Having some gas is a normal part of intestinal health and functioning. Excessive and /or painful gas is not.

The intestines register pain from gas before pain from inflammation, adhesion or ulceration. I think this is the body's way of saying, "Pay attention to gas pain, understand the cause of it, then alleviate it properly."

Gas is usually caused by:

1. Improper food combinations. Major violations are combining fruits with complex carbohydrates and complex carbs with protein.
2. Drinking fluids with meals dilutes the digestive enzymes.
3. Fast and thoughtless eating without chewing properly.
4. Excessive fat and protein retard digestion and cause putrefaction.
5. Overeating.
6. Accumulation of waste in the system, slow transit, constipation.
7. Lactose intolerance or the inability to digest milk based sugars.
8. Allergies.
9. Candida.
10. Carbohydrate indigestion or inability to break down complex sugars and starches.
11. Excess pathogenic bacteria and yeast which feed on undigested food particles.
12. Insufficient digestive secretions from the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, stomach and small intestines hence endocrine imbalance.
13. Insufficient exercise therefore lack of tone in the abdominal muscles. Exercise stimulates peristalsis (muscle motion) and circulation in the intestinal tract and digestive organs.
14. Stress causes shutdown of the alimentary tract.

The basic functions of the gastrointestinal system are secretion, digestion, absorption and motion. Can you figure out which of these functions is affected by the previous causes?

Suggestions for Alleviating Gas

• Use herbs, digestive enzymes, or charcoal. Remember charcoal or bentonite will also pull out the good metals and minerals so use with discretion. If used over time, supplement with rich minerals from ocean and lake algae, and land grasses like wheat and barley.
• Exercise with yoga, swimming, and walking.
• Practice breathing exercises.
• Meditate.
• Massage the abdomen.
• Take enemas and/or colon hydrotherapy treatments.
• Fast. One of Ghandi's dietary rules is to abstain from eating when in pain.
• Take a hot bath.

Avoid complex sugars and starches.

Notes From the Colonic Kitchen

While perusing Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, I found some culinary tips on plants which aid the digestive system. Give them a try in salads, juiced, or as a tea.

ANISE

a tea brewed from the crushed seeds can relieve digestive disorders and cramps.

BASIL

from the Greek word for king, is an effective remedy for a variety of digestive disorders, including stomach cramps, vomiting, and constipation. More pesto, please!

CARAWAY

soothing for gas and other stomach disorders. Toss a few seeds in your next soup or stew.

CARDAMOM

a standard ingredient of curry. It stimulates the production of gastric juices, improves metabolism, and even helps relieve gas. A doctor at UCLA School of Medicine says the hot, stinging sensation that follows biting into a chile pepper triggers the release of endorphins (chemicals which relieve pain and cause a mild euphoria). Euphoria salsa, extra hot, please!

CELERY

has a calming effect of the digestive system, relieving gas and indigestion. Try a pint juiced.

DILL

best known as a digestive aid and remedy for a sour, gassy stomach.

FENNEL

similar in taste to ANISE, is used to relieve gas, too. It's sold fresh in most supermarkets and can be juiced or chopped into salads.

GARLIC

a powerful digestive aid and gas reliever. It's an antibiotic and works on the pathogenic bacteria.

GINGER

a time-proven remedy for upset stomach, indigestion and cramps. Fresh ginger and orange juice are the basis for the oriental sweet and sour sauce and salad dressings.

OLIVE OIL

an excellent laxative, and it stimulates the production of liver bile.

PAPAYA

breaks down and metabolizes protein and relieves indigestion.

PARSLEY

a natural antispasmodic which helps to settle the stomach after a meal. It's great juiced with carrot, or minced in salads.

PEPPERMINT

lessens the amount of time food spends in the stomach by stimulating the gastric lining. It also releases the stomach muscles. It's effective for stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I've started using it abundantly, fresh or dried, when I make tabouli, salads, or steamed vegies.

TURMERIC

essential to the foods of India, especially curry. 3000 years ago Indian healers used it to treat obesity. It stimulates the flow of bile from the liver, which breaks down dietary fats. In Asia, it was used to treat stomach disorders and liver-related ailment. Modern research shows that it protects against gallbladder disease.

THYME

Culpepper, one of our earliest herbalists, said, "When taken internally, thyme comforts the stomach much, and expels wind."

On that note, I will finish.