Cures for Stomach Problems

Whether you get them from stress, an undercooked chicken breast or an illness, stomach problems are no fun. And when you're in pain or feeling nauseous, you just want to feel good fast. These cures for stomach problems can help you do just that.

Peppermint

• Peppermint tea is an often recommended cure for indigestion. It relaxes the stomach muscles and helps food move through the stomach more quickly. Mixing peppermint and caraway oil, the tea may reduce intestinal cramping associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Just don't drink peppermint tea if you suffer with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia. As the tea relaxes the esophageal sphincter, stomach acids go up into the esophagus. That's not something you want if you have GERD.

Ginger

• Finding out that you're pregnant can be a joyous occasion. Unfortunately, that joy is often dotted with bouts of nausea and vomiting---a condition known as morning sickness. That's where a spot of ginger tea comes in handy. Ginger works to cure stomach problems including motion sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea and nausea after surgery. If you're taking a blood-thinning drug, be sure to talk to your physician before you start taking ginger.

Fiber

• You sit there and wait, and wait and wait---but nothing happens. You're constipated. It can happen when you change your diet, take iron supplements or even if you're emotionally stressed. Pregnancy and diabetes may also induce it. The cure for this stomach problem is to fill your belly with high-fiber foods. Get more apples, oranges and of course prunes into your diet. Broccoli, spinach and oatmeal can also help. But don't get dehydrated while you're doing it. Drink plenty of fluids to wash down high-fiber foods.

Antacid

• Antacids are a mainstay cure for the pains associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When you have GERD, the acid in your stomach rises up into your esophagus. Antacids help to neutralize the acid in your stomach and are available without a prescription. Brands made from magnesium salts can cause diarrhea, while those made from aluminum can cause constipation. To balance this out, choose one that has both magnesium salts and aluminum.

L. Acidophilus

• Lactobacillus acidophilus is a friendly bacteria that produces lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk. If you're lactose intolerant, your body doesn't produce lactase. And it's that lack of lactase that causes you to have bloating and gas if you drink milk. Incorporating L. acidophilus enriched milk and yogurt into your diet can help you cure this stomach problem. The refrigerated section of your local health food store might contain L. acidophilus supplements.