Feeling bloated after lunch? Or maybe you’ve got that tight, uncomfortable pressure in your stomach after eating beans or dairy? You’re not alone. Millions turn to over-the-counter (OTC) gas and bloating remedies every day - and for good reason. Two main types of products dominate the shelves: simethicone and enzyme supplements. But they work in completely different ways, and knowing which one to use - or even if you should use both - can make all the difference.
What Simethicone Actually Does (And Doesn’t Do)
Simethicone is the go-to for fast relief. You take it when you’re already bloated, gassy, or feeling pressure. It doesn’t stop gas from forming. Instead, it changes how gas bubbles behave in your gut.
Think of it like dish soap in a sink full of suds. The soap breaks down the tiny bubbles into bigger ones that rise and pop more easily. Simethicone works the same way in your stomach and intestines. It reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing them to stick together and form larger bubbles you can burp or pass more easily. That’s it. No absorption into your bloodstream. No side effects. Just physical action in your gut.
Brands like Gas-X, Mylicon, and Phazyme all contain simethicone. Doses range from 40mg to 125mg per tablet or softgel. You can take it after meals, at bedtime, or whenever you feel discomfort. Most people feel relief within 15 to 30 minutes. A 2021 study of 247 people showed 73.5% got noticeable improvement in bloating that fast.
It’s safe for kids, pregnant women, and seniors. You can’t overdose on it because your body doesn’t absorb it. The FDA limits adult daily intake to 500mg, but most people never come close. Even if you take a few extra pills by accident, you’re unlikely to feel anything worse than a mild stomach upset.
But here’s the catch: if you’re eating a meal that’s going to produce gas, simethicone won’t stop it. It’s not a shield. It’s a cleanup crew. If you take it before eating beans, it won’t prevent the gas - it’ll just help you get rid of it faster once it shows up.
Enzyme Products: Stop Gas Before It Starts
Enzyme supplements work differently. Instead of managing gas after it’s made, they stop it from forming in the first place. Two enzymes are commonly used: lactase and alpha-galactosidase.
Lactase breaks down lactose - the sugar in milk and dairy. If you’re lactose intolerant, your body doesn’t make enough of this enzyme. Undigested lactose travels to your colon, where bacteria ferment it and produce gas, bloating, and cramps. Products like Lactaid, Dairy Digest, and store-brand lactase pills give you the enzyme you’re missing. You take them right before eating dairy. Studies show they prevent symptoms in 85% of people with lactose intolerance when taken correctly.
Alpha-galactosidase (sold as Beano) breaks down complex carbs found in beans, broccoli, cabbage, onions, and whole grains. These carbs are called oligosaccharides, and your body can’t digest them naturally. Gut bacteria feast on them and produce hydrogen and methane gas. Beano gives you the enzyme your body lacks. You need to take it 5 to 10 minutes before eating those foods. If you wait until after, it’s too late.
But here’s the problem: Beano doesn’t work for everyone. Its effectiveness varies from 45% to 78%, depending on your gut bacteria, the type of food, and how much you eat. Some people swear by it. Others take it and still feel bloated. It’s not a guarantee - just a tool that helps in many cases.
Also, these enzymes aren’t cheap. A 100-count bottle of Beano costs around $19. Lactaid is similar. Simethicone, by comparison, can be had for $12 for 200 tablets. If you’re eating beans every day, enzyme supplements can add up fast.
Simethicone vs Enzymes: When to Use Which
Here’s the simple rule:
- Use simethicone when you’re already bloated and need quick relief - whether it’s from dairy, beans, carbonated drinks, or just eating too fast.
- Use enzyme supplements when you know what’s causing the gas and want to prevent it - like taking lactase before pizza or Beano before a bean chili.
Most people don’t need to choose one or the other. Many use both. One Reddit user put it perfectly: “Simethicone is my emergency button. Beano is my pre-game plan.”
For occasional bloating - say, after a holiday meal - simethicone is your best bet. It’s fast, cheap, and works regardless of the trigger. For regular issues - like every time you eat beans or drink milk - enzymes make more sense. You’re tackling the root cause.
There’s also a third option: combination products. Gas-Zyme and similar brands mix simethicone with alpha-galactosidase. They’re designed for people who want prevention and relief in one pill. Sales of these combo products are growing fast - up nearly 19% last year. They’re convenient, but you pay more for the bundle.
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. Lactase gets a “Strongly Recommended” for confirmed lactose intolerance. But alpha-galactosidase? Only “Conditionally Recommended” - because it doesn’t work reliably for everyone.
Dr. Michael Camilleri from Mayo Clinic calls simethicone the “gold standard” for fast relief. But Dr. Eamonn Quigley, editor of the American Journal of Gastroenterology, warns that marketing often overstates its power. “It doesn’t reduce gas volume,” he says. “It just makes the bubbles easier to get rid of.”
And here’s something important: if you’re chronically bloated - meaning it happens most days - OTC remedies might not be enough. A 2022 study of 189 people with IBS found simethicone didn’t help much more than a placebo. That doesn’t mean it’s useless. It means something else might be going on: food sensitivities, gut bacteria imbalance, or even stress. In those cases, fixing your diet or seeing a doctor is more important than popping more pills.
Real User Experiences
On Amazon, Gas-X has over 18,000 reviews with a 4.5-star rating. The top comments? “Works in minutes,” “Lifesaver on flights,” “No more feeling like I’m six months pregnant after dinner.”
Beano has 6,800 reviews and a 4.2-star rating. Positive reviews say: “I can finally eat chili again.” Negative ones say: “Didn’t do a thing for my beans.”
Lactaid? 9,500 reviews, 4.4 stars. Most 5-star reviews say: “I used to avoid dairy. Now I eat ice cream like normal.”
One common complaint? Price. Enzyme products cost more per dose. Another? Timing. People forget to take Beano before eating. Or they take it too late. And then they wonder why it didn’t work.
Simethicone has almost no learning curve. You feel bloated? Take one. Chew it, swallow it, wait 20 minutes. Done.
How to Use Them Right
If you’re using simethicone:
- Take 40-125mg after meals or when you feel bloated.
- Chewable tablets must be chewed fully before swallowing.
- Don’t expect it to prevent gas - only help you get rid of it faster.
If you’re using enzymes:
- For lactase: take it within 5 minutes before dairy.
- For Beano: take it 5-10 minutes before beans, broccoli, or other gas-producing foods.
- Don’t take it after eating - it won’t work.
- Start with the lowest dose. Some people need more than one pill for a big meal.
Try keeping a simple log: what you ate, when you took the remedy, and how you felt afterward. After a few weeks, patterns will show up. You’ll learn what triggers your bloating - and which remedy actually helps.
What’s New in Gas Relief
The market is evolving. New products are coming. Entero Therapeutics is testing a microencapsulated version of simethicone that could last 8 hours instead of 2-3. That could be a game-changer for people with constant bloating.
Companies like Viome now offer gut microbiome tests that recommend specific enzyme supplements based on your unique digestion profile. It’s expensive - but if you’re struggling with chronic gas, it might point you to the real culprit.
Meanwhile, the FDA has cracked down on companies claiming simethicone “prevents gas.” That’s false. It doesn’t. Labels now have to be accurate.
Bottom Line
OTC gas remedies aren’t magic. But they’re useful tools when used correctly.
For quick, reliable relief - no matter the cause - simethicone is your best friend. It’s safe, fast, and cheap.
For targeted prevention - especially with dairy or beans - enzyme products like lactase and Beano can change your life. But they require timing and consistency.
Most people benefit from using both. Simethicone for emergencies. Enzymes for planning ahead.
And if you’re bloated every day, no matter what you take - it’s time to look deeper. Maybe it’s not about the pills. Maybe it’s about what you’re eating - or how you’re eating it.
Can I take simethicone every day?
Yes, simethicone is safe for daily use. Since it’s not absorbed by your body, it passes through your system unchanged. The FDA allows up to 500mg per day for adults, and most people take far less. If you’re using it daily because of constant bloating, it’s worth checking with a doctor - long-term symptoms may point to an underlying issue like IBS, food intolerance, or gut bacteria imbalance.
Do enzyme supplements have side effects?
Side effects are rare. Some people report mild stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or nausea - usually only if they take too much or take it too late. Lactase and alpha-galactosidase are naturally derived enzymes, so allergic reactions are uncommon. If you have a mold allergy, check the source - some enzymes are grown on mold cultures. But for most people, they’re very well tolerated.
Is Beano better than simethicone?
It depends on your goal. Beano prevents gas from forming if you take it before eating beans or veggies. Simethicone helps you get rid of gas after it’s already there. If you eat beans once a week, Beano is smarter. If you’re bloated after pizza, coffee, or stress, simethicone is better. Many people use both - Beano before meals, simethicone when symptoms hit.
Can children take simethicone or enzyme products?
Yes. Simethicone is safe for infants and children. Mylicon drops, for example, are specifically made for babies with colic or gas. Enzyme products like Lactaid are also approved for kids over 4 years old, but only if they’ve been diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Always check the label for age-appropriate dosing. Never give enzyme supplements to infants unless directed by a doctor.
Why doesn’t simethicone work for me?
Simethicone only helps with gas trapped in bubbles. If your bloating comes from fluid retention, constipation, slow digestion, or inflammation - not excess gas - it won’t help. Many people mistake other digestive issues for gas. If you’ve tried simethicone multiple times with no improvement, consider other causes: food intolerances, IBS, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or even swallowing too much air (aerophagia). A doctor can help you figure out the real source.
Are generic brands as good as name brands?
Yes. Generic simethicone and lactase products contain the same active ingredients as name brands like Gas-X or Lactaid. The FDA requires them to meet the same standards. You’ll save money - often half the price - with store brands. The only difference is packaging and price. Always check the label for the exact amount of active ingredient to make sure you’re getting the right dose.
