What Are Gastric Problems?
Bloating, belching, and a sense of gassiness are all gastric problems. If it turns chronic, it may lead to gastritis (inflammation of the intestinal wall due to bacterial infestation or long-term use of painkillers) (1). Though the exact pathophysiology is still unknown, improper evacuation, heavy meal intake, lack of physical activity, or impaired gas transit often results in gastric problems (2). Luckily, there are home remedies that can alleviate this problem. Let’s take a look at them in the next section.
How To Relieve Gas – Easy Remedies
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil was found to improve abdominal symptoms in patients with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) (3). It also showed promise in relieving symptoms like abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, passage of gas, etc. (4). You Will Need
1 drop of food-grade peppermint oil 1 glass of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may drink this mixture 1-2 times daily.
2. Lemon
Lemons are rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The vitamin C in lemons imparts anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that can help treat gastric issues (5), (6). Although lemon juice is acidic, it alkalizes the stomach environment and maintains overall pH balance when mixed with water. You Will Need
½ lemon 1 glass of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may do this 1-2 times daily.
3. Yogurt
Regular consumption of probiotic yogurt promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. This can help in dealing better with gastrointestinal issues (7). You Will Need 1 small bowl of yogurt What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can consume yogurt once daily.
4. Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
Carom seeds can help increase gastric acid secretion time and the amount of gastric acid (8). They possess carminative and antispasmodic properties that can help in relieving gastric problems like flatulence and bloating (9). You Will Need ½ teaspoon of carom seeds What You Have To Do Consume half a teaspoon of carom seeds after every meal. How Often You Should Do This You may do this 1-3 times daily.
5. Cumin (Jeera) Water
Cumin seeds have carminative and antispasmodic effects. They inhibit the contraction of smooth muscles of the gastric mucosa, a process that relaxes your gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) (10). This improves digestion by increasing the release of digestive juices, thus easing gastric issues. You Will Need
1-2 teaspoons of cumin seeds 1 glass of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may do this 2-3 times daily.
6. Asafoetida
Asafoetida supports digestion by enhancing the activity of your salivary glands and promoting the secretion of gastric, salivary, and pancreatic juices in your GI tract. These actions can help in managing symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and heartburn (11). You Will Need
A pinch of asafoetida 1 glass of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may do this 1-2 times daily.
7. Fresh Ginger
Ginger exhibits gastroprotective effects and has shown to treat various gastric problems like belching, bloating, dyspepsia, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting (12). You Will Need
An inch of sliced ginger 1 cup of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may do this 2 times daily.
8. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera possesses gastroprotective properties that inhibit the secretion of gastric acid (13). Aloe vera juice, in combination with probiotic lactobacillus strains, can help in relieving gastrointestinal disorders (14). You Will Need 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe juice What You Have To Do Consume two tablespoons of fresh aloe juice daily. How Often You Should Do This You may do this once daily for a week. Caution: Do not opt for this remedy if you are pregnant as oral consumption of aloe can stimulate uterine contractions.
9. Yarrow
Yarrow exhibits antispasmodic properties (15). These properties can help relax your intestinal muscles, thereby alleviating the symptoms of gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and gastritis. Yarrow extracts can protect the gastric mucosa against bacteria and stomach acids (16). You Will Need
1 teaspoon of dried yarrow tea 1 cup of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this 2-3 times daily.
10. Licorice
Licorice is associated with an increase in gastric mucosal defensive factors that can help in the treatment and prevention of gastric disorders like stomach ulcers (17). The glycyrrhizic acid in licorice shows anti-H. pylori (bacteria responsible for gastric ulcer) activity (18). You Will Need
1 teaspoon of licorice root 1 cup of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may do this 2 times daily. Note: If you have hypertension or are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid licorice. Also, do not overconsume licorice as it may lead to hypokalemia, high blood pressure, and arrhythmia.
11. Coconut Water
Coconut water exhibits gastroprotective activities by reducing the inflammation of the intestinal lining and enhancing the activity of the intestinal mucosal cells (19). Hence, it can help reduce bloating and gas. You Will Need 1 glass of fresh coconut water What You Have To Do Consume a glass of fresh coconut water daily. How Often You Should Do This You may do this once daily.
12. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and gastroprotective properties. Hence, it can help in treating digestive and stomach issues (20). You Will Need ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder What You Have To Do
13. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile not only reduces your stress levels but also improves digestion. It can help expel gas, relax gastric muscles, and improve digestion (21).
1 chamomile tea bag 1 cup hot water
Drink 2-3 cups in a day. While these home remedies can help you deal with gastric issues, you must also make a few changes to your lifestyle to prevent the recurrence of these issues. Listed below are a few tips that can help you.
Tips To Prevent Excessive Gas
Eat slowly and chew your food properly while eating. Avoid chewing gum regularly. Avoid using straws while drinking fluids as they can cause you to swallow more gas. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks as they can lead to the formation of excessive gas in the intestines. Exercise regularly. Quit smoking. Limit your alcohol intake. Avoid consuming foods that are difficult to digest. Stay hydrated. Avoid lying down right after a meal. Take a warm bath or use a heating bag to relieve pain from excessive gas. Follow a BRAT diet until you recover completely from your gastric troubles. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. All these foods are easy on your stomach as they can be easily digested.
Use these tips in combination with any of the remedies provided above to find relief from recurring gastric issues. However, if you develop any of the following symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor for further assistance.
When To See A Doctor
Most cases of gastrointestinal issues, like gas, are short-lived and do not require medical attention. However, if your condition persists and results in sleeplessness, loss of appetite, or interferes in any way with your day-to-day life, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.
Do eggs cause gas? Some individuals may be intolerant to eggs, which may lead to increased gas and indigestion upon their consumption. Do almonds cause gas? Almonds are high in fat. Thus, eating too many of them may lead to gas and bloating as they take more time to be digested. Always drink a glass of water after you munch on almonds. It is always better to soak almonds overnight to reduce gas formation. Where do you feel gas pain? Pain from excessive gas in the abdomen results in sharp pain in the left side of the colon. If you feel any epigastric pain, check with your doctor for gastritis. How long can pain from trapped gas last? Most often than not, gas pain doesn’t last more than 45 minutes to an hour. In rare instances, gas pain may last up to 48 hours in some individuals. It is best to consult a doctor in such cases to rule out the possibility of a heart attack. What foods cause trapped gas in the stomach? Gas and bloating are frequently related to the malabsorption and maldigestion of simple and complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers (22). This can include dairy products, whole grains, onions, bananas, brussel sprouts, and carrots. Does green tea help with gas? Yes, natural antioxidants like catechins found in green tea have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that may help reduce the risk of cholesterol absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and prevent gastrointestinal illness (23).
