How to Ease a Nervous Stomach

A nervous stomach is frequently used as another term for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms of a nervous stomach or IBS include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation and gas. It is called nervous stomach because it can flare up when you are nervous or feeling stressed. You need to see your doctor so he or she can evaluate your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan. There are a few things you can do to ease a nervous stomach.

Things You'll Need

• Physical examination
• Prescription medication
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Anti-gas medication
• Fiber-containing foods

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Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor. You will need a medical evaluation of your symptoms. Your doctor may require additional tests such as x-rays or a stool specimen to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Give your doctor a complete medical history and details about your lifestyle and ability to manage stressful situations.

• 2

  Ask about prescription medications. Ask your doctor if prescription medication will ease your nervous stomach. Certain prescription medications relax the gastrointestinal tract and may relieve your nervous stomach symptoms.

• 3

  Try anti-diarrhea medication. Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication can relieve diarrhea related to irritable bowel syndrome (or nervous stomach). Check with your doctor before taking this medication to make sure it is appropriate for your condition.

• 4

  Take anti-gas medication. Over-the-counter anti-gas medications can relieve abdominal pain and bloating caused by excess gas. Ask your doctor if anti-gas medications will help your symptoms.

• 5

  Increase your fiber intake. Eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Eating a healthy diet rich in fiber is beneficial to digestion and may minimize your symptoms. If you cannot tolerate foods high in fiber, ask your doctor to recommend an over-the-counter fiber supplement.