At some point or the other, we have all suffered from an upset stomach. Whether it happened because of a virus or because of overeating, when your stomach is upset, the only thing that comes to the mind is wondering how you could get better. After all, it isn’t the best of feelings! Most of the times, there is not much that you can do except wait for the feeling or the virus to pass. However, knowing about the most common reasons why people get an upset stomach and about some foods that you can eat to help settle your stomach can be pretty helpful in such situations.
Why we get an upset Stomach
There is not one sole reason why people get an upset stomach, therefore understanding the various aspects that might contribute to it might help you avoid an unpleasant situation altogether.
Food and drink
If your stomach is upset, it may be because of something you ate or drank. The condition may be brought on by:
- Food poisoning: When the food you ingest has become contaminated with viruses, bacteria, or parasites, it can cause an upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, or fever.
- Overeating or drinking: Sometimes, when you eat or drink too much, you can get indigestion.
- Eating certain types of foods: Some foods just don’t suit some people. Plus, greasy, fatty, or spicy food can also play a major role in causing indigestion.
Lifestyle factors
There are certain habits and lifestyle factors that might also contribute to causing an upset stomach:
- Eating too fast
- Eating on the run
- Emotional stress
- Smoking
- Excess caffeine or alcohol
- Motion sickness
- Medical reasons
While usually an upset stomach is a mild problem that goes away by itself, sometimes in gastroenterology, an upset stomach might be seen as a symptom of some other medical issue. Gastroenterology doctors deal with such issues, including GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), ulcers, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal infections, and even some types of cancer.
Gastroenterologists in Gurgaon, Delhi, etc. are also of the opinion that an upset stomach might also be a sign of pregnancy. So, if you think you might be pregnant, take a test and consult with your doctor before taking any medication to treat your condition. Not every type of medicine is good for pregnant women. There are however, a number of food items that can be eaten to help ease an upset stomach.
Foods for an upset Stomach
According to top gastroenterologists in Gurgaon, there are a number of ways to naturally ease the symptoms of an upset stomach. Some of the foods that you can eat to help with an upset stomach are:
- Bananas
Bananas are great to eat when you are feeling nauseous or unwell. Bananas are easily digestible and contain pectin, which helps firm up the stool when you are experiencing diarrhoea.
- Ginger
If you have been vomiting or are suffering from severe nausea, you should have some fresh ginger. Ginger might feel a bit too strong in flavour to a lot of people. So, one good way to have ginger is to boil a cup of water, add some freshly sliced ginger to it with a squeeze of lemon or honey, whatever suits you. This can really help mask the strong flavour of ginger.
- Papaya
Papayas are again really good fruits to have when you are feeling unwell or nauseous. The papaya is a rich source of proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes can help the digestive process a lot. Some of the enzymes found in the papaya, such as papain and chymopapain, can also help in breaking down proteins. They also promote a healthy acidic environment thereby soothing the stomach.
- Mint
If you have eaten a little too much or are feeling bloated, you should try some mint. Mint is great for easing an upset stomach. You can either add some freshly torn leaves to some water and drink, or you can look up some recipes and brew yourself a nice peppermint tea.
- Yoghurt
While it is true that some forms of dairy are actually the source of discomfort for a lot of people, some natural yoghurt when you are feeling nauseous can help restore the balance in your tummy. According to best practices in gastroenterology, you need to choose plain yoghurt that still has active or live cultures, so they can help in the restoration of good bacteria in your stomach.
- Bland Starchy Foods
If your stomach is hurting you because of a virus, or because you have been going to the toilet quite a bit, eating starchy, bland food can really help. Some examples of such foods are rice, potatoes, and toast. These foods do not put any extra stress of your digestive system and help ease the symptoms of diarrhoea as well, as they absorb the excess fluids and harden your stool.
Rest a little, stay hydrated, and try some natural remedies before you choose to go for medication. Upset stomachs fix themselves in time, but sometimes, if it is a persistent occurrence, you should probably fix an appointment with the gastroenterology department at a good hospital near you.
