I woke up one morning feeling awful. My stomach was cramping and every movement felt like knives cutting through my abdomen. I knew immediately that I wouldn’t be able to eat just any food that day.
Struggling with digestion can be a disorienting experience – you start to second guess everything that goes into your body, questioning if it will make the situation better or worse.
I remember standing in front of my fridge, staring at the shelves blankly. Nothing looked appetizing. The thought of eating anything made me feel nauseous, but I knew I had to put something in my stomach. When stomach cramps hit, it can really knock us off our stride. I would recommend checking out my previous article where I outline the best probiotic tablets to always have on you during our busy and active lives.
It’s funny how much we take food for granted until we have a problem with it. When my stomach hurts or cramps, eating becomes less about enjoyment and more about necessity. I focus on bland, simple foods that won’t upset my stomach any more than it already is.
I’ve also found that exercise helps. It sounds counterintuitive – why would you want to move around when your stomach hurts? But gentle movements, like stretching or a short walk, can help get your digestive system moving, which can provide some relief.
When my stomach hurts, my brain goes into overdrive, trying to come up with solutions to alleviate the pain. I’ll spend hours on Google, searching for remedies and cures. Papaya, banana, ginger tea, and probiotic-rich food like yogurt are a few of my favorite natural remedies. We will get to each of these in detail in the following section and how it helped ease my pain.
1. Papaya
Eating papaya has proven to be a powerful remedy for digestive issues like bloating, gas, and cramps. When I have an upset stomach, munching on this tasty fruit provides instant relief from my discomfort – restoring not only my digestion but also peace of mind!
Papaya is an incredibly beneficial fruit when it comes to digestion, thanks largely to its high enzyme content. The enzymes found in papain break down proteins from the food we eat into more easily digestible pieces, easing the strain on our stomachs and helping us avoid bloating and constipation.
It also contains a high amount of fiber, allowing us to avoid constipation and accompanying cramps or discomfort. Not only that, but it also helps rid the body of excess waste so we stay healthy!
Eating papaya as a snack or blending it into smoothies is an easy and delicious way to give your digestive system the support it needs. Not only that, but you can find this nutritious fruit in most regular groceries – making it incredibly convenient!
2. Banana
I have personally experienced stomach cramps on several occasions and I have found that eating bananas have been helpful in relieving my symptoms. Bananas are an easily accessible snack that I can grab anytime, anywhere. Whenever I am experiencing cramps, I take a banana and peel it, and the relief comes quickly.
Eating bananas can be a great way to promote digestive health, thanks to their high fiber content. This natural source of dietary fiber helps stimulate the digestive system and may help alleviate constipation, bloating, and stomach cramps. Incorporate this delicious fruit into your diet for improved bowel regularity!
Another benefit of bananas is the high levels of potassium that they contain. Potassium is a mineral that helps to balance fluids in the body, and when our body is dehydrated, it can lead to cramps and other stomach issues. Eating bananas helps to restore the balance in our body and the stomach pain gradually subsides.
Moreover, Green bananas can also be a helpful remedy for diarrhea. The resistant starch fiber found in green bananas can help to firm up stools and reduce the amount and severity of diarrhea. I have tried consuming green bananas on a few occasions when I had diarrhea, and it proved to be very helpful.
Start your day off right with a nutritious and tasty bowl of banana oatmeal! Not only is it full of flavor, but its fiber-rich bananas will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Plus, this simple breakfast option can help those who are lactose intolerant to enjoy their meals without any digestive issues – so everyone can benefit from the deliciousness that comes along with enjoying a warm bowl of banana oatmeal every morning.
3. Yogurt
A few years ago, I suffered an extreme bout of food poisoning. The cramps were unbearable and nothing stayed down – even after seeking medical treatment. To help alleviate the pain in my stomach, I started adding yogurt to my diet that contained probiotics which helped restore balance and reduce inflammation within my gut – providing much-needed relief from the discomfort!
The benefits of eating yogurt don’t stop at stomach issues caused by infections or food poisoning. I’ve also found that eating yogurt regularly can promote overall digestive health. As someone who has struggled with irregular bowel movements and bloating, consuming yogurt has helped promote regularity and reduce uncomfortable symptoms.
However, not all yogurts are created equal. For the best benefits, choose plain yogurt with live, active cultures. Flavored yogurts often contain added sugars, which can worsen symptoms in people with sensitive stomachs. Add some sliced bananas or berries to your plain yogurt if you need a little sweetness.
4. Ginger Tea
I stumbled upon ginger tea quite unexpectedly when a friend offered me some to help alleviate my stomach cramps. Taking the first sip, I was instantly soothed by its warmth and aroma – it felt like all of the pain in my abdomen had just melted away! The comforting fragrance of this special beverage made for an incredibly pleasant experience that left me feeling relieved.
Now, every time I experience abdominal discomfort, my go-to remedy is a soothing cup of ginger tea. Preparing it has become part of my own personal ritual – heating up water and adding fresh slices of ginger with honey for sweetness before allowing the mixture to steep until relief arrives.
Ginger is nature’s remedy for stomach cramps, providing both anti-inflammatory and digestive properties that can help soothe the lining of your gut, reduce swelling, and decrease pain. Not only this but it has also been known to assist with nausea – a common symptom linked with abdominal aches. So why not give ginger a try next time you experience an upset tummy? The John Hopkins university conducted research on the benefits of Ginger tea, I found the information very insightful check it out here.
Wrap Up
Living with a sensitive stomach isn’t easy, but I’ve learned to adapt. I always keep a stash of ginger tea, papaya, banana, and yogurt on hand. I avoid foods that I know will upset my stomach, but I also don’t beat myself up by overindulging in something less-than-healthy occasionally.
Struggling with digestive issues has encouraged me to take a more mindful approach when it comes to food. I now carefully consider nutrition facts and ingredients, searching for meals that will nourish my body without causing further discomfort.
It’s easy to get frustrated with stomach issues, but I try to remind myself that it’s just another aspect of my health that I need to manage. With the right foods, exercise, and a little patience, I can still live a full, happy life – even on those tough stomach days.