Short-Term Helpers
This page is for "I'm uncomfortable right now, what can I try?" First are simple tweaks that don't involve pills (timing, walking, chewing, hydration). Then we walk through common over-the-counter options in plain English so you know what each one does, what it doesn't do, and when it's time to stop self-experimenting and talk to a clinician instead.
Also see: Low-FODMAP Snacks · The Fiber Ladder (increase fiber without nuking your gut).
First: stuff that isn't a pill
- Walk after you eat for 10–15 minutes. Gentle movement helps gas move and lets you, uh, "air out" in a less awkward place.
- Eat a little earlier at night for a few days and see if mornings are less intense.
- Slow down and chew. Time yourself while eating and actually pause between bites. Less swallowed air = less pressure.
- Keep water going through the day. It helps stool move instead of just sitting and fermenting.
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Want to try a gentle, once-daily probiotic? Microbiome Plus is an easy add-on some people use to see if gas feels calmer over a few weeks. Results vary—use your notes.
See Microbiome Plus → (sponsored)
Second: helper pills and liquids (common OTC stuff)
Lactase enzyme (example brand: Lactaid®)
Some people don't make enough lactase, the enzyme that helps break down dairy (milk, ice cream, some cheeses). If you're low on lactase, dairy can hit you with gas, smell, and urgent trips. Taking a lactase enzyme tablet with dairy can help your body digest it more easily.
Note: This is different from a true milk allergy. A milk allergy can be serious and needs medical attention — that's not the same thing as lactose intolerance.
Alpha-galactosidase (example brand: Beano®)
This enzyme helps break down certain carbs in beans, some veggies, etc. People take it before eating those foods to cut down on gas later.
Simethicone anti-gas drops
Simethicone helps gas bubbles combine so they're easier to pass. A lot of anti-gas drops and chewables are basically simethicone.
Bismuth subsalicylate
This is the active ingredient in products like some upset-stomach liquids. It can bind sulfur in the gut, which may reduce that "rotten egg" smell. Read the label and follow the directions; if you're not sure if it's okay for you, ask a medical professional.
"Ray" loves ice cream but always cleared the room after. Ray tried lactase enzyme (the thing sold for lactose intolerance) with dairy, and the fallout got way calmer. Takeaway: sometimes you just need the missing enzyme, not a total dairy breakup.
These are common, store-shelf products. Always read the label. Reminder: this is general info, not personal medical advice.