Stomach complaints

Stomach complaints

A frantic lifestyle, poor nutrition, stress and too little exercise can result in an upset stomach. But popping a pill as soon as you start to feel uncomfortable could make things worse. A sensitized stomach is likely to react just as well to nature’s much gentler medications.

BOWL OF OATMEAL GOOD FOR STOMACH ACHE

It’s an unfortunate fact of life that many of the foods we most enjoy are the ones that our stomachs like the least. And eating too much at once can leave your stomach with too much to handle. However, if you drink plenty of water and unsweetened herbal teas, preferably at least 2 quarts (2 L ) a day, eat a healthy diet and don’t overindulge too often, your stomach will thank you for it.
⦁ Sip fennel, chamomile, lemon balm or peppermint tea with and between meals to aid digestion.
⦁ Eat a small piece of fresh ginger if you are feeling nauseous. Or, if you prefer, roughly grate 2 teaspoons (10 ml) fresh ginger and let it steep in 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water for about 10 minutes before drinking.
⦁ Some experts suggest that those cultures that value the after meal burp have been right all along. Sparkling water or soda can help to activate the beneficial gas.
⦁ Prepare an anti- inflammatory tea from 1 teaspoon (5 ml) licorice root and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) valerian. Pour 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water over the ingredients, cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and sip a cup slowly at mealtimes.
Note: Do not use during pregnancy.
⦁ Chamomile tea can help ease cramps.
⦁ Vitamin A helps to rebuild damaged mucous membranes in the stomach lining. Good sources include carrots, green cabbage, spinach, peppers, apricots and honeydew melon. • The traditional use of licorice dates back several thousand years.
There is some evidence to suggest that it can soothe your stomach and help if you have an ulcer.
⦁ Massage your stomach in gentle, circular motions using 1 tablespoon(15 ml) almond oil mixed with 3–4 drops chamomile oil.

GOOD TO KNOW

Bacterial culprit
In the past, most doctors believed that stress and dietary factors caused stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers), with their symptoms of bloating, pain and nausea. The prescription: G et rest, reduce anxiety, eat bland food and eliminate coffee and alcohol. We now know that the culprit in one in every five cases of peptic ulcer is actually a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. A simple test is enough to confirm the diagnosis and, after treatment with a course of antibiotics, only a small proportion of patients relapse.

HEARTBURN

Sometimes your stomach will rebel against rich, heavily spiced or fried foods, especially if you eat them quickly or shortly before going to bed. The result can be heartburn, which causes a burning sensation just under your rib cage, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness, nausea and stomach pain.
In addition to traditional home remedies such as peppermint and fennel tea, a change in your eating habits and other gentle, natural solutions may help to put out the fire.
• Nux vomica is a homeopathic remedy for relieving heartburn. You will find it at a local health food store.
⦁ Sip a cup of tea made from elder flowers, lime flowers and peppermint (mixed in equal proportions) to relieve cramps and calm your stomach. To prepare, pour 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water over 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of the mixture.
⦁ Black tea with a pinch of salt and a water cracker can help to calm the stomach.
⦁ A gentle stomach massage in a circular motion with 3–4 drops chamomile or lavender essential oil mixed with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) almond oil will help alleviate pain.
⦁ Coffee, alcohol and spicy or fried foods can upset your digestion. Watch your diet and avoid food triggers.
⦁ Eat small meals more frequently, rather than one or two big feasts a day, and consume your last meal at least 4 hours before bedtime.

IRRITABLE  BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS )

Doctors don’t fully understand the mechanism behind irritable bowel syndrome. What they do know is that it is marked by continuing problems with constipation, bloating, diarrhea, heartburn and nausea. It is likely that stress can exacerbate IBS and certain foods also seem to make it worse. On the positive side, with a little help from age- old wisdom you may be able to regulate and soothe your troubled digestive system.
⦁ Lingering over a meal allows enough time to digest it properly. When you are relaxed, you are less likely to swallow air, which can increase abdominal discomfort.
⦁ Avoid excessively rich foods and divide your total daily food in take into several small meals instead of three full- course meals.
⦁ The aptly named chamomile roll cure—which involves tea and a rolling movement—can provide relief when used in the morning over the course of several days (see below).
⦁ Alcohol and cigarettes are poison for a nervous stomach, so avoid them.
⦁ Also avoid coffee and black tea. They will stimulate digestion which is not good if you are prone to diarrhea.
Avoid strong spices, as well as sweets, smoked foods, doughnuts and fried foods.