Curist delivers FDA-approved medicines to your door at half the price of traditional brands. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy during this time.
What are the Best Gas Relief Options?
Have you been feeling symptoms of trapped gas in your stomach? Great news - you are in the right place to find your perfect remedy! There are many different over-the-counter medicine options available, but which one is the “right” one? Of the many options, we will compare two different choices: simethicone (the medicine in Gas-x®) and Beano®.
What is Gas-X® (Simethicone)?
Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that works by breaking up gas bubbles in your stomach/intestines and prevents bubble formation. The trapped gas in your stomach is broken down, and your body can then deal with the gas naturally. There are different types of strengths of simethicone:
- Gas-X Extra Strength (simethicone 125 mg) (tablets or chewables)
- Gas-X Ultra Strength (simethicone 180 mg)
- Gas-X Maximum Strength (simethicone 250 mg). Also available from Curist (Gas Relief Maximum Strength) for a better price!
Simethicone maximum strength is used for adults and children 12 years and older. It should be swallowed whole with water. It is recommended to take 1 or 2 softgels as needed AFTER meals and at bedtime. You should NOT exceed 2 softgels within 24 hours unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
For further information on simethicone, visit our simethicone FAQ page, or if you are looking to save on your simethicone, check out Gas Relief Maximum Strength (simethicone 250 mg).
What is Beano® (enzyme alpha-d-galactosidase)?
Beano® tablets have an enzyme (alpha-d-galactosidase) that aids in the breakdown of many carbohydrate foods. Some examples of specific foods that Beano® helps breakdown are:
- Vegetables: broccoli, lettuce, and carrots
- Proteins: beans and peanuts
- Whole grains like whole wheat
When taking Beano®, take it right before your first bite of the problematic food source. Take 2-3 tablets per meal. One thing to watch out for is heat. The enzyme in Beano® can become inactivated by heat, so do not cook with Beano, or place Beano in heated areas.
What are the Similarities Between Simethicone Gas-X and Beano? Are Gas-X and Beano the Same Thing?
Both Gas-X (simethicone) and Beano are used for people experiencing uncomfortable gas buildup. They both can alleviate the symptoms for pain associated with gas, excessive bloating, and more. If you have any other chronic health conditions such as diabetes or are pregnant, both products recommend speaking to a healthcare provider to determine if both products are right for you. However, Gas-X and Beano are different medications (see the differences below), they are not the same thing. So overall, the only similarity between both simethicone and beano® is their indication for excessive gas.
What are the Differences Between Simethicone Gas-X vs Beano?
The main difference between simethicone in Gas-X and Beano® is the way each treatment works and the age range recommended for each product. Beano is recommended for adults 12 and up. Because Beano contains a specific enzyme to break down in specific foods, it will not be useful if the gas you are experiencing is not due to vegetables, proteins, or whole grains. One way to determine the source of the food causing your gas problems is to start a food diary to document your daily food intake, and when you begin to experience the gas-related issues.
Simethicone (the medicine in Gas-X), on the other hand, is not limited to specific food types and is recommended for adults, childs, and infants. It simply works by breaking up the trapped gas bubbles in your stomach by its anti-foaming agent. Because both products work differently for the same thing, it is an option to try both treatments for gas relief.
Which Is Better For Treating Gas Relief, Beano or Gas-X?
There are multiple remedies available for gas relief, but which one is better for you? The trick answer is - neither! As discussed above, the two treatments Beano and Gas-X work differently and may work differently in each person. If the gas you are experiencing is not due to foods like vegetables (broccoli, lettuce,etc), proteins (bean or peanuts), or whole grains (wheat bread), Beano may not be the best option because it contains a natural enzyme that breaks down those specific foods causing gas. If you believe your excessive gas is due to other foods such as an overly spicy food, try simethicone (Gas-X) first. If you do not know the cause of your excessive gas/bloating, it is safe to try both to determine what works best for you.
