Gastric problem is an extremely troublesome and embarrassing problem. For the Indian population, it is a usual and everyday problem. The taste buds of people here are uncompromisingly used to spicy food.
It is essential to understand that stomach pain is not always a gastric problem, so take it seriously. Yes, you can try some home remedies to cure gastric problems. Let us discuss the problems, symptoms, and remedies of gastric problems.
Table of Contents
What are the symptoms of gastric problems?
- Upper abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Burping
- Feeling of fullness
- Burning sensation in the stomach
- Heartburn
- Constipation (Also Read: Home Remedies To Cure Constipation )
- Regurgitation
- Restlessness
- Belching
- Nausea
- Bad breath
- Indigestion
How do you get the gastric problem?
When you eat, the food travels through the esophagus to the stomach. Acid forms in the stomach for digestion of food that helps in proper digestion.
Sometimes, there is too much acid in the stomach which is not required for digestion. This results in acidity or gastric problem. It is a very common problem in India as people tend to eat a lot of spicy food. Sometimes people do not drink enough water and do not consume a fiber-rich diet that leads to acidity and gastric trouble.
Do not ignore recurrent gastric pain
A person can suffer from acidity anytime, anywhere. Home remedies are handy and the quickest way to get relief from acidity or gastric pain.
Do you experience gastric pain after regular intervals? Please do not ignore it. This may be an indication of acid reflux (GERD), gallstones, a stomach infection, gastric ulcers or other abdominal problems.
For some, it may be severe that it may feel like a cardiac attack. If you encounter this problem more than twice a week, talk to your doctor. Proper treatment and medical intervention are important in such situations rather than home remedies.
Home remedies for gastric problem
Lemon
Lemon has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties that help treat gastric problems. Mix half lemon in a glass of water and drink the mixture. You can do this once or twice a day.
Yogurt
To promote the growth of healthy bacteria and keep guts healthy, consume yogurt regularly. It keeps the gastric problem at bay.
Carom seeds(ajwain)
It is a well-known home remedy for indigestion problems in India. You can either have it directly or you can soak carom seeds overnight and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. This will prevent gas trouble.
Cumin water (jeera water)
Jeera water has antispasmodic effects that help in the contraction of abdominal muscles and improves digestion by increasing the release of digestive juice.
Asafoetida (Heeng)
It helps in secretion of pancreatic, gastric and salivary juices in the intestinal tracts. It helps in managing symptoms like bloating and flatulence.
Fennel seeds (Saunf)
It is the combination of vitamins, minerals, and fibers that helps in the overall digestion process. It also treats gastric problems in pregnant women, which is a common problem in them.
Fresh ginger
Ginger not only helps in treating cough and cold but is also good for indigestion problems. (Also Read: Common digestive disorders). It decreases inflammation and minimizes nausea that are symptoms of acidity. Either add it to your tea or consume it directly.
Aloe vera
It has gastroprotective properties that inhibit secreting gastric acid. Consume 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel daily for no acidity.
Coconut water
It is a great drink for a healthy digestive system. Regularly drinking coconut water helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body and hence, keeps your blood pressure in control.
Cinnamon
It lowers body temperature and aids digestion. A lot of people include it in a weight loss diet. A half teaspoon a day is enough for proper digestion as it prevents bloating and inflammation.
Mint(Pudina)
Mint helps to get relief from several digestive problems including upset stomach and indigestion. Mint leaves can be consumed both raw or cooked. It relieves pain, prevents nausea and vomiting as well as reduces spasms in the intestines.
Garlic
Garlic is widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Eating garlic cloves regularly can aid in digestion, thereby reducing the chances of gastric problems such as diarrhea.
Banana
This fruit is rich in fiber. Consuming bananas can help patients who are suffering from acid reflux get some relief by coating the lining of the food pipe. This also strengthens the digestive system thereby, reducing the chances of indigestion.
Chamomile Tea
Drinking chamomile tea can help cure inflammation due to gastritis and also prevent ulcers. A cup of chamomile tea can cure indigestion instantly.
Cold milk
A glass of cold milk can treat acidity in no time. Milk helps to get relief from the burning sensation that is caused by acid reflux. The milk prevents any bacteria formation inside the stomach preventing gastric pain.
Daily habits to prevent the gastric problem
A few simple habits can prevent gastric problems:
Do not skip meals and eat smaller meals 5 times a day:
An empty stomach can lead to gas or acidity. Also, instead of eating a heavy meal, get small meals 5 times a day. It is said, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper”. Eat yogurt, seasonal fruits, vegetables, eggs and cut down on junk, fried, oily and spicy food. (Also Read: 10 Yummy Fiber Vegetables That You Should Eat Every day )
Quit smoking and curb your consumption of alcohol
Smoking leads to heartburn and acid reflux which may aggravate the digestive problems resulting in gastric problems. Even excess alcohol irritates the digestive system. There is inflammation of the stomach lining due to alcohol causing vomiting, headache, and nausea.
Do not compromise on your sleep
Sleep deprivation disturbs the proper functioning of the digestive system. Therefore, 7-8 hours of sleep is very important to stay healthy physically and mentally.
Some other healthy habits include:
- Avoid carbonated drinks instead go for coconut water
- Exercise regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid food that is difficult to digest
- Do not immediately lie down after a meal
- Make sure you pass stool regularly
- Eat slowly and chew your food properly
Yoga poses to cure gastric problem
In addition to home remedies, people do take medicines for gastric problems while others prefer natural treatment to get rid of acidity. Practicing yoga can be really helpful in curing gastric problems. Here are the best 3 Yoga poses to ease gastric trouble:
Pawanamuktasana
This is one of the best yoga poses for gastric problems and poor digestion. This involves lower body twist that can help improve the digestive system. The problem of constipation, that occurs mainly due to improper digestion, gets solved when you make Gas-releasing Pose or Pawanamukta Asana a part of the daily life.
Vajrasana
It works in case of hyperacidity. You can practice this even after lunch or dinner. Practising Vajrasana improves blood circulation in the lower abdomen and stimulates digestive organs which further improves digestion, relieves excessive gas and prevents acidity and stomach ulcers. This pose strengthens thighs, legs, lower back and pelvic muscles.
Balasana
Also known as child pose, normalizes the circulation. It massages the internal organs providing relief from constipation and acidity. Balasana relieves symptoms of nausea and heartburn and gently stimulates digestion to begin. It can also relieve gas pains.
Who is prone to gastric trouble?
Here is the list of people who are likely to get the gastric problem:
- Obese people
- Those who overeat or skip meals
- To people who eat right before sleeping
- Those who consume too spicy food
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Pregnant women
- Too much stress, lack of sleep
- Side-effect of medicine
- People who consume too much junk or carbonated drinks
- People with medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, hiatal hernia, stomach ulcers, constipation, gastrointestinal issues or abdominal problems.
Take Away
Therefore, to cure the gastric problem permanently, it is important to follow a healthy routine and lifestyle. Get proper exercise, eat healthily and stay active. Home remedies must be consumed after consulting a doctor
Although these kitchen hacks may not give you long-term benefits, the best way is to talk to an expert.
Above all, if nothing works, consult a doctor to know the underlying cause of the gastric problems. Instead of looking for more home remedies and medication, get expert advice or diagnosis. It may be a sign of severe health issues.