Sorry about the pancakes, but sodium bicarbonate is THE best gas remedy out there. I think it is necessary to check to see what the ratio of baking soda to water is supposed to be.

This is the gas-remedy dialogue that ensues in my household when I have gas:

Dad: Oh, got gas, honey? I'm sorry. Drink some baking soda and water.
Mom: (simultaneously) Awwww. Go smoke a cigarette. You'll feel better.

Okay. I staged it a bit differently, but that is, in fact, the remedy they each offer.