Having a sensitive stomach is an inconvenience—to put it mildly. While some people have more sensitive stomachs than others, we all get stomach aches once in a while. If you think your stomach ache has more to do with a medical problem, it’s best to visit the doctor and get prescribed the right medication.
It’s always a safer option to consult a medical professional if you have recurring stomach aches without any clear triggers. But if your stomach ache is due to overeating (guilty) or some seasonal bloating, you may want to try these natural remedies.
Salabat
The use of salabat to combat ailments has been passed down for generations. Though it’s most known for soothing sore throats, the ginger used in salabat has many benefits that can help calm stomachs. Ginger has antioxidant and natural motility properties that can help reduce bloating and protect the gastrointestinal lining.
If you’re not up for a warm cup, you can try our recipe for a fizzy salabat. It also works well as a mixer for cocktails to help you celebrate when you feel better.
Peppermint
Adding a few drops of peppermint oil in your tea can also alleviate the symptoms of a stomach ache. Same goes for peppermint tea. Peppermint has antispasmodic properties, which means it can help control muscle spasms in your stomach. For people that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach cramps, bloating, and gas pain, taking some peppermint oil in tea or capsule form can calm your upset stomach down.
It also has the added benefit of smelling great, which can also help relieve nausea.
Probiotic rich food
Yakult is a popular drink for a reason. Aside from being delicious (here are a few examples), it’s also filled with good bacteria that can help your stomach stay healthy. Maintaining a balanced, healthy gut is important if you want to keep away from stomach aches.
Yogurt, kombucha, and bone broth are just some of the probiotic-rich items you should keep at home to help out your stomach. Fermented food items like kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut are also rich in probiotics (and flavor).
Lugaw
While it’s not scientifically proven, there’s anecdotal evidence that suggests lugaw or congee can help with an upset stomach. Alongside salabat, it’s one of the go-to home remedies that elders prescribe to anyone sick or with an achy stomach. It can be served on the bland side to make sure it goes down easily or dressed up with additional toppings and herbs depending on the person eating it.
Lay on your left side
When you lay down to sleep or to rest, laying down on your left side is best. Our stomachs naturally empty out by traveling down the left side of our bodies, so gravity can help move things along naturally.