Do you plan your day around your bathroom breaks? Do you turn down invitations because you’re afraid you’ll have an accident in public? If you’re plagued by diarrhea and other digestion problems, you are far from alone.
Digestion problems are never fun, especially when they happen all the time. Many things can interfere with digestion including food bacteria, infections, medications, and chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Stress also plays a role.
Your doctor can recommend diets or prescribe medications to improve your dilemma and treat your pain. However, you can take steps of your own to make it through the day with a little more ease and comfort. In fact, you may be able to drink your way to better digestion.
Hydrate With Pure Water
Water is essential for good health, and it’s the most natural way to treat your digestive problems. Water improves bowel function by keeping stools soft, solid, and well-formed. Coffee and soft drinks cause can constipation or diarrhea.
When diarrhea strikes, drinking more water can prevent dehydration. Sports drinks are a good alternative since they help replace lost minerals called electrolytes. Caffeine and alcohol keep you dehydrated and make your digestive problems worse.
Drinking more water is the best way to increase your fluid intake during hot weather and physical workouts. Fruit juices are another healthy way to sneak more water into your day if your stomach can tolerate them. To prevent “traveler’s diarrhea,” drink bottled water and juices.
Brew Fresh Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is another natural way to treat stomach problems. This popular folk remedy treats upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. Research shows that ginger improves saliva flow and aids digestion.
Ginger helps nausea caused by pregnancy, vertigo, surgery, and chemotherapy. It also reduces digestive symptoms associated with menstrual periods and menopause. Even stress responds to a refreshing cup of ginger tea.
Start with one tablespoon of peeled, grated, or sliced ginger root placed in a cup. Boil 2 cups of filtered water and pour it over the ginger. Cover the cup and steep the tea for about 10 minutes. Add one tablespoon each of lemon juice and raw honey, and enjoy the treat.
Enjoy Some Mint, Too
Peppermint is a natural herb, and the leaf and oil of the peppermint plant have medicinal properties. Peppermint tea can soothe a host of digestive ills including heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, stomach cramps, IBS, diarrhea, and gas. It may also improve the flow of bile, which aids digestion.
Peppermint tea is easy to make. All you need is a cup of water and a few peppermint leaves or a teaspoon of dried peppermint. Add the peppermint to one cup of boiling water, cover, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also chew on peppermint leaves to ease your stomach pains.
