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Have you overindulged in heavy food and is your stomach upset? Do you want to feel better and do something about it to get relief from stomach pain and discomfort? Read through our HealthSpectra post to grab a few tips on easing stomach upset symptoms.
Stomach Upset – Symptoms
Stomach upset is a common problem faced by many of us and is caused due to drinking or eating too much or unhealthy food. The symptoms are either one or combination of these:
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Belching
- Gas
- Fullness
What Are The Causes For Stomach Upset:
The main cause for stomach upset is the irritation or inflammation caused on the mucosal cells in the stomach lining. Indulging in too much food or drinks leads to bloating, heaviness, and discomfort in the tummy. It is not a very serious health condition but may be bothering and grabs attention.
Thus, upset stomach is a mild issue that goes away on its own. It can also be a sign of pregnancy. At times it may be a sign of a medical issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, an intestinal infection, and some types of cancer.
In a few cases stress may also cause the stomach to ache. Abdominal pain due to stress may not have a physical cause, but mental or emotional stress could be the culprit. The body translates this stress into physical symptoms like discomfort in the stomach.
Tips Or Natural Remedies To Alleviate Stomach Upset Symptoms:
More than medication, many natural home remedies help ease the tummy. Check them out.
- Eat a number of times in smaller quantities.
- Limit foods that trigger upset stomach like spicy foods, high acids foods, and caffeine.
- Pepto-Bismol relieves upset stomach symptoms like diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, gas, indigestion, belching, and fullness. It works by binding with the mucoproteins in the stomach lining to soothe irritation. As a result, faster stomach relief is offered from indigestion and stomach irritation.
- Pick foods that can soothe your tummy. Right foods help make the waiting period (time to get back to normal) easier.
- Heating pad or hot water bottle soothe when you feel sick. Relax until your symptoms pass. Warmth on the stomach distracts you from the stomach pain or cramps and the heat help reduce nausea and relax muscles. However, do not continue for long.
Foods Recommended To Soothe Tummy Trouble:
1. Brat diet:
It includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast and is the best to soothe bellies.
2. Bananas:
Potassium in bananas helps recover, if you are suffering from dehydration due to diarrhea or vomiting. They also offer calories and instant energy.
3. Rice:
Rice and other starchy foods like oats and potatoes helps sooth the stomach lining. Thus, digestion get easier. Starchy foods does not stimulate acid reflux and does not stay longer. Boil 1/2 cup of rice in 6 cups water for around 15 minutes. Strain the rice and add a dash of honey or sugar and drink warm.
4. Applesauce:
It is easily digestible, provides calories, and relieves diarrhea. Pectin present in apples offers roughage in case of constipation.
5. Toast:
This won’t cause acid reflux so makes feel better. It is also easily digestible and comfortable for the tummy.
6. Soup:
Particularly broth is good for an upset stomach. Liquid and salt in it helps keep hydrated.
7. Crackers:
Like rice, they too are easily digestible as well s soothing. They’re recommended or morning sickness and have the capacity to absorb stomach acid.avoid high-salted versions I you have hypertension.
8. Herbal tea:
It helps tame tummy trouble. Particularly, chamomile reduces inflammation. Hoever, avoid peppermint tea to avoid heartburn.
9. Coconut water:
For sure, coconut water can help soothe tummies. Natural sugar in it offers calories, electrolytes, potassium, vitamin C, etc.
10. Ginger:
Many believe ginger helps, even though there is hardly any scientific data to support. It is well-tolerated and people soak in water to make ginger tea. Ginger chews and supplements are easy to consume and are preferable.
[Read More: Ginger For Upset Stomachache]
11. Peppermint:
It is often considered as the best food to fix nausea as well as the upset stomach. Menthol present in the peppermint is a natural pain reliever and analgesic.
- Brew a cup of spearmint or peppermint tea
- Sniff peppermint extract
- Try Sucking a mint candy
- Chew the leaves directly
12. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Neutralize an upset stomach with this acidic pantry staple. To lighten it, mix a tablespoon of honey and a cup of water. Keep sipping. The acids in it help decrease starch digestion and let the starch to get to the intestines. It also help keep the bacteria healthy.
13. Yogurt:
The probiotic qualities (aka live bacteria) of yogurt eases digestive discomfort and boosts your immune system. Hence, it a good cure.
14. Caraway seeds:
Rich in vitamins and minerals, these seeds inhibit the growth of bad bacteria that generally leads to gas, indigestion, bloating and contributes to an upset stomach.
When to Visit A doctor For Stomach Upset?
An upset stomach may be common and may disappear soon with home remedies. But sometimes, they may indicate a serious problem. Visit your doctor if you have:
- Prolonged vomiting
- Dehydration risk
- Nausea
- Severe stomach ache
- Discomfort for more than 48 hours
Several types of over-the-counter medicines can help to relieve the symptoms of stomach acidity: Antacids offer short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid. They have ingredients like calcium carbonate, baking soda, or magnesium compounds. Alginic acids are combined with antacids offer quick relief. They help neutralize stomach acid, alginic acids form a protective barrier within your GI tract. H2 blockers like cimetidine, famotidine and ranitidine, lower the amount of acid your stomach.
In conclusion, stomach upset is usually caused due to over-indulging in food or taking in certain foods or engaging in specific activities. Visit the doctor, if the symptoms are more than normal to rule out any food allergies, or any other concerns.