Introduction

Stomach Ailments can be caused by various reasons such as contaminated food and water, infection, simple indigestion etc. On the other hand, some diseases of the stomach are chronic and need prolonged treatment and a lot of care. Many stomach diseases are associated with infection. Stomach is a vital part of the human body. It contains various important organs such as the liver, intestines, gall-bladder, pancreas etc. It is responsible for the digestion and absorption of the food that we eat. It is also one of the main reasons for the well being and proper functioning of the body.

Types of Stomach Ailments

There are many types of chronic disorders which affect the stomach. However, since the symptoms are localized to this organ, the typical symptoms of stomach problems include;
• Nausea is a symptom characterized by pronounced stomach discomfort and the sensation of wanting to vomit.
• Indigestion is a general term for pain or discomfort felt in the stomach and under the ribs.
•Bloating is any abnormal general swelling, or increase in diameter of the abdominal area.
• Cramps and pain
• Diarrhoea is usually a symptom of a bowel infection (gastroenteritis), which can be caused by virus and bacteria.
• Gastritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine.

Causes of Stomach Ailments

One of the most common causes of chronic stomach problems is use of medications. Smoking has been linked to a variety of disorders of the stomach. This leads to development of ulcers in the majority of smokers. Chronic stomach problems have also been linked to excess intake of alcohol. It has been shown that alcohol intake can cause stomach ulcer, gastritis and even stomach cancer. Thus, avoidance of smoking and excess alcohol consumption can help prevent the majority of chronic stomach disorders.

Treatment of Stomach Ailments

The majority of chronic stomach ailments are treated medically. However, a change in life style may help. Even though there is no specific food responsible for causing chronic stomach problems, experts recommend eating a healthy diet which consists of fruits and vegetables. Meat should be limited. Moreover, people should keep a diary of foods that cause problems and avoid them.

Naturopathy for Stomach Ailments

Stomach is an important part of the body and any problem related to it can cause a lot of discomfort. Its primary functions are to digest food and help the body absorb essential nutrients and get rid of waste products. Following naturopathy as well as other treatments is the best way to treat almost all stomach related ailments.

Some common  stomach ailments include Indigestion, Bloating, Gas, Heartburn, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Acid Reflux, Peptic Ulcers, Lactose Intolerance, Food Intolerance, Diverticulitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Celiac Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

While the causes of stomach problems vary, some common factors are poor diet, improper hygiene, lack of exercise, dehydration, excessive smoking, excessive alcohol intake, stress, lack of sleep and nutritional deficiencies.

As there are different types of digestive problems, proper diagnosis and treatment is essential. However, one can use naturopathy and lifestyle changes to treat some common stomach ailments, such as indigestion, constipation, diarrhea and bloating.

Nutrition for Stomach Ailments : Stomach ailments often require dietary restrictions. A balanced diet along with an effective home remedy for gas and bloating will help one get instant relief. One has to be mindful of eating high-fiber foods and other foods that are difficult to digest. There are different digestive disorders that require their own dietary guidelines and treatment. People with digestive problems know that a single meal choice can completely ruin a day by inducing painful or embarrassing symptoms like abdominal cramping or diarrhoea.

Eat more fresh organic fruits and vegetables which are rich in antioxidants. They support the body to resist and heal diseases and infection. They are also high in fiber and help in recovering from stomach ulcers and also prevent the occurrence of one. Also regularly cleaning the digestive system naturally from time to time will reduce the bad bacterial.

Regular Care for Stomach Ailments : Refrain from having aerated drinks as they lead to accumulation of a lot of empty space in the stomach. This may further lead to excessive bloating in the stomach. Make sure to have the food slowly and chew it properly for effective digestion. Having a brisk walk after meals will help prevent excess formation of gas in the stomach. Do not sleep immediately after meals because this can lead to heartburns as well as severe bloating.

Yoga for Stomach Ailments

Yoga Asanas are very helpful and helps in common stomach problems like indigestion, acidity and few more. Specific yoga asanas help to detoxify the body as well as stimulate digestion. Stomach problems can arise all of a sudden. There are various causes of stomach ailments like improper eating habits, smoking etc. A regular practice of Yoga can help prevent any kind of problems or aid in healing many types of chronic digestive complaints. Yoga Asanas are also helpful in the stomach problems that are due to stress and anxiety.

Yoga Asanas for Stomach Ailments : The yoga asanas which are beneficial for coping with stomach ailments are as follows:
• Vajrasana
• Yogamudra Asanas
• Padahastasana
• Gomukhasana
• Surya Namaskar Bhujangasana
• Salabhasana
• Parivarta Trikonasana
• Viparita Karani
• Urdhva Dhanurasana
• Savasana
• Paschimottanasana
• Uttanasana

Practice of Yoga Asanas for Stomach Ailments : Yoga should be practised everyday to the most benefits. There are certain simple, basic postures that one can easily incorporate into a regular practice. Putting them together in short sequences can be very effective and work within a time constraints. Depending on the severity and history of stomach ailment one must set a time for yoga asanas. Usually it is recommended that yoga asanas done early in the morning are very helpful and give additional positive results too.

Along with yoga, one must try to bring some changes in eating habits and lifestyle. A person suffering from stomach ailments have to add more green vegetables and fresh fruits in the diet and must avoid junk food, processed food and food items that have high content of saltand sugar.