Buttermilk can indeed be beneficial for gastritis, but it depends on your unique body constitution and specific symptoms. In the Siddha-Ayurvedic approach, we consider digestive issues to often arise from an imbalance in the pitta dosha, which governs heat, metabolism, and transformation within the body. Gastritis symptoms like burning and discomfort often indicate an exacerbated pitta condition, and buttermilk is traditionally known to balance this dosha because of its cooling and soothing properties.
However, while buttermilk can provide relief for some, it may not be suitable for everyone. If your symptoms are heightened by sour or fermented foods, even buttermilk could potentially irritate your condition instead of soothing it. Watch for specific reactions to buttermilk—if you consistently feel relief, that’s a good indicator it suits you.
If buttermilk seems to tame your gastritis, consider having a small glass (about 100-150 ml) once or twice a day. Ideally, it should be slightly diluted with water and spiced with a pinch of cumin or coriander powder; these spices can further aid in digestion and help soothe the stomach lining.
Pay attention to your body’s signals with each food choice. Besides buttermilk, try adding cooling and pitta-pacifying foods into your diet—cucumber, aloe vera juice, and coconut water can be helpful. Like mindfulness in meals, avoid excessively spicy, fried, or heavy foods that aggravate pitta.
If symptoms persist or your health doesn’t improve, please consult your healthcare provider promptly. Balancing traditional remedies with medical advice can provide the most robust approach, ensuring you don’t overlook any serious conditions requiring medical intervention.
