If you’re finding yourself regularly experiencing stomach problems, from bloating to stomach cramps to diarrhoea, constipation and more, you should take some time to get to the bottom of your problems and to figure out what you need to do to to alleviate some of your symptoms. All too often, we will ignore issues and pain, as we try to get on with day to day life and responsibilities. But nobody should be inconvenienced in this way on a regular basis. Here are some tips that can help you on this journey.
See Your Doctor
Your first port of call when you experience any issues with your stomach or digestive system is your doctor. Your doctor will be able to help you discuss what has been happening and will be able to diagnose any underlying conditions that you may have. This may be during your appointmnet, or you may find that you get sent for testing to get to the root of the problem. Once you know what’s wrong, your doctor will be able to recommend treatment or lifestyle changes that could help to alleviate your symptoms and make you more comfortable. Whether that’s diarrhea medicine, eating more fiber, eating at certain times or anything else.
Consider Allergies and Intolerances
If you find that your doctor tells you that you have an allergy or intolerance to something, it really is important that you take this seriously and cut this food or drink out of your diet. All too many people with issues such as lactose intolerance will still eat foods that they know aren’t food for them. Sure, they may taste great, but nowadays we have more and more plant based options and alternatives available. Opt for these, as they will give a similar effect from a taste and use perspective, but won’t irritate your stomach in the same way.
Choose Gut Friendly Foods and Drinks
There are plenty of foods that are good for your gut and you should make sure to incorporate plenty of them into your diet. Most of them are packed with healthy bacteria, which can help your gut to function at its best. Here are a few suggestions that you might want to try out.
Kombucha
Kombucha is one of the best drinks you can add to your diet for your gut health. While relatively few people would have known of this five years ago, it is becoming increasinlgy popular in the West. It is a drink with years of history and use and is essentially a fermented, sweetened black tea drink that can work wonders for your gut. In terms of taste, it is fizzy and has a distinct, sour taste, meaning that for many, plain kombucha isn’t the most enjoyable. It can definitely be an acquired taste. However, with its increasing popularity, many companies are now adding different flavours, including the addition of fruit, herbs or flavourings. You can find ginger, raspberry, ginger, lemon and a host of other flavours in health food stores and even some supermarkets.
Kimchi
If you’re looking for a gut friendly food, you might want to try out the traditional Korean side dish, Kimchi. This is another dish that has experienced a lot of popularity in the West in recent years. It is a fermented cabbage dish that is absolutely packed with flavour. It is most commonly made using napa cabbage and Korean radish. It is then fermented and flavoured with gochugaru, spring onions, garlic, ginger and jeotgal. You can then choose different spice levels, which incorporate different amounts of chilli.
Kefir
If you don’t suffer from lactose intolerance, give kefir a try. This is another fermented drink, but this time, it is made of fermented milk. It has roots in Russia and Eastern Europe and has been popular for many years. Again, it is a drink that is gaining popularity in Western culture, as more and more people look to boost their gut health. Of course, it is not suitable for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant, however for those who can tolerate it, it is made from kefir grains and is also a great source of calcium, protein and B vitamins.
Sourdough
Most of us incorporate bread into our daily diet, so why not opt for more gut friendly bread? Sourdough is a great option, as it can function as a prebiotic. Enjoy yours however you please. It’s available in most stores nowadays, so shouldn’t be hard to get your hands on.
Each of the steps above can really help you when it comes to stomach and gut health. Give them a try and see how you get on!
*This is a collaborative post*
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