Ever felt the burning sensation in your stomach that literally makes you crawl till the aching stops? If yes, it may be gastritis that is causing you discomfort. Personally, I have experienced severe cases of gastritis where I faced difficulties to even catch my breath because of the inflammation in my stomach. I later discovered that the reason for this agony was my high intake of spicy food. There are many diet and lifestyle habits that causes gastritis like drinking too much alcohol, smoking, extreme stress, long term use of aspirin and over-the-counter pain and fever medicines, and bacterial infection such as helicobacter pylori. Most of us have the habit of brushing off any illness that occurs, not thinking that it can perhaps get serious in the days to come. You should keep in mind how a mild occasional pain can turn to a full blown ulcer or even increase your risk of stomach cancer. So always remember to consult your doctor and get a quick check-up to avoid bigger health problems in the future.
Gastritis is the inflammation, irritation or erosion of the inner lining of the stomach.
What is Gastritis?Gastritis is the inflammation, irritation or erosion of the inner lining of the stomach, known as the gastric mucosa. It can occur suddenly (acute) and can last for one or three days, or it can be chronic, lasting for several days or weeks. Most often the term "gastritis" is misused to include many different upper abdominal problems, but true gastritis refers to the stomach lining (gastric mucosa) that is inflamed.According to a study published in the Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Studies, the incidence of gastritis in India is approximately 3 in 869, that is about 12,25,614 people suffering from gastritis out of the total 1,06,50,70,607 population. The symptoms of gastritis can be loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, heartburn, uneasiness, bloated stomach, bad taste in mouth, foul breath etc. So, if you have any of these similar symptoms and popping a ‘pudina’ pill or antacid tablet is not doing you any help.
Here Are Some Simple But Effective Home Remedies for Gastritis:
1. Freeze It Out
Take a glass of ice cold water, put two tablespoons of sugar, stir it really well and gulp it down. Repeat the process if you have to. This remedy is a quick fix and my personal favourite. A glass ice cold water helps to stabilise the body fluids. It is believed that cold water calms down the throat and chest burning. Therefore, drink a full glass of cold water and take a small walk. The acid rushing up to your throat will subside slowly.(Also Read: 12 Amazing Home Remedies For Acidity)
A glass ice cold water helps to stabilise the body fluids
2. Nothing Like CoconutGet tender green coconut water and keep sipping it till your pain subsides and you can make it a habit to drink it every day too. But be sure the coconut water is not tangy as that can cause acid reflux. Coconut water is rich in fibre, which is why it helps aid digestion and prevents the re-occurrence of acidity. Moreover, coconut water is known to cool the lining of the stomach, which further reduces the burning sensation.(Also Read: How To Treat Acid Reflux: Top 4 Easy Home Remedies For Heart Burn)
Coconut water aids digestion.
Ginger has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Sip ChamomileChamomile tea soothes the intestinal walls, providing relief from sudden pains and helps to eliminate gas. You can add one or two teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers to a cup of hot water, cover it and let it steep for five minutes or more. You can drink this tea several times a day as it helps improve gastritis in the long run.(Also Read: 7 Tips to Help You Fight Acidity This Summer)
Chamomile tea provides relief from sudden pains and helps to eliminate gas.
5. Papaya All the WayDr. Rupali Dutta, the Chief Nutritionist at SmartCooky says “Shredded raw papaya is really good if you are suffering from inflammation of the stomach. You can add few drops of lemon juice to it as well. Don’t worry about lemon juice being a citric acid, few drops will not be detrimental to your health.”(Also Read: 7 Amazing Home Remedies for Indigestion)
Raw papaya is good for inflammation of the stomach.
6. Baking Soda And Water
Baking soda acts as an antacid and brings down the acid levels in the stomach. Take one teaspoon baking soda a glass of water. All you have to do is stir the baking soda in the water until the mixture is not cloudy anymore. Drink this. Drink it as and when required.
7. Cabbage Juice
Cabbage is rich in vitamin U, which is known to heal ulcer. Vitamin U can heal the stomach lining and get rid of gastritis within a few days.All you have to do is cut the cabbage in pieces and juice it with a help of your juicer. Extract a cup of fresh cabbage juice and drink it.
You may add a few carrots and celery to make it even healthier and tastier.
So, now you know what to do when Gastritis or related problems trouble you.