When a painful stomach ache strikes, arm yourself with these foods and drinks

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 by: Zach C. Miller
Tags: stomach ache, indigestion, natural remedies

(NaturalNews) Stomach aches are never a welcome occurrence. They often come on suddenly, due to number of factors, such as the proliferation of GMO and contaminated foods, daily stressors, and busy lifestyles which don't allow adequate time for healthy food preparation. Whatever the cause, the worst stomach aches can put you out of commission quickly, leaving you doubled over in agony. Luckily, there are foods and drinks provided by mother nature that can help soothe even the worst stomach aches quickly, and get you back on track.

Foods (and drinks) that help soothe stomach pains

Take a breather with a cup of chamomile tea. Chamomile tea is great for soothing stomach aches due to its sedative (calming) and anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe abdominal discomfort.

Make some fresh ginger tea. Ginger is a powerful agent for soothing stomach aches due to its anti-inflammatory properties and active ingredient, gingerol. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties neutralize stomach acids while increasing digestive juices, while the powerful antioxidant gingerol decreases nausea and abdominal discomfort while reducing free radical production. Make your tea by cutting up fresh ginger into strips and boiling it in pure water for a few minutes.

Cut and squeeze some fresh lemon. Lemons are one of the most versatile superfoods around (they're particularly effective for liver detoxes). Simply squeeze a quarter or a half a fresh lemon into pure, warm water and drink slowly for immediate relief from stomach pain.

Utilize of the power of apple cider vinegar. Just a small amount of apple cider vinegar can help alleviate stomach upsets. Simply add several teaspoons to a cup of cold or warm water and drink.

Drink some coconut water. Coconut water can have a calming effect on stomach aches. It helps the entire body feel refreshed due to its high electrolyte content. It also contains potassium and natural Vitamin C.

Eat some yogurt. Yogurt is great for soothing stomach upsets, as it's chock full of active probiotic cultures which can get your digestion back on track. It also soothes stomach woes as it's cool and coats the stomach lining.

Eat a bowl of applesauce. Applesauce is calming because it cools and coats the stomach, is easily digested and relieves diarrhea. The calories in it will help calm hunger pains which allows you to not eat too many complex foods that could exacerbate stomach woes.

Eat starchy foods such as rice, potatoes or oats. Starchy foods such as these coat the stomach lining, which soothes stomach pain and eases digestion. These foods don't stimulate acid reflux, and have a quick transit time out of the stomach, so you won't be sitting around suffering with a stomach full of food that won't digest (such as meat or other heavy foods). Be sure to buy organic to avoid GMO rice or potatoes.

Foods to avoid

There are some foods that you would be best to avoid, especially when you already have a stomach ache. If you don't have a stomach ache, avoid these foods as they might give you one!

Avoid wheat, corn, rye or other gluten-based foods. Gluten can cause or exacerbate stomach pain. Most of the wheat & corn on the market is GMO which can cause or worsen stomach pains.

Sugar. Much of the sugar in foods and drinks is sourced from GMO sugar beets. Even non-GMO sugar can upset the stomach.

Avoid beans, broccoli, cauliflower, soy, and other combustible foods. These foods are gas-causing and will make you feel more cramped and bloated. Also, much of the soy on the market is GMO-sourced, which will cause or exacerbate stomach and digestive woes.

Sources for this article include

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20569920,00.html

http://www.parents.com

http://www.health.harvard.edu

http://www.thriftyfun.com/Avoiding-Gluten-In-Your-Diet.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Cure-a-Stomach-Ache

https://www.naturalnews.com/036141_GMO_homeopathic_remedies.html

http://www.wisebread.com/12-natural-remedies-for-stomach-pain

About the author:
Zach C. Miller was raised from an early age to believe in the power and value of healthy-conscious living. He later found in himself a talent for writing, and it only made sense to put two & two together! He has written and published articles about health & wellness and other topics on ehow.com and here on NaturalNews. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Science.