Something’s Not Right Down There
Stomach ailments are so common,
everyone experiences them at one point or another. There are dozens of reasons why
you might get a tummy ache. Most causes are benign and the symptoms pass
quickly, so there's generally no need to look much further than your kitchen
for an easy solution to this problem.
A bar is probably the last place
you'd look for relief from nausea, but many people swear by five or six drops
of cocktail bitters mixed into a cold glass of tonic, club soda, or ginger ale.
Most common bitters brands, such as Peychaud's
and Angostura, contain a blend of herbs like cinnamon, fennel, mint, ginger,
and others. This may be why bitters help ease nausea in some people.
Since ancient times, people have
turned to ginger as a cure-all for pain to nausea and everything in
between. It's not just an old wives' tale, either — studies have shown that
ginger can be a very effective treatment for some kinds of stomach upset.
A natural anti-inflammatory, ginger
is available in dozens of forms, all of which can help. Ginger chews and
supplements are easy to take, while other people prefer their ginger in beverage
form. Try an all-natural ginger ale or chop up some fresh ginger root and make
a tea.
Every parent of a toddler knows about
the bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) diet to help calm an upset
stomach, whether the patient is suffering from nausea or diarrhea.
BRAT contains low-fiber, high-binding
foods. None of these foods contain salt or spices, which can further aggravate
symptoms. This bland diet is a go-to for when you're feeling sick but still
have to eat something. Try overcooking the toast for a little extra help — the
charred bread is thought to reduce nausea.
Peppermint is often cited as a
helpful fix for nausea and upset stomach because the menthol in its leaves is a
natural analgesic.
Try brewing a cup of peppermint or
spearmint tea, sniffing peppermint extract, sucking on a minty candy, or even
chewing on the leaves themselves. This will keep stomach pangs at bay and
alleviate feelings of nausea.
If you can stomach it, try taking
this acidic pantry staple by the tablespoon to neutralize an upset stomach. Too
strong? Mix some in with water and a teaspoon of honey and sip it slowly.
The acids in apple cider vinegar may
help decrease starch digestion, allowing the starch to get to the intestines
and keep the bacteria in the gut healthy. Some people opt to take a spoonful
each day as a preventive measure.
Nothing is more soothing than a
heating pad or hot water bottle when you're feeling sick, so cuddle up to your
electric blanket and take it easy until your symptoms pass.
The warmth on your stomach will
distract you from any cramping or pain, and the heat can help to relax your
muscles and reduce your nausea. Don't leave it on too long, however, as you can
damage your skin from overuse.
