How to Cure Gastric Problem Permanently?
“For a permanent cure for your gastric troubles, it’s important to get a medical opinion to identify the underlying cause instead of resorting to self-medication or home remedies,” says Dr Mayank Uppal, Consultant General Medicine at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital in Delhi.
What are the symptoms of gastric problems?
Many people often experience symptoms like upper abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, burping and feeling of fullness even after small meals.
Why you shouldn’t ignore recurrent gastric pain?
Recurrent episodes of gastric pain can be an indication of gallstones or gastric ulcers and may require proper treatment rather than just an antacid or home remedies.
Read: Gastric Pain: Antacids not working? Here’s why!
How can I cure gastric problem?
If the gastric pain is caused by simple indigestion or acidity, you need to make certain changes in your lifestyle.
“Adopting a healthy lifestyle can be a permanent cure for acidity and gas related problems and reduce instances of gastric problems.”
How To Cure Gastric Problem Permanently in 5 Simple Steps
It is possible to cure gastric problem naturally by making these changes:
- Eat smaller meals at proper times
Instead of eating heavier meals, make a conscious effort to have smaller meals at the right time.
Dr Mayank suggests, “Cut out fried, spicy and fatty foods and even caffeine from your diet. You should consider adding boiled and steamed vegetables, fruits, and white meats and fermented milk products like curd or yogurt in your diet instead”
- Put out that cigarette now!
Dr Mayank emphasizes “Smokers tend to get more heartburns as compared to nonsmokers. Smoking causes stomach acid to flow back, called reflux, to the food pipe which results in a heartburn sensation.”
“Smoking can also make it more likely for you to develop or aggravate conditions related to the digestive system such as peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, and Crohn’s disease.”
- Switch Colas with Coconut Water
“Consumption of aerated beverages may cause sharp pain and cramps,” says Dr Mayank.
“Consider switching to healthier alternatives like chhanch (buttermilk), coconut water, lemonade, or freshly squeezed juices.”
Aerated drinks are carbonated which increases the amount of gas present in the digestive tracts. This messes with the natural ph balance of gases in your digestive system and could cause gastric pain.
- Curb your Consumption of Alcohol
Alcohol irritates the digestive system and drinking even in small quantity causes your stomach to produce more acid than usual.
Dr Mayank explains, “Alcohol results in inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and triggers stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea.”
“In the long term, it is also associated with increased risk of stomach cancer and could contribute to the development of peptic ulcers.”
- Sleep 8 hours every day
If you aren’t getting enough sleep, gastric problems will pop up.
Dr Mayank explains, “An erratic sleep cycle could worsen many gastric disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”
“Sleep deprivation also causes basic digestive functions (like processing and eliminating the food from body) to slow down.”
“So it is important you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day to maintain these bodily functions.”
If you’re reaching for antacids quite frequently, it’s time to stop and take note of your eating and drinking habits and alter these to cure gastric problem permanently.
This blog post is written with editorial inputs by Dr Mayank Uppal. He is known for his medical expertise and understanding nature.