Sometimes greasy or spicy foods cause upset stomachs also.  If this doesn’t work, or you just can’t seem to figure it out, see you doctor.  You’ll need to check for irritable bowel issues. 

Once irritable bowel conditions are ruled out and you’re left with a diagnosis of “nothing’s wrong”, the following natural remedies may provide some relief on your quest for a second opinion.  Every body is different, so try them to see what works best for you.  Personally, I have tried all the remedies and they have all worked for me at some time or another.

Apples.  Eat an apple.  Apples contain pectin, which increases your fiber intake and helps regulate your digestive system by cleansing the intestinal tract (which is great for constipation, too).  When I get a stomachache, it is usually a result of going too long without eating, getting too hungry, then eating too fast.  I do my best to avoid this, but it does happen.  My first line of defense is the apple, and it has worked about 90% of the time for me, with almost immediate relief.  Be careful not to overdo it, though.  Although the apple provides benefits, people have been known to eat too many apples at once, only to get a stomachache, the very thing you’re trying to get rid of!  I recommend eating one or two, then waiting to see if it helps.

Ginger.  Ginger is a well known stomach soother.  Ginger tea, ginger ale, or juice some ginger in your favorite fruit or vegetable drink.  Ginger has a nice kick to it, if you like that sort of thing, and it works.  It’s used for tummy aches, nervous stomachs, and to ease nausea. 

Acidophilus.  You’ll also see it referred to as Lactobacillus acidophilus.  Acidophilus is a probiotic, which helps digestion by promoting the presence of “friendly bacteria” in the intestinal tract.  You can find acidophilus naturally in yogurt or kefir (drinkable yogurt), but for those who cannot indulge, you can easily find it in the form of pills, tablets, or pearls.

Papaya.  Another great remedy.  Papaya contains papain, a protein-digesting enzyme.  This aids digestion, relieving your body of heavy workloads, and also reduces inflammation, thus providing relief.  If you can’t get you’re your hands on an actual papaya, you can easily get hold of papaya enzyme pills, too.

As I mentioned before, all of these remedies have worked for me at one time or another.  I am a person who gets occasional tummy troubles.  If this is a constant problem for you, the above remedies may help, but don’t let it stop you from seeing your doctor to find out what’s really going on.

Thanks to Crystal for the article topic!

Copyright © 2009 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

      

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