Dr Sujal Patil
Experience of 14 years in clinical and research field of Ayurveda.
I am a Science based evidence based Ayurveda practitioner and incorporate accurate diet regimen and minimal medication in my practice with faster results sans no side effects.
Gastritis and trapped gas can be extremely uncomfortable, and it’s clear you’ve been working hard to address it through your diet and lifestyle. While your routine has many healthy practices, there may be a few adjustments to improve your digestion and reduce your symptoms. Here’s a comprehensive plan tailored to your situation:
Understanding Your Symptoms
Gastritis occurs when the stomach lining becomes inflamed, often due to excess acid production, stress, or dietary irritants. Trapped gas, burping, and bloating are common symptoms of gastritis. Stress and anxiety can also worsen this condition by triggering excess acid production and slowing digestion.
Key Adjustments to Your Routine
Modify Your Diet:
Avoid Irritants:
Oily, spicy, and processed foods: These can irritate the stomach lining and cause gas and acidity.
Caffeine and carbonated drinks: Both increase acid production and worsen gastritis.
Citrus fruits (including lemon water): These may worsen gastritis for some people. Switch to lukewarm plain water or jeera (cumin) water at night instead.
Incorporate Gentle Foods:
Breakfast: Replace raw sprouts (which can cause gas) with steamed sprouts or soaked moong dal. Include well-cooked oatmeal, poha, or idli as easier-to-digest options.
Lunch: Keep rice but opt for non-spicy, mildly flavored curries. Add boiled vegetables and avoid raw salads, which may worsen gas.
Dinner: Stick to light meals like khichdi, plain roti with mildly spiced dal or sabzi, or vegetable soups. Avoid heavy curries.
Snacks: Replace biscuits (processed and sugary) with light snacks like roasted makhana, puffed rice, or bananas (if tolerated).
Increase Fiber Gradually: While fiber is important, too much at once (like sprouts or raw salads) can cause gas. Introduce fiber slowly and focus on soluble fiber from foods like oats, bananas, and cooked carrots.
Hydration:
Increase water intake to 8–10 glasses a day, but sip water throughout the day instead of drinking large amounts at once, as this can dilute stomach acid and slow digestion.
Include herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, or ajwain (carom seeds) tea to ease gas and inflammation.
Stress Management:
Stress can exacerbate gastritis, so prioritize relaxation techniques:
Yoga and Pranayama: Continue with yoga, especially poses like Vajrasana (after meals), Balasana, and Pawanmuktasana, which aid digestion.
Practice deep breathing exercises or guided meditation to reduce anxiety and promote gut health.
Address Hostel Food:
When you have to eat oily or spicy hostel food:
Eat a small portion and follow it with something soothing, like buttermilk with a pinch of cumin and black salt.
Carry simple snacks like bananas, roasted makhana, or digestive biscuits to avoid over-reliance on unhealthy options.
Soothing Remedies for Gastritis
Fennel (Saunf) Water: Continue drinking fennel water in the morning as it soothes digestion. You can add a pinch of ajwain and ginger for added benefits.
Aloe Vera Juice: Take 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice mixed with water on an empty stomach in the morning to reduce inflammation and acidity.
Licorice (Mulethi) Powder: Mix ½ teaspoon of licorice powder with honey and consume it after meals to soothe the stomach lining.
Triphala: Take 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water at night to support digestion and regular bowel movements.
Coriander (Dhania) Tea: Boil coriander seeds in water, strain, and drink to reduce bloating and gas.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Chew Slowly: Eat your meals slowly and chew thoroughly to reduce the burden on your stomach.
Meal Timings: Avoid long gaps between meals, as an empty stomach can trigger acid production. Aim for small, frequent meals.
Posture After Eating: Sit in Vajrasana for 5–10 minutes after meals to support digestion. Avoid lying down immediately.
Sleep Position: Sleep on your left side to reduce acid reflux and support digestion.
Supplements (Optional)
Probiotics: Consider a probiotic supplement to improve gut health and reduce bloating. Yogurt (without added sugar) can also be a natural source.
Digestive Enzymes: If your body struggles to break down food, digestive enzyme tablets (consult a doctor first) might help.
When to See a Doctor
If your symptoms persist despite dietary and lifestyle changes.
If you experience severe stomach pain, black stools, or vomiting, as these could indicate a more serious issue like an ulcer.
By making these adjustments, you should notice an improvement in your digestion and a reduction in gas, bloating, and burning pain. Be patient, as it can take a few weeks for the stomach lining to heal fully. Let me know if you need more guidance!