Remedies To Keep Your Belly Happy

If you’ve looked at the calendar you know that the holidays are just around the corner and that can mean overeating and over-indulging in sweet and rich foods. If it’s the one time of year that you indulge your stomach may not be ready for all the delicious foods that are available this time of year.  A stomach ache can happen at any time and there are many foods that can bring on stomach upset. Sometimes you can even develop an allergy or reaction to foods you’ve eaten all your life.

A stomach ailment could be as simple as heartburn from spicy foods to cramps and bloating to even a stomach virus (stomach flu) that can disrupt your day.

There are many items that can work to settle and soothe an upset stomach and they include:

• Ginger ale. Remember those times when you were a child and had an upset stomach? Mom was onto something because ginger can ease nausea and settle your stomach.
• The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) is a diet that many parents have fed to a child suffering from diarrhea or nausea. Because the diet is lower in fiber and are high-binding, they help reduce the stomach ailments. These foods are also very bland.
• Peppermint is also thought to soothe an upset stomach. You can suck on a peppermint or spearmint candy, drink peppermint tea or rub peppermint essential oil on your stomach.
• Lying down with a heating pad or hot water bottle is another way to soothe an upset stomach. The warmth may take away cramping or pain and the heat will also help relax your muscles and reduce nausea.

How can you avoid an upset stomach? Here are some tips:

• If you know there are foods that cause you trouble, then it’s best to avoid them, even during the holidays. For example if cheese or dairy makes you crampy and bloated or if spicy food gives you heartburn, steer clear of them as often as possible.
• Eat smaller portions.
• Take a walk after dinner to help with your digestion. Lying down after a meal is a recipe for heart burn and stomach upset.
• Chew and swallow your food slowly and completely.

What happens if the pain doesn’t go away? You may need to see a doctor if the pain is prolonged and/or frequent. If you find you have stomach problems after eating certain foods, make note of that and let your doctor know. If the pain is sharp and shooting and doesn’t go away it may make sense to contact your doctor and let him know how you’re feeling, what might have caused it and whether he has any suggestions.