1. When You Shouldn't Have Had That Second Helping
Overeating is the leading cause of upset stomach, causing cramping, heartburn and pain. Giving your stomach an extra coating can often help to soothe the symptoms of stomach upset. Many products are available over-the-counter in liquid form, powdered tablets or as effervescent drinks. If you prefer natural home remedies, bananas as well as peppermint or ginger tea can help soothe a stomach ache caused by overindulgence.
2. Stress Can Make Your Stomach Turn
Upset stomach due to nervous tension or stress can be difficult to manage, as a nervous stomach will make digestion and absorption more difficult, exacerbating the problem after eating. Chamomile tea is a great remedy for nervous stomach as it has natural calming effect, soothing your nerves and the spasming muscles that cause your upset stomach. Pour boiling water over fresh chamomile flowers or a tea bag and cover. Allow the tea to steep for 20 minutes before drinking. Drink the tea two to three times throughout the day, after eating, to soothe a nervous stomach.
3. Sensitive Little Tummies
The sensitive systems of small children are more vulnerable to stomach upset; however, children are often hesitant to take over-the-counter remedies which taste terrible. Instead, you can give children a sweet snack that seems more like dessert than a remedy for as stomach ache. Cut a sweet and ripe apple into small pieces and steam for 5 minutes. While the apples are steaming, mash a banana with a fork and then stir the warm apple pieces into the banana. The natural enzymes and fiber in the apple mixed with the mucous-building properties of banana will quickly help soothe a tummy ache.
4. Turmeric vs. Montezuma's Revenge
Montezuma's Revenge, or diarrhea caused by food-borne bacteria, can cause severe stomach pain. Turmeric powder, tea or extract can be taken internally to help reduce the inflammation of the stomach and digestive organs, kill the bacteria and soothe an upset stomach. Use 1 tsp. of powder in food or when making tea. If using an extract, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Get Things Moving
Constipation can cause severe abdominal cramping and stomach upset. Constipation is most often caused by lack of fiber in the diet, but can also be triggered by certain medical conditions, medications, foods or stress. Drinking juice made from equal parts of carrots and apples creates a gentle laxative that also aids in digestion, soothing an upset stomach while keeping things moving smoothly through the digestive tract.
