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Indigestion and upset stomachs have become increasingly common in today's world, affecting many individuals at some point. Also termed dyspepsia, it encompasses pain and discomfort in the stomach, with various factors contributing to its occurrence.
Effective management typically involves pinpointing the underlying cause, adjusting dietary habits, and adopting practices conducive to digestive well-being.
Knowing what triggers indigestion is key to avoiding it. How to relieve stomach pain is a common concern, and while conventional medications are widely used, there's a growing trend towards natural remedies for alleviation. Natural remedies are gentler and often fix the root problem without side effects.
This guide will cover causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor. We'll also discuss other beneficial food choices, dietary practices, and lifestyle adjustments that can contribute to managing stomach-related issues.
5 Natural remedies to cure an upset stomach naturally
Stomach issues can be a real nuisance, leaving you feeling uncomfortable. An upset stomach can damage your day, whether it's from something you ate, stress, or an underlying condition.
If you're wondering how to relieve stomach pain naturally, there are many effective methods to consider, without the need for harsh medications. Let’s jump into the natural pantry to start our journey towards tummy tranquility, kicking things off with a classic—peppermint.
1. Peppermint for digestive relief:
Historically, peppermint, along with other mint family members like spearmint, was employed. As a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, peppermint possesses active compounds such as menthol and methyl salicylate, which have antispasmodic properties soothing the stomach, alleviating nausea, and easing cramps.
Drinking peppermint tea, adding a few drops of peppermint oil to water, or using fresh peppermint leaves in your dishes are some ways to benefit from its properties. But be careful with peppermint if you have acid reflux or GERD; it can make things worse.
Moreover, peppermint aids in the smoother movement of bile through the digestive system, promoting the faster breakdown of food, which can be particularly beneficial for those with constipation-dominant IBS (IBS-C), where constipation accompanies stomach pain. If you're seeking additional relief, consider the IBS Rescue from The Good Bug.
Note of Caution: Be careful with peppermint if you have acid reflux or GERD; it might relax the sphincter and worsen symptoms.
2.Ginger as a digestive aid:
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a well-known aromatic root, has been utilized for centuries across various cultures to treat stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting, with research supporting its effectiveness. Although ginger's flavor might be intense for some, it's available in various forms such as extracts, tinctures, tablets, and teas, or it can be consumed raw for digestive relief. Here are some methods to incorporate ginger into your regimen:
- Brew sliced fresh ginger in boiling water for a soothing tea.
- Add fresh or powdered ginger to your meals.
Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties can also calm an upset stomach, and its components can speed the passage of food through the stomach. You can consume ginger in chewable form or add it to beverages like tea for relief.
Caution with Ginger: Though generally safe, ginger may cause mild side effects like heartburn. Be aware that, in some cases, ginger could increase bleeding risk.
3. Chamomile for gastrointestinal comfort:
Chamomile is a traditional herb used to treat various digestive disorders, including gas, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Consuming chamomile tea or taking supplements may help soothe your digestive system, although further research is needed to fully confirm its efficacy for certain gastrointestinal symptoms.
Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects on the body and is particularly effective for soothing upset stomachs due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It helps relax the muscles of the digestive tract and reduces cramping, gas, and bloating. To use chamomile tea for stomach relief:
- Brew chamomile flowers in hot water for a calming beverage.
- Drink it before bedtime to aid in restful sleep, which is beneficial for gastrointestinal recovery.
4. Drink water
If your stomach hurts, drink water first since dehydration often causes discomfort. If diarrhea is present, it's even more crucial to drink water because it can cause dehydration and worsen abdominal pain. Water fixes many problems, including stomachaches, by helping absorb nutrients and flush out toxins. A lack of hydration can lead to increased stomach acid, potentially causing a burning sensation and further discomfort.
5.Pectin-rich foods
Pectin in apples and some veggies helps diarrhea by making stools bulkier and helping good gut bacteria and maintaining a good gut balance. Incorporating foods rich in pectin into your diet can help shorten the duration of diarrhea and support a healthier gut microbiome.
Treatment for upset stomach
Various treatments are available depending on the underlying cause.If you are looking for how to relieve stomach pain naturally, always consider these simple lifestyle changes first. If indigestion continues, a doctor may prescribe medication.
Always try to identify if your upset stomach is linked to food, medications, menstrual cycles, or bowel movements, and whether it is persistent or intermittent. Consult a physician if the discomfort persists beyond three days, is very severe, or is accompanied by vomiting.
Lifestyle and dietary practices to support digestive health
Incorporating soothing foods is beneficial, but coupling this with healthy lifestyle choices can significantly enhance digestive health and mitigate stomach discomfort.
Hydration
- It's vital to stay well-hydrated for overall wellness and effective digestion. Consistent water intake throughout the day helps avert issues like constipation, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Identifying food triggers
- For those frequently experiencing stomach upset, pinpointing and minimizing or avoiding trigger foods is crucial. Maintaining a food diary can assist in tracking which foods may be causing digestive distress and help in adjusting your diet accordingly.
Managing stress
- Stress can adversely affect your gastrointestinal health, causing symptoms such as indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Implementing stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can foster better digestive health.
Dietary adjustments
- Reduce your intake of fats to lessen gas production. Thoughtful eating—what and how you consume and your activities post-meal—can greatly reduce stomach issues.
Avoiding pepper
- If gastrointestinal irritation occurs, consider eliminating red and black pepper from your diet to see if symptoms improve. Limit other spices only if they cause discomfort, as many individuals tolerate spicy foods well.
Choosing low-fat foods
- Opt for easily digestible foods like whole grains and lean proteins, especially if your stomach is sensitive. Avoid fried or fatty foods which can exacerbate stomach issues.
Increasing fiber gradually
- A diet high in fiber is beneficial; however, increase your fiber intake slowly to allow your digestive system to adjust without discomfort.
Selecting vegetables wisely
- Reduce your intake of certain vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, if they cause gas and bloating.
Limiting problematic fruits
- Notice if fruits like apples and melons cause digestive issues and consider reducing their consumption.
Moderate eating
- Eat slowly and enjoy your meals to aid proper digestion. Overeating can irritate the stomach, but skipping meals can lead to acid buildup and discomfort. For a comprehensive solution to tackle indigestion, GERD, and heartburn, try The Acidity Aid from The Good Bug which contains a blend of Amla extract, Liquorice, and digestive enzymes. These ingredients help neutralize stomach acid and support digestion.
Medication review
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist if new or increased doses of medications are causing stomach issues. Some medications can cause digestive discomfort, especially when first started.
Physical activity
- Regular exercise, even a short walk after meals, helps with digestion and alleviates discomfort from a full or crampy stomach.
Health checks
- For women of childbearing age, rule out pregnancy as a potential cause of stomach issues before making significant dietary or medication changes.
If you're exploring ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet without the discomfort, consider trying The Good Bug’s Metabolic Fibre Boost for a better digestive health and improved weight management.
When to seek professional help for an upset stomach?
Using natural remedies can often help soothe an upset stomach at home. However, if the symptoms are persistent or severe, they warrant a medical assessment. You should consult a healthcare professional at the first sign of symptoms. The following conditions necessitate a prompt visit to the doctor:
- Upset stomach symptoms that persist or worsen after three days.
- Intense abdominal pain or cramping.
- Presence of blood in vomit or stools.
- Unexpected weight loss or symptoms of dehydration like dark urine, reduced urine output, low blood pressure, or dizziness.
- Heartburn that remains unrelieved by over-the-counter medications.
- Difficulty swallowing or ongoing throat pain.
Dealing with an upset stomach can be distressing and uncomfortable, but knowing effective management techniques is essential for alleviating symptoms and enhancing digestive health.
By integrating soothing foods, avoiding known dietary triggers, and maintaining healthy lifestyle practices, you can support your digestive system and reduce stomach discomfort.
Remember, maintaining a healthy gut is foundational to overall well-being. Discover The Good Bug’s range of products that supports your gut health, designed to complement your lifestyle and dietary needs.
References:
https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/6-home-remedies-to-cure-an-upset-stomach/#google_vignette%20
https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/6-home-remedies-to-cure-an-upset-stomach/
https://www.baptisthealth.com/blog/baptist-health/8-natural-remedies-for-upset-stomach
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-soothe-a-stomach-ache-5218292
https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/natural-upset-stomach-remedies#Overview
https://www.today.com/health/natural-remedies-upset-stomach-t142121
