The major process of digestion takes place in the stomach. The gastric acid present in the stomach enables it to have lower PH thereby helps in the degradation of oral germs which acts as a first-line defensive mechanism. Also, when food enters the stomach muscles of the food pipe and diaphragm automatically closes the opening point to prevent the stomach contents from returning into the food pipe. However, when one swallows food, these muscles relax and allow food to enter the stomach.
Common Gastric conditions
Impairment or disturbances in the digestive system can lead to many stomach problems, affecting the quality of life. Globally, around 25-30% of the population is affected by gastric problems. In addition, the issue is more prevalent as age increases and is more likely to develop in men than in women. Common stomach problems include:
- Chronic diarrhea.
- Chronic constipation
- Hemorrhoids
- Gastric Ulcers
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Gallstones
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis (UC)
Common causes and symptoms
There are multiple causes reported for stomach problems such as genes, environmental factors and lifestyle. Among all lifestyles such as sedentary life, smoking, alcohol intake, intensified workouts and certain medications contribute to a major reason for stomach issues. The symptoms of stomach issues depend on the underlying conditions. For instance, ulcerative colitis is associated with diarrhea along with blood or pus. However, when suffering from repeated symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, constipation, bloating, epigastric pain, heartburn, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately.
You can visit your family physician for initial treatment. In case of a requirement, your family physician can refer you to a gastroenterologist for further diagnosis and treatment. In case of suspicion, your doctor may advise blood tests, fecal immunochemical test, breath test, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound), gastrointestinal endoscopy, etc.
Home remedies
When experiencing mild symptoms of gastric problems before visiting a doctor’s clinic, one can reduce these symptoms by preparing a natural remedy available from the kitchen. Here are some examples
- Ginger Tea: It is well known that ginger is a good source of anti-inflammatory property and provides beneficial effects to aid digestion and immunity. One can make ginger tea by adding 4-5 pieces of fresh ginger in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Warm Water: Drinking warm water helps in clearing toxins and aids in the digestion process. It can also benefit to relieve constipation.
- Bananas: They are also considered light foods with fiber content that can be easily digested and thus achieve a great deal in easing digestion. Bananas contain potassium that helps in managing the electrolyte in the body.Â
- Fennel Seeds: An excellent way to relieve flatulence and bloating by using it directly as whole seeds or soaking in hot water for tea.
- Peppermint: The utilization of peppermint helps in relaxing the muscles found in the gut. Fresh peppermint leaves can be chewed or just peppermint tea taken.
- Chamomile Tea: Chamomile, an herbal plant that has been in existence over the years, usually comes in place when treating pain and inflammation of stomachs. The flowers of this herb used while boiling hot water act as an effective detoxifier.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: To control acidity levels in the stomach, take apple cider vinegar. Mostly, apple cider is taken by putting it in a glass of water and drinking it before consuming meals.
- Yogurt: In addition to containing beneficial bacteria, this dairy product serves as a rich source for probiotics that promote intestinal health normalization.
Effective solution to prevent gastric issues
Over-the-counter medicines can certainly reduce the symptoms of gastric problems but do not provide a permanent solution. Understanding the cause and adopting a holistic lifestyle approach can lead to long-term solutions. Here are some of the effective solutions.
Natural Remedies: For mild gastric disturbances at initial occurrence always try home remedies as mentioned above. It could help to reduce the symptoms and sometimes may provide an effective solution.
Diet Modifications: What we eat importantly affects our digestive process, hence one must avoid food that triggers acidity, for example: Avoid consuming more spicy foods, fried foods, carbonated beverages. These foods elevate gastric secretions and trigger inflammation. Choose healthy foods which have less trans and saturated fats.
Also, it is advised not to overload the stomach with a one-time meal. Hence, it is recommended to eat smaller meals multiple times. Keep your body hydrated, as water can facilitate digestion and decrease the possibility of having acid reflux.
Lifestyle Changes: Stress is an important contributor to gastric disturbance. To overcome stress, engage in relaxation activities that involve doing yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercise. Also, adapt to a regular sleep cycle, aiming for 7-8 hours. Limit alcohol consumption that harms the stomach lining. Quit tobacco as it increases gastric issues.
Medical Treatment: After changes in the diet plan and applying home remedies if one still has stomach ailments, then it is advisable to consult a physician for the right medication. Although you can buy some drug categories as OTC medications without a prescription, always consult your family doctor.
Some of them include:
Antacids: These medicines with combination of aluminum and magnesium hydroxide, sodium sorbate help to reduce the gastric reflux and also neutralize the stomach.
H2 blockers: Cimetidine, famotidine are examples of H2 blockers which inhibit the secretion of gastric acids.
Proton pump inhibitors: These classes of drugs include pantoprazole, rabeprazole that should be administered before meals, since they are used to decrease the gastric acid secretion.
Home remedies are the first-line treatment for gastric disturbances. Based on the intensity one can try home remedies for soothing the issue. In order to prevent gastric problems, one must have a practice of eating healthy food along with the right exercises and seeking medical advice when necessary, during conditions which are recurrent and long-term.
