Stomach pain is usually the subject of jokes. However, it can be debilitating to the point that it stops you from doing anything else. Sometimes we are able to figure out what caused it by tracking our consumption. Other times we need medical tests. The pain may last from a few hours to several days. Today we tackle some common stomach issues and how to handle them.
Indigestion
This is happens when your stomach ‘doesn’t agree’ with the food you ate. It can be caused by taking too much carbonated drinks, mild food poisoning, or even eating too much/ too quickly. If this is the case, lie down with a bottle of hot water on your tummy until it settles.
Running Stomach
Food poisoning and indigestion are the top 2 causes of the runs. This condition can be very embarrassing when you’re in public. Since the body is losing a lot of water, it’s vital to stay hydrated. Drink as much water as you can throughout the day. This also helps to eliminate whatever is irritating the stomach. The BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet consists of foods that help to firm up stool. The foods are bland and give the tummy a chance to rest.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This condition is caused by food allergies. Keeping a food journal or better still, getting tested will help you identify what allergy is plaguing you. After this, eliminate foods that irritate the stomach from your diet. Taking digestive enzymes with heavy meals also helps to heal the gut.
Gastroenteritis
Viruses and bacteria in food cause this condition. They attack the intestinal tract, causing cramps and pain. There may even be vomiting. Drinking water and taking a mild analgesic does the trick for this ailment.
Bloating
Too much air in the gut causes bloating. You may be swallowing a lot of air while chewing gum, eating quickly, talking or drinking soda. It can also be caused by taking too much of antibiotics. If you’re suffering from the latter case, limit hard-to-digest carbohydrates, such as fructose, lactose, and resistant starch.
