Just as everyone goes to the bathroom, everyone also passes gas; it's simply a biological reality. Your body is able to absorb a limited amount of the gas it ingests or produces. The rest has to come out somewhere. Even though flatulence is normal, its presence can cause anxiety and panic- both for the person releasing the gas, and those who may be in the vicinity. For this reason, reducing flatulence is of interest to many people, especially if they feel like their body is producing an excessive amount. (more…)
Massage is extremely beneficial for the body and therapeutic for the mind. Massaging the legs after a run gets lactic acid moving to reduce soreness. Massaging stiff shoulders and neck helps reduce tension. Massaging the abdomen offers a dual action approach to supporting digestion. Since digestive concerns can be the result of stress, relieving stress can encourage healthy intestinal function. (more…)
Have you ever heard of a rectal catheter? It's exactly what you imagine it to be. Did you know that several years ago, researchers at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield England used rectal catheters to measure and evaluate the flatulence released by ten volunteers? (I appreciate the thrill of discovery but I'm not sure I'd want to be a technician for that program.) Over a 24-hour period of observation, several facts about flatulence were determined. [1] (more…)
Digestive complaints are a common concern among adults. Gas, bloating, and indigestion: we've all experienced all of them and most of the time their presence is temporary. Flatulence, which is perhaps the most popular of gastrointestinal struggles, may occasionally be the result of a serious health concern but is often simply the result of diet or other benign situation. Although you should always be courteous and mindful of those nearby, here are three occasions when you definitely do not need to worry about being flatulent. (more…)