Gastritis refers to a set of diseases caused due to the inflammation of your protective stomach lining. Your stomach is a hollow bag-like organ composed of three parts or regions called fundus (upper region), corpus (body), and antrum (lower region). The wall of this bag is made up of three layers. The innermost stomach lining is known as mucosa. Mucosa has gastric glands, which produce gastric juices.
The gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and mucus; which is primarily responsible for the digestion of your food, killing bacteria, and protecting the inner lining of your stomach.
Various factors such as eating junk food, not eating meals at the proper time, and an unhealthy lifestyle contributes to an increase in gastric acid production and thus, can disturb, weaken or damage your normal stomach lining. While gastritis can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, most of them can have their own side effects.
A host of natural and home remedies for treating gastritis are found effective. Read on to come across 5 such natural remedies that are easy, effective, and economical.
5 Home Remedies for Gastric Troubles
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
You would have probably heard this a lot of times "An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Apple cider vinegar, or cider vinegar, is made from fermented apple juice, and usually used in salads, food preservatives, and other dressings.
Apple cider vinegar works very well in case of gas in the stomach. It is known to balance your stomach pH by neutralizing stomach acid. It is safe to consume small amounts of apple cider vinegar, diluted with water.
pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. The pH of your stomach is critical for the digestion of your food. An imbalance in your stomach pH can alter the normal functioning of your stomach, thus, resulting in gastric disorders.
2. Mint Leaves (Pudina)
Mint is a useful natural remedy for soothing indigestion, caused by gastritis. Pudina leaves have natural cooling and antioxidant properties that make them ideal for reducing the burning pain of acidity and indigestion. Antioxidants are natural/man-made substances that help in preventing or delaying some type of cell damage.
Mint leaves also have an alkaline pH that can lower the excessive acidic content in your stomach. Mint leaves are available readily in every household and when taken, give immediate relief from gastric symptoms.
You can boil a few leaves in water, strain, cool, and drink it. Add freshly washed mint leaves to your salads and yoghurts on a daily basis.
You can simply put 4 to 5 washed mint leaves in your drinking water (in the bottle or in a jug) and keep sipping on that water, especially during summers to keep your stomach cool and happy.
3. Lemon
Lemon can help neutralize the acid in your stomach. The acid in lemon juice will also help to break down your food more efficiently, making you feel light and reduce bloating, another common symptom of gastritis.
Interestingly, although lemon is acidic in nature, it promotes an alkaline pH in your stomach and body.
Drinking lemon water or lemon tea is a good way to get some relief from gastric trouble. Adding a pinch of black salt, cumin powder, carom seeds (ajwain) to lemon water makes a great drink for gastric troubles.
4. Buttermilk
Buttermilk, commonly known as ‘lassi’ or ‘chaas’, is a fermented dairy drink. Traditionally, buttermilk is the liquid left behind after churning homemade butter. It does not contain any fats and stays fresh and longer than regular milk.
Buttermilk is a staple part of the diet in India, mostly during the summers. It not only does taste good but also has many health benefits. It is an effective home remedy against gastric troubles.
Buttermilk contains probiotics or living bacteria, which can neutralize acids in your stomach and prevent acid reflux. Acid reflux, a common symptom of gastritis, occurs when contents from your stomach (mainly acid) move back up to your esophagus (throat).
Add about a pinch of roasted cumin (jeera) powder and black salt to one glass of buttermilk. This provides relief from gastric troubles and also helps in improving your digestion.
5. Carom Seeds (ajwain)
Carom seeds are the seeds of the ajwain herb, commonly used in various Indian dishes. Carom seeds act as natural antacids (a substance that neutralizes stomach acidity) and are an effective remedy against gastric build-up and pain in your abdomen.
Take a teaspoon (tsp) of ajwain with 1 glass of warm water to get relief from stomach pain. You can also boil two cups of water with about 4 tsp of carom seeds. Strain and drink this water twice a day.
Try these 5 best desi (home) remedies for any gastric trouble that comes your way. If your symptoms persist for more than 2 to 3 days, consult your physician/gastroenterologist.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.