Home Remedies for Gastric Problems: Natural Relief Tips

Did you know that almost 18% of Indians suffer from different types of gastrointestinal problems, and about 30% of all adults have issues with acidity and digestion?

Gastric problems are often overlooked until they turn into more serious issues. People neglect these conditions, but in reality, these problems signal an unhealthy diet pattern or lifestyle habits that may eventually lead to serious health conditions.

Fortunately, in addition to medical treatment, there are many home remedies available for gastric problems. In this article, we will discuss gastric problems and the home remedies available for their treatment. So relax, sit back, and read until the end to learn about this topic in depth!

What Causes Gastric Problems?

Gas in your digestive tract generally enters your mouth when you swallow air. Additionally, some gas is created in the intestines, where gut bacteria ferment certain undigested food particles. A sedentary lifestyle and smoking can also cause gastric problems. Moreover, the type of diet you consume also determines the likelihood of gastric issues.

Recent studies show that stress and anxiety may also increase the risk of gastric problems.

Types of Gastric Problems

Here are a few common types of gastric problems:

• Gastritis is a condition characterized by digestive tract inflammation, where the stomach lining becomes red or swollen.

• Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in your stomach or intestinal lining.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD, is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, often irritating the food pipe lining.

• Gastroenteritis is a condition caused by inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining, which induces symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

• Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition characterized by abdominal pain, irregular bowels, diarrhea, digestion problems, etc.

Few Common Symptoms of Gastric Problems

Here are some symptoms of gastric problems:

• Abdominal pain
• Burping
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Bad/ Faulty Breath
• Indigestion

Best Home Remedies for Relieving Gastric Problems

Here are some effective home remedies to relieve gastric problems:

Peppermint

Peppermint is an excellent remedy for relieving gastric problems. It calms the stomach muscles and promotes the flow of bile juice. It acts as an antispasmodic, and its oil is used to treat stomach pain, cramps, bloating, nausea, and flatulence.

Bananas

Bananas can help with gastric problems because of their alkaline nature and fiber-rich content. This fruit also promotes mucus production in the digestive tract, which protects the stomach and intestinal lining from digestive acid.

Garlic

Garlic is a superfood rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These help soothe the digestive tract and ease gastritis. Garlic can also help treat stomach ulcers and other gastric problems.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk, also called chhaas, is a popular Indian beverage with a refreshing and cooling effect on the stomach. It is also good for digestion and treating gastric problems.

Cumin seeds

Cumin, or Jeera, is a commonly used spice in Indian tadka preparation in most households. However, did you know that cumin seeds are beneficial for relieving gastric problems? You heard it right! Cumin seeds aid digestion, neutralize stomach acids, and reduce abdominal pain.

Clove

Clove is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may be beneficial for treating stomach pain, ulcers, and gastritis. It also helps eliminate other conditions like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bloating, and indigestion.

Lemon juice in warm water

A glass of lemon juice in warm water every morning can help prevent gastric problems and promote digestive health. Lemon juice stimulates bile and gastric juice production and, therefore, helps prevent the formation of gas in the digestive tract.

Probiotics

Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, etc contain good bacteria and help strengthen gut health by promoting gut bacteria culture. These foods aid digestion, promote metabolic activities, reduce stomach inflammation, prevent bloating, and enhance gastric functions.

Few Other Tips for Preventing Gastric Issues

Apart from these remedies, here are a few other tips to prevent gastric problems:

Dietary choices

A long-term or permanent solution to gastric problems includes dietary changes. Switching to fiber-rich and easy-to-digest foods, with minimal oil and spices, helps keep the digestive tract healthy and free from gastric problems.

Stop smoking

Smoking can cause various digestive issues like abdominal pain, peptic ulcers, GERD, gastroenteritis, heartburn, and bloating. It affects the digestive processes and can also hurt the liver, heart, and lung health, making the body prone to diseases, including gastrointestinal problems.

Avoid overeating

Overeating is a bad practice and a major cause of gastric problems. You should eat at most two-thirds of your total capacity during a meal. This allows space for the food to digest properly and prevents indigestion, bloating, and other gastric problems.

Yoga and exercise

Physical activities like yoga and exercise can help digestion and relieve gastric problems. Some yoga poses effectively promote digestion and secretion of bile juices while preventing bloating, nausea, and other symptoms. Regular exercise helps promote a better metabolism, which results in a more efficient digestive process.

Limit alcohol

Alcohol can irritate the stomach and intestinal lining, often causing ulcers. It also dehydrates the body, which can result in constipation and other gastric problems. It is advised to lower the consumption of alcohol for better digestive health.

Eat slowly

Eating slowly allows for better chewing of food and prevents excess air from entering the digestive tract. Properly chewed food also digests much faster and causes relatively fewer gastric problems. So, eating mindfully can go a long way for your digestive health.

When to Seek Medical Assistance?

Most gastric problems do not need medical attention, and they can be relieved on their own or with the help of home remedies. However, some serious underlying conditions may sometimes cause gastric problems and need medical attention. You may need to consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms for prolonged periods:

• Excessive sweating
• Sudden and severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood/Brown vomit
• Chest pain
• Difficulty passing urine or feces
• Blood in feces
• Difficulty breathing

The Key Takeaway 

Gastric problems are a common but serious occurrence and can happen to people of all ages. A good diet, along with some lifestyle changes like regular exercise, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol, avoiding overeating, etc, can help prevent these problems and enhance the digestive processes.

Several effective home remedies are available using natural ingredients to treat and relieve gastric problems. These remedies include peppermint, lemon with warm water, garlic, and clove, and they are extremely helpful in relieving symptoms of gastric problems.

FAQs

Q- Can gastric problems be relieved on their own?

It depends. Most mild gastric problems can be solved by maintaining a healthy diet and physical activity. But if the symptoms are persistent or severe, you may need medications and medical attention.

Q- Is the gastric problem a serious condition?

Yes. Mild to moderate gastric problems do not need medical attention and may subside in some hours or a few days at maximum. However, if the symptoms persist and are discomforting, you may need to consult a doctor.

Q- Is lemon good for gastric problems?

Yes, it is. Having lemon juice with warm water in the morning helps stimulate your digestive system to release bile and gastric juices, preventing gastric problems. However, as it is acidic, it should be consumed in moderation.

Q- Can smoking lead to gastric problems?

Smoking is a harmful habit and can lead to various disorders of the digestive system. These disorders include Gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, heartburn, and liver problems. Avoiding or stopping smoking is recommended to ensure better digestion and overall health.