Gastric problems refer to diseases of the digestive system, which include the stomach, intestine, esophagus, rectum, etc.
Maintaining a healthy digestive system is very important for overall health as it plays a vital role in the absorption, distribution of nutrients, and elimination of waste from the body.
An unhealthy lifestyle like smoking, alcohol, poor sleep, and intake of more fried or high-calorie food, etc., increases the risk of developing Gastric Problems like acidity, constipation, peptic ulcers, gastroenteritis, bloating, vomiting, etc.
A stomach upset or indigestion (dyspepsia) is caused due to unhealthy eating and overeating or eating too quickly. If not treated on time, it can lead to chronic gastric conditions. Also, regular use of medications like paracetamol or aspirin is one of the main causes of Gastric Problems.
As per Ayurveda, the digestive system is the most important part of overall health and well-being. If your digestive tract is healthy and strong, your body can produce healthy tissues (dhatus). If your digestive tract is weak, the tissues of your body (muscles, blood, and nerves) become weak and make the body more susceptible to diseases.
The Ayurvedic therapies for upset stomach aims to correct the imbalance of Doshas, and all the ill effects are flushed out of the system.
The food we eat is digested by Agni (body fire) present in our body. This Agni or body fire helps to digest the consumed food. The Agni is mainly present in Jatara, i.e., in the upper part of the digestive system.
Symptoms of Stomach Upset
• Gas (flatulence or belching)
• Acid reflux
• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Discomfort or Burning sensation in the Stomach
Factors that Trigger Stomach Upset
• Overeating
• Eating too fast
• Excessive consumption of fatty, spicy, or oily foods
• Too much alcohol or smoking
• Stress and Anxiety
• Irregular food and sleep habits
• Certain Medications (paracetamol, aspirin, antibiotics, and other painkillers)
Ayurvedic Treatment Options for Stomach Upset
Simple home remedies can help treat stomach upset. For treating severe indigestion and other gastric problems, the ayurvedic treatments below can be useful.
- Sneha Basti involves enema with medicated oils used to treat constipation and flatulence.
- Padabhyanga Massage refers to Ayurvedic foot massage using herbal oil. It stimulates some special points on the feet that lead to mental relaxation.
- Vaman is a process in which waste products from the body, i.e., Dosas, are removed by the process of vomiting.
- Virechanam is a type of Panchakarma treatment- controlled purgation for a specific amount of time and designed to flush out body toxins.
- Kashaya Vasti involves enema using Kashaya (medicated decoction) and Vasti (administration of medicines through the rectum) to treat constipation and flatulence.
Preventive Remedies for Stomach Upset
- Fast completely for a day to help normalize imbalanced Agni (body fire) and digest ama (undigested metabolic waste)
- Consume liquid foods, boiled vegetables, or fruit juices for 2- 3 days to improve Agni (body fire) and relieve indigestion
- Avoid triggers that cause indigestion
- Drink warm water once in 2 hours to increase Agni and digests ama
- Consume well-balanced food to keep the body healthy and free from diseases.
Abdominal Massage can also help relieve indigestion as it loosens the tight muscles and increases the blood supply to the digestive system.
