When you feel bloated after a meal, or your stomach is swollen and uncomfortable, it’s not just annoying-it can feel unbearable. You might reach for a pill, a chewable, or a liquid bottle labeled "gas relief." But not all of them work the same way. Two main types of over-the-counter remedies target gas and bloating: simethicone and enzyme products. Knowing the difference isn’t just helpful-it can save you money and frustration.
What Simethicone Actually Does
Simethicone doesn’t stop gas from forming. It doesn’t digest food. It doesn’t change your gut bacteria. What it does is simpler: it breaks up gas bubbles.
This silicone-based compound works like dish soap in your gut. Gas bubbles trapped in your stomach or intestines are tiny and stubborn, like foam on a soda. Simethicone lowers the surface tension of those bubbles, making them stick together into bigger ones. Bigger bubbles are easier to pass-either as a burp or a fart. That’s why you feel relief so fast.
Studies show simethicone starts working in 15 to 30 minutes. People using Gas-X, Mylicon, or Phazyme often report feeling better within half an hour. That’s why it’s the go-to for sudden bloating after a big meal, during flights, or after eating something you know will cause trouble.
It’s also incredibly safe. Simethicone isn’t absorbed into your bloodstream. It passes right through your digestive system and out. That means no side effects for most people. Even babies can use it-Mylicon infant drops are designed for colic and gas discomfort in newborns.
But here’s the catch: simethicone doesn’t prevent gas. If you eat a bean burrito and then take a simethicone pill, you’ll still produce gas. You’ll just feel less bloated because the bubbles are easier to release.
How Enzyme Products Work Differently
Enzyme products like Lactaid and Beano work at the source. Instead of managing gas after it’s made, they stop it from being made in the first place.
Lactase is the enzyme in Lactaid and similar products. It breaks down lactose-the sugar in milk and dairy. If you’re lactose intolerant, your body doesn’t make enough lactase. Undigested lactose moves into your colon, where bacteria feast on it and produce gas, bloating, and cramps. Lactase supplements replace what your body lacks. Take one before your coffee with cream or your slice of pizza, and you can enjoy dairy without the aftermath.
Alpha-galactosidase is the enzyme in Beano. It breaks down complex carbs found in beans, broccoli, cabbage, and whole grains-carbs your body can’t digest on its own. These carbs get fermented by gut bacteria, which churn out methane and hydrogen gas. Beano helps break them down before they reach your colon.
But timing matters. If you take Beano after your baked beans, it won’t help. You need to take it 5 to 10 minutes before eating. Same with Lactaid-it needs to be in your system before the dairy hits your stomach.
Effectiveness varies. For people with confirmed lactose intolerance, Lactaid works about 85% of the time. Beano? It works between 45% and 78% of the time, depending on your gut bacteria and the food you eat. Some people swear by it. Others don’t notice a difference.
Which One Should You Use?
Ask yourself two questions:
- Do you know what’s causing your gas?
- Do you need relief right now-or do you want to prevent it?
If you’re bloated right now and you’re not sure why, reach for simethicone. It’s your emergency button. It works fast, no matter the cause. Whether it’s from carbonated drinks, chewing gum, or a fatty meal, simethicone helps you feel less full and less tight.
If you know you’re going to eat beans, brussels sprouts, or dairy, and you’ve had issues before, use the enzyme product. Take Beano before your lentil soup. Take Lactaid before your ice cream. It’s prevention, not rescue.
Many people use both. One Reddit user wrote: "Simethicone is my emergency button for gas pain, but I use Beano preventatively when I know I’ll be eating problematic foods-they work best as a team."
There’s no shame in combining them. Some products even mix simethicone and enzymes, like Gas-Zyme. These are great if you’re unsure whether your gas comes from dairy, beans, or just general indigestion.
What the Experts Say
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) gives simethicone a "Recommended" rating with strong evidence for symptom relief. For lactase, they say "Strongly Recommended" if you have lactose intolerance. But for alpha-galactosidase (Beano), they only give it a "Conditionally Recommended"-because it doesn’t work for everyone.
Dr. Michael Camilleri from Mayo Clinic calls simethicone the "gold standard" for immediate relief. But Dr. Eamonn Quigley, editor of the American Journal of Gastroenterology, warns: "Its effectiveness is often overstated in marketing materials-it doesn’t reduce gas volume, just makes bubbles easier to pass."
And here’s something important: simethicone doesn’t help much if you have IBS with chronic bloating. One 2022 study found no significant difference between simethicone and placebo in IBS patients. That doesn’t mean it’s useless-it just means if your bloating is constant, you might need to look deeper than OTC meds.
Real User Experiences
On Amazon, Gas-X (125mg) has over 18,000 reviews with a 4.5-star average. Most 5-star reviews say: "Works instantly," "Lifesaver on flights," "I don’t leave home without it."
Beano has a 4.2-star rating. Positive reviews say: "Essential for my weekly bean chili," "Finally can eat veggies without paying for it." But negative reviews? "Didn’t work for me," "Too expensive for daily use," "I took it before beans and still felt awful."
Price matters too. A 200-count bottle of Gas-X costs about $12.50 at CVS. A 100-count bottle of Beano? Around $19. If you’re eating beans every day, Beano gets pricey fast. Simethicone is cheaper for daily use.
How to Use Them Right
For simethicone:
- Dose: 40-125 mg after meals and at bedtime, or as needed
- Max daily dose: 500 mg
- Form: chewable tablets, softgels, liquid, infant drops
- Take when you feel bloated-not before
- Chewable tablets must be chewed well before swallowing
For enzyme products:
- Lactase: Take 3000-9000 FCC units right before dairy
- Alpha-galactosidase: Take 450-1200 GalU 5-10 minutes before beans, broccoli, or whole grains
- Don’t take after eating-too late
- Check labels for dosage units-FCC for lactase, GalU for Beano
Don’t confuse the two. Taking Beano after a meal won’t help. Taking simethicone before a meal won’t prevent gas-it’ll just sit there until you feel bloated.
What’s New and What’s Next
The OTC gas relief market is growing. It hit $1.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $1.6 billion by 2028. Simethicone still holds 58% of the market. Enzyme products are growing faster-7.8% yearly-because more people are being diagnosed with lactose intolerance and food sensitivities.
Companies are testing new versions of simethicone. One new formulation, still in trials, is designed to last 8 hours instead of 2-3. That could be a game-changer for people who need all-day relief.
And then there’s personalized medicine. Viome, a gut health company, now offers a microbiome test that tells you exactly which enzymes your body needs. If your gut bacteria ferment beans heavily, they’ll recommend Beano. If you digest dairy poorly, they’ll say Lactaid. It’s not mainstream yet-but it’s coming.
When to See a Doctor
OTC remedies are great for occasional gas. But if you’re bloated every day, have pain, diarrhea, constipation, or unexplained weight loss, you need more than a pill. These could be signs of IBS, SIBO, celiac disease, or other conditions.
Dr. Robynne Chutkan, a gastroenterologist, says in her book: "OTC gas remedies are band-aids on bullet wounds when dietary modifications could provide lasting solutions."
That’s worth thinking about. Maybe your gas isn’t from one bad meal-it’s from eating too many processed foods, too little fiber, or too many artificial sweeteners. Sometimes, the real fix isn’t in the medicine cabinet-it’s in your kitchen.
Is simethicone safe to take every day?
Yes. Simethicone is not absorbed by the body, so it’s safe for daily use at recommended doses (up to 500 mg per day). Many people take it after every meal without issues. But if you’re using it daily for more than two weeks, it’s worth asking why. Chronic bloating may point to a dietary or medical issue that needs attention.
Can I take simethicone and Beano together?
Absolutely. Many people do. Take Beano 10 minutes before your meal to prevent gas formation, then take simethicone afterward if you still feel bloated. They work on different parts of the problem and don’t interfere with each other. Some combination products even include both ingredients in one pill.
Why doesn’t Beano work for me?
Beano only breaks down certain complex carbs-like those in beans and cruciferous vegetables. If your gas comes from dairy, carbonation, swallowing air, or other foods, Beano won’t help. Also, your gut bacteria vary from person to person. Some people’s bacteria ferment food faster than Beano can act. Timing matters too-if you take it after eating, it’s too late.
Does simethicone help with IBS bloating?
For some people with IBS, yes-but not always. A 2022 study found no significant benefit over placebo in IBS patients with predominant bloating. If you have chronic bloating, simethicone might give temporary comfort, but it won’t fix the root cause. Working with a dietitian to identify triggers like FODMAPs often works better long-term.
Are enzyme supplements regulated?
Yes. In the U.S., the FDA regulates OTC enzyme products under the same monograph system as simethicone. Labels must list enzyme activity (FCC units for lactase, GalU for alpha-galactosidase) and dosage instructions. Products can’t claim to "prevent gas" unless they’re proven to do so. Always check the label for the correct dosage and expiration date.
Final Thoughts
Gas and bloating are common. You’re not alone. Simethicone gives you quick, safe relief when you need it. Enzyme products help you avoid the problem before it starts-if you know your triggers. Use them smartly. Don’t rely on them forever. And if your symptoms don’t improve, or they get worse, talk to a doctor. Sometimes, the best remedy isn’t in a bottle-it’s in what you eat next.
3 Responses
Man, I’ve been using simethicone like it’s magic glitter since college. One pill after chili night and boom - no more balloon belly. No side effects, no drama. Just pure, quiet relief. I even keep a pack in my glovebox now. Life’s too short to feel like a inflated beach toy after tacos.
Also, Beano? Absolute legend for bean nights. My abuela’s tamales used to wreck me - now I take two before I even smell the masa. Game changer. Not perfect, but better than crying in the bathroom.
And yeah, mixing them? Genius. Why choose when you can have both?
Also, why is no one talking about how cheap simethicone is? $12 for 200 pills? That’s less than a latte. Beano’s like $20 for 100. You do the math.
Okay so I tried Beano after eating a whole pot of baked beans and I was still gassy for 3 hours?? I took it 10 minutes before like the bottle said. What gives? I’m starting to think my gut is just a hostile ecosystem. Also, why does the label say ‘GalU’? Is that like a secret code? And why do some bottles say ‘450 GalU’ and others say ‘1200’? Who decided this? And why does simethicone feel like it works better when I’m drunk? Is that placebo or science??
Oh wow. Another article telling people to take pills instead of fixing their diet. Brilliant. You eat beans, you get gassy. You eat dairy, you get gassy. You eat processed food, you get gassy. The solution? Take a $20 supplement. Wow. What a breakthrough. Next up: ‘How to Fix Your Bad Posture with a $15 Neck Pillow.’
Simethicone doesn’t fix anything. It’s just a chemical bubble-wrap for your gut. And Beano? It’s like putting a bandaid on a severed artery. The real problem? You’re eating like a 12-year-old who thinks ‘fiber’ is a brand of sneakers.
Also, the ‘experts’ quoted here? They’re paid by Big Pharma. Read the fine print. No one mentions FODMAPs. No one mentions eliminating artificial sweeteners. No one says, ‘Maybe stop eating so much crap.’