Is it that chicken you ate late at night or that water you used to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth or something else? Suddenly, you have that queasy feeling that is leaving you “sick to your stomach.” You just cannot stop those loud growling stomach sounds and explosive gas? Your stomach is in knots as another wave of nausea strikes, sending you to the bathroom for the fifth time in one hour! What you are experiencing could potentially be upset stomach.
What is an upset stomach?1,5
An upset stomach (also called traveller’s tummy or stomach flu) is a non-medical term describing a range of gut symptoms like gas, bloating, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, constipation, or diarrhoea, often triggered by the infection and inflammation of the digestive tract.
What triggers stomach upsets?1-5
There are many causes of indigestion, most of which are related to lifestyle habits. Common causes include:
- Viruses, fungi, bacteria, parasites such as rotavirus, norovirus, campylobacter, salmonella, or E. coli through poor hygiene, contaminated foods, water, drinks, or surfaces
- Increased sensitivity to certain chemicals, food intolerance, and allergies
- Some medications, including antibiotics, antacids, pain medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids and iron supplements.
- Underlying health conditions like gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), gastritis, ulcers, and hiatus hernia.
Should You Be Concerned About upset stomach?2-4
Yes, especially when they trouble you frequently, repeatedly, intensely and leave you debilitated or incapacitated. You should seek immediate professional help when upset stomach begins to impair your health, wellbeing, relationships, and daily activity such as travelling, sleep, eating, drinking, reduced physical and social interests.
How to soothe an upset stomach?2
- Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toasted white bread or crackers. Avoid whole grains, as well as spicy, rich, greasy, and fatty foods.
- Replenish lost electrolytes or mineral salts (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium). Soup, broth, or bullion are good options if you do not have an appetite, or if you have trouble keeping solid food down.
- Stay hydrated by drink plenty of liquids but do so in small amounts; water is a good choice.
- Supplement with prebiotic, probiotics, antioxidants (zinc, vitamin C, A, E)
- Use herbs or spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, garlic, or ginger.
The good news is that you can use these easy self-care tips together with Nativa Complex® Digestive Support to promote a healthy gut, digestive comfort, balance, digestion, and nutrient absorption. All you need to do is to take 1 capsule in the morning and 1 capsule in the evening, it’s just that simple.
References:
George F Longstreth, (29 November 2023). Up-To-Date: Patient education: Upset stomach (functional dyspepsia) in adults (Beyond the Basics). Accessed 11 December 2023 Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/upset-stomach-functional-dyspepsia-in-adults-beyond-the-basics
Mana Medical Associates: How to Handle Your Upset Stomach. Accessed 11 December 2023 Available from: https://mana.md/how-to-handle-your-upset-stomach/
Unity Point Health: What Your Upset Stomach is Trying to Tell You. Accessed 11 December 2023 Available from: https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/what-your-upset-stomach-is-trying-to-tell-you
Matthew Solan (4 August 2023). Harvard Health Publishing – Harvard Medical School: Travel tummy troubles: Here’s how to prevent or soothe them. Accessed 11 December 2023 Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/travel-tummy-troubles-heres-how-to-prevent-or-soothe-them-202208042796
UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN–MADISON (17 December 2022). University Health Services: Upset Stomach. Accessed 11 December 2023. Available from: https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/medical/upset-stomach/
