How to Tame Your Tummy Ache

Ah, holiday time. If that means you’re knee-deep in parties and celebrations, it also means you’re probably eating a lot of things that you might not normally be eating. I went to a cocktail party the other night and couldn’t resist those Prosciutto-Fontina Pinwheels and the Pancetta-Wrapped Mushrooms. Valiantly, I passed on the Whiskey-Cheese fondue, thinking it too messy and rich. (Just who was I fooling?) Then came my favorite part of the night ... dessert. And then, the moment I polished off that yummy slice of blueberry swirl cheesecake and popped some irresistible-looking pastries into my mouth, it happened.

Instant regret. Indigestion. Heartburn. Bloat. Pants suddenly snug. 

(Did I somehow fall asleep and miss that someone took my pants off of me and stuck them in a hot dryer?) 

Sound familiar? I don’t think you have to be a psychic to predict that many of us will likely experience similar scenarios throughout the holiday season. Read on for some natural, helpful ways I’ve gathered from various sources that claim to ease your belly woes. 

Helpful info: Indigestion can be caused by foods or beverages that are irritating to the digestive tract, like alcohol and caffeine, as well as greasy, spicy, or refined foods. But it can also be caused by behavior--like chewing with your mouth open, talking while chewing, or gulping down your food, which is certainly the scenario at many a cocktail party. Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates (like grains and legumes) are primary gas culprits, since they are difficult to digest. And of course, anxiety and stress can disturb your stomach as well. 

Remedies Worth a Try

Forearmed is forewarned, as they say. After all, being prepared--that’s half the victory.

• Tea. There are several types of tea that helps relax and settle the stomach. Among them: chamomile, ginger, peppermint, fennel.
• Fennel Seed. Technically not a seed but the fruit of the sweet fennel plant, this herb which smells similar to anise is usually sold in dry form (and it looks exactly like a seed). After a meal, chewing whole-roasted fennel seeds can help calm an angry tummy and relieve gas and bloating.
• Water. At the first sign of heartburn, drinking a large glass of warm water often helps.
• Raw apple cider vinegar. Sip on 1 tbsp mixed with a glass of water during meals.
• Elevate the head of your bed.
• Charcoal tablets. Available in the health food store, they can be used for relief of occasional digestive problems. They’re good for absorbing gas and toxins; occasional use is not harmful and has no side effects.
• Acidophilis. Necessary for normal digestion; take ½ hour before a meal.
• Aloe Vera. On an empty stomach, take ¼ cup of aloe vera juice in the morning and again at bedtime. It is a clear liquid that has no taste. A lot of people swear by it for keeping their tummies intact.
• Parsley. A few sprigs of fresh parsley or ¼ tsp of dried, taken with a glass of warm water can help; it’s also a nice breath freshener.

Drugstore Remedies 

• Beano. Take Beano at first bite. Beano contains a natural enzyme that can help prevent gas even before it starts; it should be taken with the first bite of that food.  For a free Beano Coupon, click here. 
• OTC drugs. Tagament, Pepcid, Prilosec, or Zantac can help, but long-term use is discouraged due to recent findings of harmful side effects, including increased risk of bone fractures in women. 

Try some of these remedies; hopefully this helpful information will lead to a fine-tuned tummy now and throughout the new year.

Sheryl Kraft is Health & Wellness Editor at EndlessBeauty.com