Gastrointestinal problems could be – dyspepsia, abdominal discomfort, excessive flatulence, irregular bowel movement, an upset stomach, ulcers, gastritis or even hernia. It is a general term to describe distress in the abdomen.
Although gastrointestinal discomfort is fairly common, how you experience it differs from individual to individual. Symptoms may be felt sporadically or as often as every day.
Symptoms And Causes Of Gastrointestinal Problems
- Early fullness and satiety during a meal. You are not able to finish eating. There may be an uncomfortable fullness after your meal.
- Mild to severe pain in the abdomen.
- Burning in the upper abdomen. Heartburn and water-brash.
- Bloating in the abdomen. You feel an uncomfortable sensation of tightness.
- Nausea and occasional vomiting.
- Irregular bowel movements, diarrhea alternating with constipation.
Common causes of gastrointestinal problems include:
- Eating too quickly, overeating.
- Too much of greasy or spicy foods.
- Too much of caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated beverages.
- Certain antibiotics, pain relievers and iron supplements.
- Reduced blood flow in the intestine.
- Smoking
- Stress
- Gastritis
- Peptic ulcers
- Pancreatitis
- Celiac disease
- Gallstones
- Intestinal blockage
- Malignancy
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Gastrointestinal Problems
- Avoid foods which trigger your problems. Keep a diary and ascertain which foods set off your specific problems.
- Do not have very large meals, have small frequent meals.
- Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol.
- Quit smoking.
- Find alternatives for medications that trigger indigestion. With your doctor’s consent, cut back or discontinue pain relievers or other medicines that could be irritating your stomach lining. If that is not possible, make sure that you take these drugs with food. Talk to your health care provider, he will give you substitutes.
- Proton pump inhibitors help decrease stomach acid. PPIs are often recommended if you experience heartburn along with indigestion. Confer with your health care provider and start suitable medications.
- Prokinetics may be helpful in case your stomach empties slowly.
- Manage your stress and anxiety well; worry is an important cause for gastric upsets. Create a calm environment; more so at mealtimes. Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, deep breathing and yoga. Spend time doing things you enjoy. Ensure that you get adequate sleep every night.
- Make sure your water intake is good. Drinking enough water and fluids helps in good bowel movement and prevent constipation.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is essential. Excess weight puts pressure on the abdomen, pushing up the stomach and causing a reflux.
- Exercising regularly. Exercise helps you keep off extra weight and enhances digestion.
- Caraway seeds are effective to battle against flatulence, indigestion and tummy upset. It is a powerful digestive and carminative. Have a spoonful after every meal.
- Peppermint tea is a wonderful home remedy. Have 1 to 2 glasses of the tea daily; it allays stomach derangement.
- Yogurt is an important food-remedy for gastric derangement. Yogurt is loaded with pro-biotics which help maintain a natural balance between the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in your gut. Have a bowlful everyday to ward off gastric troubles.
- Psychological treatment – behavior modification, relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy have been proved to be beneficial in the management of GI troubles.