To expel intestinal gas through the anus; break wind. Anxiety and tension seem to make wind worse. This is partly because when we are anxious we are hyper-alert, and notice body functions that we would otherwise ignore. Another factor is that when we are anxious we tend to swallow more air. Also, our guts become more active because of increased adrenaline levels and they expel the gases more forcefully. Ageing may make gas worse, because as we get older we do not produce digestive juices, such as saliva, as efficiently. This means that more carbohydrate foods pass untouched to the lower bowel, where they are fermented by the bacteria. Remedies for flatulence Charcoal tablets - available over-the-counter at pharmacies. Charcoal absorbs the gas in your gut, thus reducing the symptoms of flatulence. However, check with your doctor or a qualified pharmacist if you are on any prescription medications, because charcoal may also absorb some of the active ingredient.