Top 5 Tips for Frequently Upset Stomachs

Sometimes, your stomach just won’t cooperate. Stomach issues can be very disruptive to a daily routine, and once they become a frequent problem, you’ll be on the lookout for quick, simple and, most importantly, effective remedies.

Everyone experiences stomach trouble from time to time, but for particularly sensitive stomachs, issues may arise more often. Today San Francisco Gastroenterology will delve into five tips for frequently upset stomachs, including ways to prevent these common troubles.

1. Eat like a toddler (sort of).

Parents of small children will attest that there are certain food items that are particularly helpful during cases of nausea or diarrhea. Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast are four great options that are both high in fiber and good at binding together during digestion. They are all mild in flavor so as not to further exacerbate nausea, and they can alleviate diarrhea. Keeping a simple diet during stomach troubles is one of the best ways you can work through your symptoms quickly.

2. Cut down your portions.

It sounds easy, but learning to eat only until you are comfortably full is not a common habit. Many people are only used to eating until they are uncomfortably full, and they feel like they are “bursting” and begin to cramp. This sensation can lead to an upset stomach as your body works to digest all of the food you have consumed in a short period of time. Eating smaller meals throughout the day is a nice way to break up digestion and take it easy.

3. Keep an eye on stress.

Stress and stomach issues are related. Many people with high stress levels report that they frequently experience stomach problems like indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation. Feelings of anxiety, dread and worry can easily lead to an upset stomach.

4. Track your triggers.

Certain foods are more likely to trigger an upset stomach, so the key is to find out which food items are more likely to give you a tough time as you digest. Spicy, heavily flavored foods, fried foods and acidic foods are often the most likely culprits with common stomach woes, but sometimes something random can just disagree with you. Also, if you find that you have a poor reaction to certain food items, it’s possible that you are allergic and should discuss symptoms with your provider.

5. Talk to your doctor – soon.

Sometimes an upset stomach is just your body’s reaction to trouble digesting food, but sometimes it can be due to an underlying health condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease. Your provider can help with a diagnosis if you find that your stomach problems are interrupting your life.