Nauseous? Sip on Plain Lemon Juice

Festivals are around the corner and it’s time for overeating — be it sweets or snacks. Eating different kinds of food and sweets makes everyone euphoric. But a sudden change in eating habits, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, could cause a stomach upset. Here are a few tips to stay healthy during the festive season.

•   Stick to the diet advised by your doctor. Even if you are healthy, don’t eat excess food.
•   Avoid high-fat snacks, animal fat and trans-fat like cream on cakes.
• Avoid a high-calorie diet, food rich in artificial flavours and colours.
•   Be cautious about pseudo-nutritious dishes like veg roles made of maida, veg snacks with lot of dressings (usually made up of trans fat) etc.
•   Keep away from processed food. Stay away from food rich in salt, like pickles and chips.
•   Avoid soft drinks and choose fresh fruit juices instead.

Remedy for Indigestion

According to Siddha principles, Sadarakkini or vayitru thee is responsible for digestion. Poor stomach fire is responsible for indigestion and excess fire leads to gastric-like symptoms.

• Consuming a cup of lime juice with a spoon of ginger juice will help.
• A teaspoon of asafoetida powder mixed in a glass of warm water will relieve the gas and normalise abdominal distention.
•   In case of heart burn in gastritis, a spoon of cumin powder with tender coconut will be useful.
•   Plain lemon juice relieves nausea and bloating.
• Boiled ash gourd with palm jaggery relieves bloating and burning sensation in the stomach associated with acidity and gastritis.

Diarrhoea

The bark of Tannin-rich Indian blackberry or Jamun (naval pazham) can be crushed with a little water. But drink it only in diluted form. The juice is highly astringent and will stop any kind of loose stools.

(B Thamizhkkani is Government Siddha Physician at Ariyalur)