Stomach Troubles & Gastroenterological Issues
Stomach pain is a term that is colloquially interchanged with "abdominal pain" and "gastrointestinal pain."
The abdomen is the region between the chest and pelvis. In particular, the stomach is located in the upper left region of the abdomen. When an individual experiences recurrent stomach pain, the condition can cause discomfort, worry, and stress.
More than 40% of Americans have digestive issues that disrupt daily schedules and lives.
A survey from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and multiple peer-reviewed studies have found that more than 40% of Americans have digestive issues that disrupt daily schedules and lives.
There are many measures that patients and researchers have tested to see what is most effective in relieving gastrointestinal issues. By incorporating these various methods into their routines, patients can ease their stomach troubles and improve their quality of life.
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Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy when YOU need it mostHere are 5 ways to help ease any stomach pain and troubles:
1. Initiate Dietary Changes
The most commonly recommended and proven method to reduce stomach troubles is dietary changes. A balanced diet of vegetables, proteins, and whole grains can ease stomach pain.
In contrast, a diet that consists of fatty foods, greasy meals, spices, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages can exacerbate stomach issues due to various mechanisms such as stomach lining irritation, acid reflux, stomach acid production, and gut sensitivity.
A BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast) can alleviate stomach cramping and diarrhea when facing complications such as severe diarrhea.
2. Proper Hydration
Although it may sound cliche to recommend water as a treatment for most conditions, there are proven benefits. Adequate hydration facilitates proper gastrointestinal system functioning, prevents dehydration from diarrhea, prevents constipation, and softens stools. If severe diarrhea occurs, electrolyte drinks and mixes can be added to replace lost fluids.
3. Probiotics
The gut microbiome's natural balance enables the digestive and immune systems to maintain overall health. When this balance is thrown off, gastrointestinal complications can occur. Restoring this balance can alleviate bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.
Common probiotic options are yogurt, kefir, tempeh, pickles, and kombucha. Probiotics can also be found in a supplement form.
"Probiotics are live, active microorganisms ingested to alter the gastrointestinal flora for health benefits" - Mayo Clinic
4. Relieving Stress
Research from the past decade has confirmed that anxiety and stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastritis. Engagement in meditation, yoga, breathing techniques, and hobbies can alleviate stress and thus reduce gastric pain.
5. Medications
Medications and antacids can provide relief from stomach troubles. Commonly used medications include H2 blockers (famotidine), proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole), and loperamide (for acute diarrhea).
Medications do not always treat the root cause of the stomach troubles but provide temporary relief.
Before starting these options, talking about them with a licensed healthcare professional is very important. Medications do not always treat the root cause of the stomach troubles but provide temporary relief.
⛔️ It is always advised to speak to your doctor 🥼 directly and make clinical decisions with him 👨⚕️ or her 👩⚕️ regarding medications or testing.
Below is an informational video from TIME on curing an upset stomach.
Summary
Incorporating various methods into the daily routine is the first step in maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal system and alleviating stomach troubles.
A biopsychosocial approach focused on diet, hydration, and stress relief can help to address the root issue and reduce stomach irritation.
By emphasizing gut health, patients will treat their current stomach troubles and prevent further gastrointestinal complications.
Balance. Portion control. Keep nutrition simple. Eat Smart. Eat Healthily. 🌱 🌾 🌿
Personally
I eat a high-fiber, mostly plant-based 🌱 diet, no red meat, drink 4 liters of water a day, exercise, and am focused on keeping nutrition simple. I am sharing what works for me and what I routinely recommend to my patients.
"Balance. Portion control. Keep nutrition simple. Eat Smart. Eat Healthy. 🌱 🌾 🌿"
Gut Health ➕ Patient Advocacy with Navigation ➕ Life Balance
If you were looking for information about Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy from Executive Health NavigationClick here for Executive Health Navigation✴ Connect with Dr. Dooreck on LinkedIn, where he focuses his sharing on Health, Diet, Nutrition, Exercise, Lifestyle, and Balance.
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