From the Desk of Dr. Lenz

What to Do for Gas and Abdominal Cramping

There are interesting remedies available for gas and bloating.

In Europe most babies get fennel tea in their bottles to reduce the risk of bloating and gas. There have been many reports showing that when you use one teaspoon of fennel seeds, brew a tea, and sweeten it with honey two to three times a day you can reduce your symptoms. It is no accident that many digestive drinks contain fennel.

Another helpful remedy is caraway seeds. If you combine caraway seeds and fennel seeds you may have additional benefit. We usually recommend one teaspoon each to make a cup of tea and use honey to sweeten it up. Caraway seeds are often used when sauerkraut is prepared, not only for the taste but also to reduce the gas associated with sauerkraut consumption.

Patients who have had a pancreas surgery may also consider using digestive enzymes. Foully smelly stools which float, associated with a lot of gas and cramping, can be a sign of pancreas insufficiency. The pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to help to digest food which leads to incomplete digested fat which makes stools stinky and able to float in the toilet bowl. Pancreas enzymes taken together with food can completely correct this very fast.

This news article was originally posted on May 5th, 2009 and was accurate at the time of publication. Since then, information may have changed or links may now be outdated. Please call our Answer Line 1-877-427-2111 for the latest information, or talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on May 5th, 2009
Tags: cramping, gas, Managing Symptoms and Side Effects, pancreas enzymes

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