Please note: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any conditions. You should always consult your primary care physician before adding any new medications or supplements to your routine. This article is strictly for informational purposes and should not replace the advice of your physician.
What causes gas?
Gas is normal. Everyone experiences gas on a daily basis. Doctors consider passing gas between 25-30 times a day normal. Belching, bloating, and flatulence are all symptoms of a build-up of gas in your digestive system. But what causes gas in the first place?
Swallowing air when you eat
Swallowing air is a harmless way that gas is caused within our bodies. When we eat, drink, or chew things we can be inadvertently swallowing air. Some of the most common ways this happens are:
- Talking while you eat
- Eating or drinking too quickly
- Carbonated beverages
- Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies
- Smoking
- Wearing dentures that are loose or poorly fit
Bacteria in your gut
Having bacteria in your gut is completely normal. Actually, you have trillions of microorganisms that live there to help break down foods: bacteria, fungi, etc. They make up your gut microbiome. These bacteria are there to help you extract more nutrients from your food and disperse them properly throughout your body.
Gut bacteria ferment the carbohydrates we eat and during this process, they give off gasses. This is completely normal and a part of digestion that we need.
However, some people have a more difficult time digesting carbohydrates. Foods high in carbs (sugars, starches, and fiber) will give you the most gas which is why your doctor may suggest a low-carb diet if you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms with your gas.
Health conditions and medications
Certain health conditions or medications can cause you to experience more gas than normal. Anything that disrupts the ability of your microbiome to do its job is likely to cause some complications and therefore gas.
- Functional GI disorders (IBS, functional constipation, functional dyspepsia, functional bloating, etc.)
- Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Difficulty digesting carbs (lactose intolerance, dietary fructose intolerance, etc.)
- Celiac’s disease
- Constipation
- Obstructions of the digestive tract
- Cancers
- Gastroparesis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Medications that can cause gas:
- Antibiotics
- Antacids
- Opioids
- Certain Vitamins
- Fiber or bulking supplements
When should you see a healthcare provider for gas?
Gas is a normal part of the digestive process, but chronic issues with gas and bloating can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. If you suffer from chronic issues with gas and bloating, this should be checked out because it can be a sign of something much worse going on.
New evidence has shown that bloating can be an early sign of intestinal inflammation and, if left untreated, can lead to other chronic health issues.
If other symptoms accompany your gas, this can be a sign that you should bring it up to your doctor.
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Bloody or black stools
- Mucousy stools
- Nausea or vomiting
How effective are gas medications?
An important thing to consider when asking this question is the cause of gas. Each medication on the market is designed to address different problems. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common gas medications, what they do, and what to expect from them.
Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that works by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the digestive system. It breaks down larger gas bubbles into smaller ones, making it easier for the body to absorb them. This is only effective with large bubbles produced or swallowed in the stomach. It does not fix the underlying problem so its effectiveness in adults is variable and limited.
However, it is effective in infants who are bottle-feeding and swallowing air.
Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates in certain foods, such as beans, and cruciferous vegetables. These carbohydrates are not easily digested by the human body, which can lead to gas production. Supplementing with alpha-galactosidase may help improve the digestion of these carbohydrates and reduce gas and bloating associated with their consumption. However, effectiveness varies from person to person; some may see more benefits than others from taking this supplement
Activated charcoal is processed to have small pores that increase its surface area. This means it can potentially bind to and eliminate gas and toxins in the gut. However, its use as a remedy for gas or bloating is less established and more controversial. Activated charcoal has been used for years, and scientific literature on its effectiveness is mixed.
In a 2015 study, a product called Atrantil (quebracho, horse chestnut, and peppermint) was shown to relieve gas and bloating in 88% of people with change in bowel habits and bloating. The benefit of this method is that it gets to the root cause of bloating.
What are the risks of taking gas medicines?
All these remedies are considered safe and well-tolerated. Sometimes a person can have an allergic reaction to anything consumed, but it is very rare.
Minor gastrointestinal distress can happen with both alpha-galactosidase and simethicone. Activated charcoal can bind other medications so this should not be taken with other products.
Make sure to double-check with your doctor before starting any medications for gas to make sure there are no complications with the current medications or conditions you have.
What should people look for in gas medicine?
This depends on what type of gas someone is experiencing.
If you pass a lot of gas (flatus), then this could be due to poor absorption of certain foods or supplements you are ingesting. The best gas medicine for passing gas would contain an active ingredient like alpha-galactosidase.
There is some evidence to suggest that if the flatus is excessive and foul-smelling you can consider trying activated charcoal
If you feel gassy and full immediately after a meal, then something that contains simethicone may be a better solution.
If you feel bloated and full for hours after a meal, then something that contains a combination of large complex polyphenols like Quebracho Colorado, Horse Chestnut, and Peppermint (Atrantil) may be a better choice.
What active ingredients should you look for in a gas medicine?
This varies depending on the location of the gas and the cause of the gas. Check through some of the suggestions we mentioned above to pin down what will work best for you and your specific needs.
Best Medicines for Gas and Bloating
There are a lot of medications on the market, and it can be difficult to know what would be best for you. Even going through the suggestions we’ve made, it can be difficult if you’re on the border of two different medications. So here are some suggestions that might help you narrow it down.
Best Gas Medicine for After-Dinner Relief: If you feel full, try some peppermint which can relax the esophagus and help you belch and feel less full.
Best Medicine for Lactose Intolerance: if you have lactose intolerance and consume too much, try taking a lactase supplement that has the enzyme to help break down lactose.
Best Medicine for Multi-Symptom Relief: When people have multi-symptom issues I recommend Atrantil. This will help bind up gas in the intestines and get to the root cause and help to bring balance back to the microbiome.
Best Medicine for Stomach Aches: if your stomach hurts it may be due to too much air in the stomach so I recommend simethicone for this. If the issues persist, make sure to speak with a doctor because stomach aches can be caused by a lot more than just air and gas.
Best Gas Gummy: simethicone chewable is a good choice.
Best Charcoal: There are many charcoal products available, and since the scientific backing for them is mixed I don’t have a favorite to recommend.
Best Gas-Relief Tea: If you can find some fennel tea this has molecules that help relax the intestinal tract which may help with bloating.
Best Probiotic to Relieve Gas: I always recommend taking a spore-based probiotic which has been shown to be able to survive until the colon where it can help with the microbiome.
Gas is never fun, but test out these recommendations and let us know what you think! If you know someone who could benefit from this information, give this article a share!