| |
Gastritis
Anything that
irritates the stomach may be a cause ; over-eating,
eating improper food, spicy food,improper combination,
swallowing chemicals of any kind. Symptoms are :
vomitting, pain, nausea,bloating of stomach, coated
tongue, bad breath, feeling more thirsty and aversion to
food.Treatment
Nothing should be
consumed until the nausea and vomitting subside totally.
Sucking of ice cubes may relieve nausea. The bowels
should be washed out by enema as long as necessary and
may be up to 3 times on the first day. After a couple of
days feeding may begin with one cup of naturally sweet
buttermilk or juice once in 3 hours if tolerated. For
full treatment, consult chart.
Gas
Formation
Our stomach is a
host to many complaints.Stomach is a source of energy to
our body. It can growl, groan, churn, turn, bloat, burn,
ache and even have us double up with a stabbing pain.
Some of these are due to formation of gas.
Gastrointestinal gas can be a source of great discomfort
to many and may be associated with uneasiness, bloating,
nausea, headache, irritability.In extreme cases there may
be chest pain ( mimicking a heart attack), disturbed
sleep, difficulty in breathing etc.
Belching (burping)is usually due to excess air swallowed
during eating or drinking. Passage of gas through the
anus is called flatus. It is due to indigestion of
carbohydrates and cellulose which are acted upon by
bacterial flora and fermented. Constipation is a
pre-disposing factor in this. The specific cause of
passage of malodorous gases is not known.
Gas formation can be avoided by improving the efficiency
of the digestive system by following regulated and
appropriate diet, adequate water intake, regular bowel
habits and practising Yogic asanas.
Suitability of diet differs from individual to individual
depending on various factors, such as Nature of work /
duties, heredity, digestive and assimilative capacities,
environment, Nature in general.
Preventive
measures
1. Avoid eating too
rapidly and too much or while under emotional strain and
drinking large quantities of liquids with meal. Laxatives
and purgatives should be avoided.
2. Avoid gas forming
food such as :
- Vegetables like
cabbage, cauliflower,cucumber, onion, peas and
radish.
- Fruits like apple,
melon, banana and other fruits which are bitter
or sour.
- All types of sour
juices, sour buttermilk /curds, soft drinks, tea
and coffee.
- Pulses like chana and
rajma, pickles and spices.
- Off-seasonal
vegetables and fruits which are cold stored.
3. Consume non-gas
forming food such as :
- All vegetables and
fruits having fine fibre. e.g. papaya, sweet
mango, mosambi or orange (if not sour) , tender
carrot and beetroot.
- All vegetables which
are tender or well cooked.
- Naturally sweet curds
/buttermilk.
Treatment
for immediate relief
- Drink a glass of warm
water or cleansing drink (boil 1 cup water, with
1 tsp saunf, 1/2 tsp ajwain, 10 pudina leaves and
then add little black salt and juice of 1/2 lemon
before drinking) and walk for 5-10 mts.
- Lie on abdomen and
practice Yogic asanas pertaining to the
abdomen like , Pavan Muktasana, Bhujangasana
and Vajrasana. Kunjal and Laghu Shank
Prakshalana also help.
For other treatments/Yogic
asanas, see chart.
Flatulence
Flatulence is a
sign of gases stuck in the intestine due to disturbed
digestion as a result of habitual eating of unwise food
mixtures and combinations, besides sedentary habits and
lack of exercises. However, cleansing the
gastro-intestinal tract of stagnant putrefactive material
through enema and fasting for 2-4 days followed by light
diet comprising of fruits and vegetables , one can get
rid of the trouble. Besides, regular brisk walk or Yogic
exercises as well as treatments like mud pack, abdomen
pack, hot and cold hip bath should be practised in order
to correct the function of the digestive organs.
Hyper-Acidity
This is a
condition which arises in the stomach purely as a result
of habitual eating of excessive quantities of refined,
fried, starchy, sour and sugary food. When excessive
quantities of starchy and sugary food are eaten, as they
always are in conjunction with protein foods ( meat,
fish, eggs,cheese etc.), the proteins are digested first
while the starchy food ( grain, chapati, porridges, rice
etc.) , is left to ferment and acidify in the stomach
before passing on to the intestine for digestion. It is
obvious that to try to cure hyper acidity by taking
medicines or powders is futile. Such treatment can only
aggravate the condition in the long run.
Treatment
Take very soothing
and light diet and avoid sour items like garlic, pepper,
lemon, citrus / unripe fruits which irritate. Thorough
cleansing of the digestive tract is the first
requirement. Besides,consult treatment chart.
Ulcer
Ulcer is a
condition born out of wrong diet and indigestion.
Besides, stress, worry and emotional problems, jealousy,
frustration, guilt or loneliness also contribute to
ulcers. Stress gives rise to production of excess acid in
the stomach and it is this excess acid that causes ulcer.
Symptoms of ulcer are -heart burn, belching, acidity,
gnawing, discomfort or pain in the stomach. Diet plays an
important role in the treatment of ulcers. Small meal
like a cup of chilled milk or naturally sweet juice may
be given frequently. No sweet, sour, refined, irritating,
bitter, hard and tough food should be given. A soothing
diet like tender, soft and well-cooked vegetables
including potatoes, cabbages, beans and peas should be
given. Among fruits, fully ripe banana, apple, melon,
mango, chikku, papaya and pears are permitted ; but sour
food and spices are harmful.Papad, chutney, pickles, pan
masala, betelnuts, tobacco chewing, zarda, tea, coffee,
beverages, alcohol and smoking should be avoided.
The stomach must not be kept empty for long.
[index]
|