The spring brings energy, vitality, flowers and perfumes but also a possible worsening, in predisposed people, of symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract. As we have already seen in previous articles, spring can cause an increase in stomach acid and may therefore bring aerophagia and stomach cramps. But that's not all, in fact, the first flowers can also bring with them a worsening of colitis and abdominal pain. Today we talk about this.
Colitis in spring
Although science has not yet understood the mechanism, the inflammations affecting the bowel with constipation or episodes of diarrhea, pain and abdominal bloating, can worsen at the change of seasons and, in particular, in spring (Lewis et al, Gastroenterology, 2004). Maybe with the milder climate you are more often outside, meal times become more irregular, but also the body is subjected to greater stress as it is called to adapt to different conditions such as longer days and higher temperatures.
Rice water
Rice water is one of the simplest and most beneficial remedies to use in case of stomach ache and diarrhea. Bring a liter of water to a boil with 40 grams of rice, well rinsed. Let it cook for half an hour, then drink the cooking water distributing it throughout the day. In fact, rice water has been shown to combat intestinal inflammation and diarrhea much more than other chemical solutions (Ho et al, BMJ, 2001 - Wong et al, Lancet, 1981).
Herbs for stomach health
You can prepare a herbal tea with a blend of herbs, useful for intestinal health. Bring a liter of water to a boil, remove from heat and add 2 teaspoons of dried mint, one teaspoon of chamomile, one teaspoon of fennel and one teaspoon of cumin, leave to infuse for ten minutes, then filter and drink after meals. Peppermint relieves abdominal pain and improves symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (Khanna et al, J Clin Gastroenterol, 2014). However, peppermint should be avoided in case of gastric ulcers and if the preparation is taken in the evening hours. Chamomile relaxes muscles, calms spasms and is carminative (Srivastava et al, Mol Med Report., 2011). Cumin, scientific name nigella sativa, thanks to its active ingredient, thymequinone, shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, particularly useful in combating colitis. Indeed, the anti-colitis action of cumin resulted greater than that of sulfasalazine, a medicine used against colitis (Shakeri et al, Avicenna J Phytomed, 2016). Fennel seeds are carminative, taken in the form of tea are recommended to treat irritable bowel syndrome and drug resistant colitis and to counteract stomach heaviness (Badgujar et al, Biomed Res Int., 2014).
Yoga against trapped wind
An excellent yoga position to help with abdominal bloating is the yoga position of the wind. Lie on your back, your legs are straight and your arms fall to your sides. Exhale and bend your right leg, bringing your hands to the knee. Bring your knee to your chest as close as possible. Inhale and stretch the leg in front of you. Exhale and bend the left leg, bringing the knee closer to the chest. Continue like this for 3-4 breathing cycles.
