There are two main types of stomach discomfort. The first is a long-term, chronic stomach condition that can recur regardless if you eat. This condition is serious and should be treated by a doctor. Temporary discomfort can be avoided by paying attention to your diet and treated with simple home remedies.

What to do?

Start by tracking your diet and looking for links if you feel you are experiencing stomach discomfort on a regular basis. Different foods can cause stomach discomfort in different people. This may require some trial and error. Both red and black pepper are common gastrointestinal irritations. You may be able to improve your digestion by avoiding them.

Some people are sensitive to spicy foods, but you don’t have to give up chilies or other spiced food additives. Eating foods that are difficult to digest are often the problem. Even though green vegetables are important to any diet, some vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can cause gas and other stomach problems.

Remember

For sensitive stomachs, melons and apples can be a problem. Beans should be discarded from the water they were soaked in. Before heating, rinse them well. A high-fiber diet is generally good for you; whole grains are easier to digest. Many people have difficulty digesting milk because they are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause gas, cramping, and bloating. The stomach lining can also be irritated by alcohol and coffee.

Hydration

Water is the best liquid you can consume, and it should be hydrated in large quantities — six to eight glasses daily. You should also take a look at your medications. Your body may take some time to adjust to a new medication. If your stomach problems persist, you can try lowering the dosage.

One thing to be aware of is laxatives. Increasing your bran intake is a natural way to reduce constipation and is easier on your stomach. Aspirin and ibuprofen can cause stomach irritations and even ulcers. Instead, choose acetaminophen (or enteric-coated aspirin) to be more safe. Other than bran, high fiber foods can improve digestion and ease stomach discomfort.

Take note

• Caraway seeds are often used in the Middle East to digest after-meal meals. You can either chew these seeds or make a cup of tea by adding 1 teaspoon of seeds to a cup of hot water. Let the cup cool for ten minutes, then strain it and serve. If you feel uncomfortable, you can have three cups of caraway tea per person. However, it is best to drink it empty stomach. Caraway may also be a good choice, but fennel seeds might work just as well.
• Cinnamon aids digestion. To make cinnamon tea, mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with a cup hot water.
• Ginger tea can be used as a natural remedy for nausea, especially if you feel the same. Ginger aids in digestion, which helps your body absorb nutrients. One-half teaspoon of ground ginger can be added to a cup of boiling water. If the ginger is not finely ground, you may need to strain it.
• Two herbs that can help relieve upset stomachs are mint and thyme. You can make tea from either of them.
• Mixing a half-teaspoon baking soda with half a glass of water will make your own anticid. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a sodium compound, so you shouldn’t use it if you have high bloodpressure or are on a restricted diet.
• Bland foods like crackers can also help to calm stomach acids. A carbonated beverage can be helpful if you have eaten too much. Choose a non-caffeinated option such as ginger ale and lemon-lime soda. The carbonation causes you burp, which relieves bloated stomach. If you have diarrhea or vomiting, your body may be losing potassium.
• Fruit juices can help to restore these nutrients.