Stomach aches, we all experience them, some worse than others. Though some of them may come about due to viruses that we catch when out and about exploring the world or medical conditions, the truth is, that many stomach aches can be prevented. If we know the cause of them... that is.
With so many different causes, however, how do you even begin narrowing them down to discover what is driving yours? With gut health and good eating at our core here at Jomeis Fine Foods, we've delved into some of the top causes (and the symptoms) below.
Indigestion
As is in the name, indigestion is the body's inability to digest the food you eat. It is usually caused by overeating or eating too fast. Other causes may be consuming foods and drinks that are highly spicy or carbonated.
Indigestion usually feels like heartburn, which is why it's tricky to pinpoint. As it can vary in severity from person to person, it's also hard to know if you're experiencing indigestion or another medical condition (especially when it's more severe). We recommend always pacing yourself when eating and to lay off the spice if you're feeling uncomfortable after eating.
Bloating
Bloating is often caused when you have gas in the digestive tract from swallowing air or from eating gas-inducing foods. Some of these include beans, cabbage and carbonated drinks. It's important to remember that gas is different in everyone, and for this reason, different foods may also impact people differently. One person may be able to enjoy beans aplenty with no issues. Others, may, however, struggle to consume any without feeling gassy and bloated. Bloating can also range from providing a physical change in the body to creating painful stomach aches. To resolve it, identify those foods that make you feel badly bloated, and reduce them in your diet.
The Jomeis Fine Foods Superfood Breakfast Bowl is also a fantastic option for those ready to say goodbye to bloating. Even one bowl a week can help foster a healthy gut microbiome, meaning your stomach may react less intensely to bloat-inducing foods.
Constipation
We've all had constipation in the past. Going days and days without using the toilet is never fun for anyone. Not to mention, it can cause some nasty stomach aches that can leave you feeling sluggish, tired and a little grumpy at times. Fortunately, like many other stomach aches, there is a remedy. As constipation is commonly caused by a lack of fibre and dehydration, eating fibre-rich foods and committing to drinking two litres of water a day can help reduce it.
Once again, our Superfood Breakfast Bowls are fibre-heavy. Adding them into your diet will have you spending more time on the toilet, and less time wishing your stomach ache would go away. Did we mention it's also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a fantastic choice for sensitive stomachs? Now how's that for a breakfast alternative with a healthy kick?
Food Intolerances
Food intolerances can, unfortunately, develop at any age. They can also develop suddenly, giving you little time to prepare for them. Typically, food intolerances are common in foods with dairy or gluten. However, you can be intolerant to anything.
Food intolerances generally present similar to how IBS would, meaning that you find yourself on the toilet frequently, experiencing diarrhea and not able to control that after-meal stomach gurgling. If you're experiencing this, we recommend cutting out specific food groups, one at a time, that are known to cause gut problems. Try cutting them out for a few weeks, up to a few months, and see how you go. You can also head to your local GP, who can help conduct tests for you, which we recommend in more severe cases where your stomach aches heavily impact your day-to-day.
We also know how hard it can be to shop for deliciously nutritious foods when you need to cut out certain items. This is why we're proud to remind you that the Jomeis Fine Foods range is entirely gluten-free and dairy-free.
Stress/Anxiety
Tried diagnosing with all of the above and still not finding peace within yourself? Did you know that stress and anxiety can be equally as accountable for stomach aches, pains and nausea? Trying to eat your meals in a relaxed environment and at a slow pace can help your body be primed to digest better. Also try to consume foods, such as honey, dark chocolate and avocados, which are known to reduce stress levels to help your body heal from the inside out.
The Jomeis Fine Foods Team Is Passionate About Gut Health
Your gut health is at the centre of your wellbeing. So, if it's feeling off, you'll find that your mind, physical health and emotional health can feel disjointed too. Need help connecting with foods that heal the gut? Chat with our team to find out more.
