5 Tips for Dealing with an Upset Stomach

This post was sponsored by Influence Central as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

At one point or another, we have all experienced the unpleasant symptoms of an upset stomach. Whether it’s due to overindulgence, stress or a virus, the familiar symptoms of stomach distress can really get in the way of enjoying everyday life. Luckily, there are a number of ways to combat symptoms of an upset stomach. From eating a bland diet to taking loperamide products, keep reading for the information you need to know to soothe a troubled tummy.

1. Stick to a bland diet!
Have you ever heard of the BRAT diet? BRAT is an acronym that stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Those are the bland foods that tend to be gentle on an upset stomach. If you’re suffering from indigestion, stomach ache or diarrhea, the BRAT diet is a smart choice to allow your tummy to heal. Sticking to a bland diet is the quickest way to get kids (or adults) back on their feet. Charlotte recently battled a stomach virus but sticking to a bland diet allowed her to feel better within two days. She never had to miss a ballet class! Ballet is her favorite activity by far and she’s so proud of all the new moves she’s learning!

2. Look for over-the-counter remedies!
Did you know that 70% of travelers will suffer from diarrhea at some point? It’s not just adults that are affected. In fact, children have 5-7 episodes of diarrhea per year on average. When our kids are affected by diarrhea, we always take action. A common solution for dealing with diarrhea is to turn to over-the-counter medications, many of which contain loperamide. However, as with all pharmaceutical drugs, it’s essential to carefully read all product labels.

The active ingredient in many diarrhea relief medications is loperamide. While loperamide may relieve some symptoms of diarrhea via an anti-motility mechanism, it does not really address the underlying cause of stomach upset. While it’s completely safe when taken in recommended doses, loperamide can have a very different effect when taken in large doses. In fact, an overdose of loperamide can mimic the effects of opioids… that is, the user can experience a high. Even more scary is the fact that loperamide overdoses have caused a number of fatalaties.

As a result of this, the FDA has issued a letter to retailers, requesting that they voluntarily pull off the shelves any large-count loperamide products. Some retailers have complied. However, since the request is not mandatory yet, some retailers are continuing to sell bulk packages of loperamide. It’s imperative that all consumers read product labels and understand potential side effects / overdose consequences. Parents should be especially wary of the potential for abuse of any loperamide products. As the wife of a pharmacist, it’s very important to me that my family follows all product packaging directions carefully.

3. Drink plenty of warm tea!
I don’t know what it is about tea but it always works wonders for me. Sipping a warm mug of ginger, peppermint or chamomile tea is a surefire way to soothe my tummy. Even my kids ask for some tea if their bellies are feeling crampy or unsettled. A touch of honey and a squeeze of lemon is all that we typically add to it.

4. Rest and relax!
When one’s body is facing an infection, rest is important in order to fight it. Dealing with stomach woes is no different. Ensure you’re getting adequate sleep at night and reduce the amount of strenuous activity during the day, too. When I’m feeling under the weather, I try to lounge on the couch as much as possible – rest is key! For kids, getting enough rest is sometimes a bit more difficult to enforce, because they want to be active all day long. However, the sooner the virus passes, the sooner they can move on to fun things… like swimming! By the way, Sophia recently learned how to do a proper backstroke! Proud mama over here!

5. Apply heat!
A heating pad or hot water bottle can feel great on a sore tummy. The heat works by relaxing abdominal muscles and distracting oneself from the cramping. I have successfully used this remedy a number of times… it’s one of my go-to solutions!

Make sure you do your research and stay informed about the potential side effects of loperamide and other over-the-counter drugs. What is your best tip for handling an upset stomach? Have you ever taken loperamide?

This post is not provided for medical information. Please consult your physician for questions and concerns concerning your individual situation.

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