Care for the (Quite) Well Fed Stomach
Natural remedies abound to ease some of the discomforts caused by overeating. First, here are some helpful hints to lessen the need for these remedies:
- Eat at the same time every day if possible. It conditions the stomach to maintain a regular schedule for production of hydrochloric acid that is needed for digestion
- Avoid coffee, excessive refined sugars and refined flours
- Watch your portions! The recommended portions of foods are often much smaller than you think. For example, the recommended portion of cheddar cheese is only one ounce (about 1" square), and for turkey stuffing only 1/2 cup! Do you know anyone who only eats 1/2 cup of stuffing??
If gastric distress still occurs, try ONE of these natural methods to ease your discomfort:
- Asian Ginseng: Simmer 1 teaspoon dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Drink as needed. This tea is not recommended for anyone suffering from hypertension as it can raise your heartrate.
- Chamomile: Take 10-30 drops of the tincture, as needed until symptoms subside or steep 1 teaspoon dried flower in 1 cup boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
- Gingerroot: Steep 1 oz. grated fresh ginger root in 1 pint boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink as needed until symptoms subside.
- Licorice root: Take 1 to 3 milliliters tincture, 2 to 3 times per day or try prepared Licorice lozenges.
- Slippery Elm: Add 1 teaspoon dried inner bark in yogurt, oatmeal or a spoonful of honey to neutralize stomach acids, relieve heartburn and lessen intestinal gas.
- Papaya Enzyme: Take prepared lozenges as directed on package.