The stomach
Gastric distress may consist of gas, heartburn, indigestion, bloating, nausea, and cramping, which make it hard to focus on anything but your discomfort and embarrassment. Fortunately, many herbal remedies can offer speedy relief.
The upper gastrointestinal tract is made up of the mouth; pharynx; esophagus; the bean-shaped stomach, where acid and enzymes handle the majority of digestion; and the duodenum, the top of the small intestine. This group of organs can suffer from easy-to-treat conditions such as indigestion and gas, or more problematic issues such as acid reflux, ulcers, or cancer. Maintaining a healthy diet, including lots of fiber and nutrients, is one way to keep the upper GI tract relatively trouble free.
The stomach
INDIGESTION
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a persistant pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen caused by poor digestion. Symptoms include gassiness, heartburn, bloating, and nausea. Causes include overeating, allergies, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), nerves, stress, GERD, pregnancy, or food poisoning.
Herbal Assists: Antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory chamomile tea eliminates gas and bloating; ginger aids digestion, eases intestinal muscles, and relieves gas. Coriander’s digestive properties can settle the stomach; for a soothing tea, add a teaspoon of dried coriander leaves to a cup of hot water. Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibiotic that can turn off the fire of heartburn. Peppermint contains antispasmodic menthol oil that calms the tummy and reduces spasms.
Pantry Helpers: Apple cider vinegar promotes digestion; steamed or boiled pumpkin is full of antioxidants that can relieve gas and stomach pain, as well as nutrients such as vitamin A, fiber, and potassium that ease indigestion.
Spice Solutions: Caraway seeds are antispasmodic and antimicrobial; they relax the stomach muscles and trigger the expulsion of gas. Fennel seeds are effective digestives that can counteract bloating. Black pepper stimulates the gastric flow of hydrochloric acid to improve sluggish digestion.
ACID REFLUX
Also called GERD—for “gastroesophageal reflux disease”—this condition occurs when the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach allows digestive acid to splash into the gullet. Symptoms may be a burning sensation or the taste of stomach contents rising in the throat. The resulting pain and pressure can feel like a heart attack. GERD may require a doctor’s care, but there are ways to ease the burning sensation. Avoiding food triggers and eating smaller meals are good first steps.
Pureed pumpkin
Cool it Down: Turmeric coats the lining of the GI tract and prevents stomach acid from rising. Drinking aloe vera juice has become increasingly popular with GERD sufferers. Digestive enzyme supplements can help, as can taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water before meals.
GASTRITIS
This is a group of conditions that inflame the stomach lining, resulting in burning, nausea, and pain. It can be caused by a lack of vitamin B-12, overuse of anti-inflammatory painkillers, or, most commonly, Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that also produces stomach ulcers. Begin the healing process by reducing stress and eating lighter meals.
Gut Reactions: Although H. pylori requires treatment with antibiotics, there are natural remedies that will help reduce the symptoms of gastritis. Try taking a garlic extract supplement; add probiotics to your diet; neutralize stomach acid with baking soda in water; and drink ginger, peppermint, chamomile or antioxidant green tea. Avoid alcohol and spicy foods, and eat strawberries, which can prevent the inflammation from occurring.
DIY: Probiotics