Any suggestions for gas?

[HannahM]

I have IBS and also a lactose intolorance.
Question 1: I can get terrible gas that doesn't always escape, I can feel it rumbling around and twisting around my gut, making awful sounds and making me feel uncomfortable. Does anyone know of anything that can help?

Question 2: When I have horrendous stomachs cramps and pains nothing seems to work to get rid of them. I just have to lie in bed with a hot water bottle and try and sleep it off. Does anyone know of anything that can help (from drugs to aromatic herbs ^_^)?

[FurballsMom]

One thing purported to help is chewing on fennel seeds.  Doesn't work for me, because it aggravates my GERD, but if IBS is all you're dealing with chewing on fennel seeds or drinking ginger root tea (decoction method) are purported to help.  One thing that I've read about is simply drinking hot water (like you make for your tea but with nothing added to it).  The theory is that the heat itself helps to soothe the colon.  You can also try peppermint or spearmint tea, as long as mint doesn't bother you.  Plain hot water sipped slowly should work the best.

Also, someone I know was told post surgery to just walk when the gas is bad.  Walking helps to release the air bubbles.  So, just a slow and easy walking is enough, since this is someone told to do this post surgery.

[HannahM]

Thanks a lot for the comments ^_^

[tweet805]

I get really bad gas from my ibs as well and sometimes it seems that nothing helps get rid of it and my tummy gets incredibly bloated (I look 6 months pregnant).  A few things that do help are: gentle walking and stretching, peppermint tea, and taking a digestive enzyme. Although sometimes these tactics don't work either and I can't get rid of the gas. Hope you find something which works for you :)