7 Natural Home Remedies for an Upset Stomach
Have you experienced the feeling when your stomach starts to cramp and feel uncomfortable? Well, you might have eaten something bad or you have an underlying condition.
An upset stomach is having an uncomfortable, unpleasant, and sometimes a painful sensation in the tummy. This condition has several causes ranging from infections to ulcers. It is simply a pain in the abdomen due to stomach and intestine inflammation.
An upset stomach has been confused for IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome. This condition on the other hand is more in lower abdomen pain and changes in bowel habits.
The effects of IBS are commonly diarrhea and constipation, while an upset stomach focuses more on upper abdomen pain, nausea, and vomiting. Irritable bowel syndrome usually affects the large intestines, unlike upset stomach, IBS is a condition that needs to be treated immediately.
An upset stomach is not just caused by one reason, but several others because the term “upset stomach” is very complex which consists of several factors linked to other conditions.
Almost anyone has the possibility to get an upset stomach several times in their life.
This can happen to you anytime of the day because of many factors such as food poisoning, physical activities, flu, migraine, appendicitis, stress, depression, and even through alcohol abuse. These are all possible causes for an upset stomach and there’s actually more that isn’t mentioned.
Generally, this condition can affect your daily routine and prevent you from doing certain things. The severe pain and unpleasant feeling from an upset stomach can make other people get absences in school or in their work.
The types, causes, and symptoms of an upset stomach can be interchangeable because of its complexity, and it can be either way.
An upset stomach has several symptoms, these include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Chills
Abdominal Cramps
Body Ache
Heartburn
Indigestion
Constipation
Gas
These symptoms are also caused by several factors and are very different with each other. The causes of an upset stomach varies, these include:
Constipation - This condition is most common in women. This occurs when pressure builds up in the colon and small intestine.
This results in bowel movements that are hard to pass and you only pass stools less than three times a week, which isn’t normal and healthy for your body.
Constipation will make you feel bloated and full. Most treatments for these conditions are increasing fiber intake, frequent drinking of water, and exercise.
Some people may also use laxatives or stool softeners to help you pass stools regularly. If ever you experience severe symptoms such as blood in your stool, it is recommended to meet with your doctor.
Appendicitis - This condition creates a severely painful sensation in the abdomen specifically in the appendix, and is unmanageable. The appendix is an organ attached to your large intestine and helps fight off infections.
This condition occurs when there is blockage in the appendix, making it swollen and sore. The swollenness and soreness of your appendix will then result in bursting, and can be fatal.
People who have experienced this, described the pain as a very uncomfortable and painful feeling around their belly buttons which makes it hard for them to walk and do various activities. So if ever you think you’re experiencing appendicitis, go to the ER right away.
Indigestion - This condition is mainly caused by lifestyle and eating habits. Eating certain foods and eating it too fast causes indigestion.
Additionally, if you smoke, drink alcohol, or are always over fatigued, you may also experience indigestion. This creates pain, bloating, gas, or a burning sensation. So the best solution to avoid indigestion is through eating your food properly.
Food Poisoning - Keeping track of what you’re eating is very significant especially when you’re eating out. This condition is mainly caused by eating food that is bad.
Usual symptoms of food poisoning are vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Don’t worry too much because this condition can easily be treated at home.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - This causes symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, and cramping. If you frequently experience stomach aches, then it’s probably IBS.
An upset stomach or stomach aches can be very uncomfortable and annoying. That’s why people came up with natural remedies for an upset stomach to put a stop on this condition.
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Ginger
The use of ginger has been done during the ancient times. It has shown to cure and alleviate many conditions.
Ginger can be a very effective treatment for kinds of stomach aches. Its properties can help soothe stomach pains and reduce inflammation of the stomach lining. Ginger can be used as supplements or just natural.
Mint
It has been found by researchers that mint was traditionally used in India, Pakistan, and Iran, as treatment for upset stomachs like indigestion, diarrhea, and gas.
Due to its soothing mechanism, mint has been able to prevent vomiting, reduce muscle spasms in the intestines, and relieve pain. Mint can be used as raw or cooked and are both safe for consumption.
Water
This is very essential for any condition because the body needs it to easily digest and absorb nutrients from food and drinks you intake. For those with digestive issues, it is imperative to stay hydrated. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration very quickly so people with these symptoms should keep drinking water.
Chamomile Tea
Just like the other remedies stated above, this can also help alleviate pain of an upset stomach due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
These anti-inflammatory properties help your stomach muscles relax, which can reduce the pain of cramping and spasms.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The acids found in ACV help reduce starch digestion which allows the starch to keep bacteria and gut healthy. If you don’t want it too strong, you can just mix a tablespoon of ACV with a cup of water and add a teaspoon of honey.
Heating Pad
This remedy can also help alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach. You can use a hot water bottle if you don’t have a heating pad. The warmth from the heating pad helps relax your muscles and reduce nausea.
BRAT Diet
This stands for banana, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet contains low-fiber and high binding foods that can help calm an upset stomach.
This is because none of these foods contain salt and spices. Doing a bland diet is the best food to eat when you’re feeling sick.
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