Don’t Be Upset

Stomach upsets are an unpleasant and painful part of life, and thankfully are usually over fairly quickly. Your stomach is a ‘first receiver' in the body and as such, is a good guide for your general health.

If you eat something that isn't quite right, or are fighting a viral or bacterial infection, your tummy will be the first to know. Vomiting is your body's way of quickly and efficiently removing food, and unwanted substances or organisms from your body. It is designed to stop the unwelcome foreign body from taking hold in your system.

Stomach upsets are hard to ignore, but once the vomiting has subsided, you may be left with a lingering feeling of dis-ease, which can usually be treated at home.

If vomiting persists more than 24 hours, you feel drowsy or feverish or are in any way concerned, seek medical advice immediately.

Listen to your body

If you aren't hungry following a stomach upset, chances are your body is still fighting what caused the upset in the first place. A loss of appetite often signals that your body does not have the energy to digest food yet.

After a stomach upset, you will most likely be dehydrated. Rehydrating your body will do wonders in terms of making you feel better. Boil and cool water and sip small amounts frequently. You may like to grate some fresh ginger into hot water – ginger is wonderful for settling the stomach, as is peppermint tea.

When you do feel a little bit hungry, start small and light. Clear broth, vegetable juices and boiled rice are easy to digest. Steer clear of protein or fatty foods until you feel truly well again. Eat small portions regularly.

Try a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey in warm water to settle your stomach. Cuddle a hot water bottle or wheat bag to sooth cramps, and remember the good bacteria in yoghurt will help restore the balance in your gut once you feel like eating again.