A stressful day, dinners like One Thousand and One Nights, change of seasons, nervous boss, angry wife…who has to deal with all this? Your stomach!
Yes, indeed, our stomach “talks” to us, and if it is upset it sends us signals, in the form of disorders, which can vary and be subjective for each of us. Distinguishing between the various disorders is not always easy, and consequently, nor is finding the right solution.
Let’s identify the stomach problem that concerns you and look at some practical and helpful tips!
To each their own stomach problem
We are affected in several ways when our stomach works overtime. We can distinguish 4 types of disorders.
1. Heartburn
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM:
- You may notice an annoying sensation in the pit of your stomach.
- This is typically after a large meal and after acidic foods such as tomato, spices, coffee, wine.
The problem is gastric acidity, which must be kept under control.
HELPFUL TIPS: the tips start at the table: first and foremost, eliminate the foods mentioned above, which can increase the secretion of gastric juices. It’s best to avoid foods that are fried or too heavy. Foods such as oats, whole grains and rice are helpful, on the other hand. Another “quick fix” could be to slowly chew your food without “devouring” it.
A “PILL” FROM NATURE: Banana and Emblic can be valuable aids as they help control acidity. Using them as dietary supplements, perhaps combined with carbonates, can be a valuable ally to be taken as needed.
2. Poor Digestion
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM:
- The stomach feels too full or heavy after meals.
- You suffer from abdominal bloating and repeated burping.
The problem is to be able to digest everything.
HELPFUL TIPS: the tips once more start at the table; in these situations, it is helpful to have meals at regular times and avoid meals that are too complex, meaning, rich in fatty condiments (such as butter) or different foods. Remember to split up your food intake into at least 3-5 meals daily, keeping in mind the rule: “breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” Try not to allow more than 3 hours to pass between meals.
A “PILL” FROM NATURE: Mint and Ginger promote digestion and support gastrointestinal motility. They can be found in different types of supplements; those in fizzy chewable tablets, which can be taken without water, are the handiest ones when you already feel “stuffed to the gills”.
3. Nausea
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM: more than identifying the problem, which all of us recognise, it is a matter of delineating the causes that can lead to nausea. Mainly motion, i.e. carsickness, seasickness, airsickness, morning sickness, and some therapies.
HELPFUL TIPS: since there are different causes with different manifestations/durations, it is not easy to give general advice. Undoubtedly, when experiencing nausea, it is always helpful to eat light foods or generally chew something, such as a chewing gum.
A “PILL” FROM NATURE: Ginger has surely earned its nickname as the “king of nausea”, as it is indicated for both motion sickness and morning sickness, typical of the first trimester of pregnancy. Today there are food supplements in ginger-based chewing gum that combine the convenience of chewing gum with the anti-nausea property of ginger.
4. Gastric juice “tidal surge”
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM:
- After eating you have the feeling that it “keeps coming back up.”
- You wake up in the morning with an annoying feeling in the throat.
HELPFUL TIPS: avoid large meals at the table and do not drink too many liquids during meals. Beverages and foods that are too hot or cold are discouraged. Also, avoid lying down right after eating.
A “PILL” FROM NATURE: Caraway is a remedy that promotes the regular flow of gastric juices, as well as regulating digestion; Calendula, on the other hand, promotes the function of the digestive system.
