Ask Dr. Davis

Digestive Gas

Question

I've been afflicted with flatulence for 35 years — ongoing. Almost all remedial measures have afforded no relief. Nothing helps! What do you think?

Answer

If you visit an ayurvedic doctor in person, he can do an in-depth diagnosis and recommend an effective treatment. In general, gas in the digestive tract is related to an imbalance in the movement of food (Samana Vata) and/or the break-down of food (Pachaka Pitta).

Diet and lifestyle tips

• For breakfast, stew/steam a large, sweet apple with 4-5 cloves inserted into it. Note: raw apples and pears are a bit astringent and could increase gas.
• Avoid leftovers, iced drinks and carbonation.
• Favor fresh, light and easy to digest foods. Heavy proteins are especially hard to digest.
• Chew on fennel seed 4 to 5 times a day. Mix 50% raw seeds and 50% baked.
• Take Herbal Di-Gest tablets at meal times. Or, if there is hyperacidity, take Herbal Aci-Balance.
• Maintain a regular schedule of meal times.
• Don't skip meals and don't over eat.
• Eat sweet, juicy fruits rather than dry fruits.