From the Guidelines
Holistic treatment for gas and bloating should prioritize a low FODMAP diet, as it is the most evidence-based dietary treatment choice for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 1. The treatment of gas and bloating involves a multifaceted approach that includes dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and natural remedies.
- Identifying and eliminating trigger foods such as beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, dairy products, and artificial sweeteners is crucial.
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals and chewing food thoroughly can reduce air swallowing.
- A low FODMAP diet, which consists of three phases: restriction, reintroduction of FODMAP foods, and personalization based on results from reintroduction, has been shown to significantly reduce global symptoms in patients with IBS 1.
- Regular physical activity, particularly walking for 20-30 minutes after meals, helps stimulate digestion and release trapped gas.
- Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can also help, as stress often worsens digestive symptoms by affecting gut motility and sensitivity.
- Central neuromodulators, such as antidepressants, may be effective in reducing visceral sensations and improving psychological comorbidities 1.
- Brain–gut behavioral therapies, including hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other modalities, may be combined with central neuromodulators and other GI treatments to improve overall quality of life parameters, anxiety, stress, and burden associated with DGBIs 1. It is essential to note that the use of probiotics and medical foods is not recommended for bloating or distention, as there is insufficient data supporting their use for any DGBI, including bloating 1. Additionally, peppermint oil, which is commonly used to treat global IBS symptoms, has shown no improvement in bloating symptoms in recent studies 1. A multidisciplinary approach, involving gastroenterologists, gastroenterology dietitians, brain–gut behavioral therapists, and motility providers, may be necessary to manage treatment in patients with belching, abdominal bloating, and distention 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Use for the relief of pressure and bloating commonly referred to as gas The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Holistic Treatment for Gas and Bloating
- A low FODMAP diet has been suggested as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, including gas and bloating 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that a low FODMAP diet can improve global symptoms and bowel habits in adult IBS patients 3.
- The efficacy of a low FODMAP diet in reducing gas and bloating symptoms is thought to be due to the reduction of fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) in the diet, which can be difficult for some people to digest 2.
- Probiotics have also been shown to be effective in improving overall IBS symptom scores and abdominal pain in the general IBS population 4.
- Prebiotics, on the other hand, have not been found to have a significant beneficial effect on IBS symptoms, despite their potential to improve gut microbiome and intestinal inflammatory response 4.
- It is recommended that a low FODMAP diet be used under the guidance of a qualified clinician with specialized training, as inappropriate use of the diet can potentially have negative health impacts 4.
Key Findings
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that a low FODMAP diet was associated with improvement of global symptoms, stool consistency, and a reduction trend of stool frequency in IBS patients 3.
- The quality of the evidence for the use of a low FODMAP diet in IBS treatment is considered "moderate" for global improvement of IBS symptoms and stool consistency, but "low" or "very low" for other outcomes 3.
- Probiotic therapy is considered safe and can be effective in improving overall IBS symptom scores and abdominal pain, but no recommendation can be made on specific species/strains or combination 4.