Gas pain is a common digestive complaint that can cause sharp cramps, bloating, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. It occurs when excess gas builds up in the digestive tract, often due to swallowed air, certain foods or digestive problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or indigestion.
While gas usually passes on its own, the discomfort it brings can be frustrating and sometimes intense. The good news is that there are several natural, medical and lifestyle-based remedies that can help relieve gas pain quickly and prevent it from recurring.
In this article, you’ll find 20 effective ways to get rid of gas pain, whether it's caused by food, stress or digestive imbalance.
What Are the Causes of Gas Pains?
Gas pain occurs when excess air or gas gets trapped in the digestive system. This trapped gas can stretch the intestines and cause cramping, bloating, or a sharp, stabbing sensation in the abdomen.
Common Causes of Gas Pains:
Swallowing Air (Aerophagia)
Gas-producing foods like Beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Onions, garlic, Carbonated beverages and Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol
Lactose Intolerance
Constipation occurs when stool stays in the colon for long time.
Here are the best ways to reduce stomach gas pain naturally and prevent the pain from recurring:
1. Walk Around
Movement helps stimulate the digestive system. A short 10–15 minute walk after meals can promote the natural passage of gas through the intestines, reducing bloating and pain.
2. Apply a Warm Compress
A warm water bag or heating pad placed on the abdomen relaxes the muscles and improves blood flow, which can ease cramping and help trapped gas move along more comfortably.
3. Drink Warm Water
Sipping on warm water helps calm the digestive tract, dissolve food more efficiently and reduce bloating caused by slow digestion.
4. Try Peppermint Tea
Peppermint contains menthol, which has a muscle-relaxing effect on the gut. Drinking peppermint tea after meals can reduce intestinal spasms and ease gas discomfort.
5. Use Ginger
Ginger stimulates digestive enzymes, improves gut motility and prevents the formation of excess gas. You can chew raw ginger, drink ginger tea or take ginger supplements.
6. Do Gentle Yoga Poses
Yoga poses like Wind-Relieving Pose (Pawanmuktasana) and Child's Pose help put gentle pressure on the abdomen, encouraging trapped gas to release.
7. Avoid Carbonated Drinks:
Soda, sparkling water and beer introduce extra air into the digestive system, leading to bloating and gas. Avoid these if you’re prone to gas pains.
8. Eat Slowly and Mindfully:
Fast eating can cause you to swallow air. Chewing thoroughly and avoiding talking while eating helps reduce the air you ingest and aids better digestion.
9. Take Simethicone Tablets:
Simethicone (brands like Gas-X) breaks down gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines, making them easier to pass and reducing bloating.
10. Try Activated Charcoal Capsules:
Activated charcoal may trap gas in the digestive system and reduce bloating. However, its effectiveness varies between individuals and should be used under medical advice.
11. Limit Gas-Producing Foods
Some foods are more likely to cause gas such as beans, lentils, cabbage, onions, cauliflower and artificial sweeteners like sorbitol. Keep track of your triggers and avoid them when needed.
12. Use Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have carminative properties that help relax the digestive tract and release trapped gas. Chew a teaspoon after meals or sip fennel tea for relief.
13. Avoid Dairy (if Lactose Intolerant)
If you're lactose intolerant, consuming milk, cheese or ice cream can lead to bloating, gas and cramps. Use lactose-free alternatives or plant-based milk options.
14. Try Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Diluted ACV before meals may help boost stomach acid and aid digestion, preventing gas buildup. Mix 1 tablespoon with warm water and drink it 15 minutes before meals.
15. Elevate Your Legs
Lying on your back and gently raising your legs toward your chest can help change abdominal pressure and assist in the release of gas.
16. Massage Your Abdomen
Massaging in a clockwise direction (following the path of your colon) can help stimulate peristalsis and push gas through the digestive tract.
17. Stay Hydrated
Maintaining optimal hydration levels is crucial for preventing constipation, which can lead to the accumulation of gas. Adequate water intake facilitates smoother digestive processes and supports regular bowel movements, thereby enhancing gastrointestinal function.
18. Avoid Chewing Gum or Sucking Candy
Chewing gum and sucking on candies can lead to excess air ingestion, resulting in increased intra-abdominal gas and subsequent bloating and discomfort. It is advisable to minimise these behaviours to mitigate gastrointestinal disturbances.
19. Manage Stress
Stress and anxiety can slow digestion and trigger stomach cramps or gas. Practices like deep breathing, meditation and gentle movement can calm the nervous system and reduce symptoms.
20. Consult a Doctor If Gas Is Persistent
Chronic gas pain may indicate serious health conditions like IBS, food intolerances or GERD. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Natural Remedies for Gas Pain Relief at Home
People who often suffer from gas pains can get relief by following some simple natural remedies for gastric pain. Here are some effective natural remedies for stomach gas and ways to treat gas pains quickly.
Ginger: Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of the best natural remedies to get relief from gas pains. Chew some ginger or drink ginger tea to get rid of gas pains.
Lemon Juice: Citric acid in lemon can break down the gas-causing foods in the intestine. Therefore, it can relieve gas pains.
Papaya: Papaya is one of the natural foods that aid digestion and prevent the formation of gas in the stomach, thus reducing the risk of gas pain.
Hot water: The easiest way to get rid of gas pains is to sip hot water slowly. This is an effective way to relieve gas pains quickly.
Yoghurt: The probiotic elements in yoghurt help to treat gas pains. People who are lactose intolerant should try some other natural gastric pain remedies instead of having yoghurt.
Peppermint Tea: Peppermint contains menthol, which relaxes intestinal muscles and helps release trapped gas. Drink a cup of peppermint tea after meals.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Making simple changes in your daily eating habits can go a long way in reducing gas, bloating and discomfort. Here are effective dietary tips to get quick relief from stomach gas:
Eat smaller, frequent meals.
Chew food slowly and thoroughly.
Avoid gas-producing foods.
Choose easily digestible foods like bananas.
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Limit dairy if you're lactose intolerant.
Avoid artificial sweeteners.
Include ginger and fennel.
Try probiotic-rich foods.
Avoid heavy late-night meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gas pain can last from a few minutes to several hours. It usually resolves on its own but may need over-the-counter remedies or lifestyle changes to prevent it from coming back.
Yes, gas can cause pain throughout the body, including the chest, back, and abdomen, due to trapped gas moving through the intestines.
Symptoms of trapped gas include bloating, abdominal pain, burping, flatulence, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the stomach.
Five signs of bloating are:
Immediate relief from gas can be achieved by taking over-the-counter anti-gas medications, drinking peppermint tea, performing gentle exercise, or using a heating pad on the abdomen.
Stomach gas pain is usually not serious and often resolves on its own. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
The best sleeping position to relieve gas is lying on your left side. This position helps improve digestion by allowing gravity to assist the movement of gas and waste through the colon.
Trapped gas in the chest can cause sharp pain, pressure, or a bloated feeling, often mimicking heart-related discomfort. To relieve it, try walking or light physical movement to help move the gas through your digestive system.