Published By: K.D Cameron

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Sour stomach. Gas. Bloating. We all suffer minor stomach upset from time to time. When it strikes, we’re likely to reach for antacids. But over time, these solutions can do more harm than good, especially when used too regularly.

Here are some effective strategies for calming your tummy naturally. Think about it the next time you feel a rumble in your belly. Some of these tips will not only help calm a queasy gut but could help keep you in digestive comfort more regularly and reduce your need for stomach-soothing solutions long term.

Sip your way to stomach comfort. Herbal teas can be equally effective as antacids. Think Chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm or ginger. These natural herbs contain phytochemicals and nutrients that soothe the stomach lining, stimulate digestion and even help dispel gas.

Put your mind to it. Meditating regularly has a calming effect on the entire body, including your stomach. In fact, your mind and your stomach are more connected than you think. Scientist call it the “gut-brain axis,” a biochemical signaling process between the gastrointestinal system and the brain that emerging research indicates is more important than previously understood. It’s why we get an upset stomach when stressed, and why individuals with mental health concerns experience much higher incidences of digestive distress. Meditation has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort in those facing mental and emotional stress.

Run away. No, not really—you can’t simply run away from a tumultuous tummy. Exercise, however, can stimulate digestion and keep your gut in good working order. This is not a solution for acute distress. Rather, it’s a smart preventive practice that can help reduce the incidence of stomach upset while supporting general good health and fitness.

Listen to grandma. Folk remedies like apple cider vinegar are still relevant today. My grandma would sip warm water with an ounce of apple cider vinegar and honey to calm indigestion. Personally, I prefer supplements, but the results are the same.

Enhance your enzymes. Speaking of supplements, you can actually augment the enzymes in your gut that are responsible for healthy digestion by taking digestive enzymes. If you drink alcohol, eat a high protein diet, or take any number of medications that interfere with digestive function, supplementing with digestive enzymes is a smart move. While you can find specific enzymes for specific needs, most people benefit most from a complex of enzymes that includes proteases (enzymes that break down protein), lipases (which break down fat), amylases (for starch) and more. I’ve had great success with Swanson’s BioCore Optimum Complete. It’s one of the most complete digestive enzymes I’ve found.