There is nothing worse than having a dull ache or a crippling sharp pain in your tummy; in your mind, it could be anything from a menstrual cramp to an overindulgent meal. Stomach pains are a topic we all need to get on top of so we know what to ignore and what to take seriously. Taking up a healthier way of living is one way to combat the annoyances of tummy aches; your lifestyle and diet could be a huge contributing factor. Getting these in order can help you to gauge whether there are underlying problems which require medical attention. You should never play down your stomach problems, at the same time you shouldn’t jump to conclusions before you know all of the facts. Start assessing your symptoms today and it will soon become clear why your tummy is troubling you.
Symptoms and Soreness
First of all, you need to evaluate what your symptoms are with your belly in order to diagnose the problem. Does your stomach get bothered by certain rich foods? Do you get uncomfortable during your time of the month? Or is the pain sporadic and unpredictable? Start a journal which notes down the date and time of your symptoms and the food and activities which surround the pain. After doing this for a month you may begin to notice patterns of behaviour which will hopefully lead you to some sort of solution. If you can’t seem to notice a trend with your aches and pains then you might want to check out the information on Patient.info, which outlines the signs of irritable bowel syndrome. You may experience bloating, changes in your bowel movements and general uneasiness in your stomach. Of course, you should always check you’re not pregnant when experiencing any changes in the way your tummy looks and feels as this might be a clear indication. Whatever your symptoms might be, there is help and advice available online and from your doctor.
Hydration and Nutrition
If your food diary indicating that your sore stomach was triggered by certain foods or drinks? Then you need to reassess your lifestyle and diet so that you aren’t susceptible to these problems anymore. Coeliac disease is caused by intolerances to gluten, which is found in starchy foods such as pasta, bread and pastries. Many people don’t realize they’re suffering from this so maybe try some gluten-free recipes and see if your problems subside. You also need to make sure you’re not over doing the caffeine and you’re drinking plenty of fresh water. Our bodies need plenty of water to function and flush out toxins so be sure to fill up your reusable water bottles when you’re out and about and at work. Our gut health is not always given a huge amount of thought either, but it is really important to incorporate friendly bacteria into our diets. Try eating more green vegetables, natural yoghurt, sauerkraut and kimchi throughout the week and allow your gut bacteria to stabilize and function well, in order to reduce inflammation in your tummy.

Photo source
Remedies and Therapies
Stomach problems are not only brought on by poor diet and genetic diseases, you might be suffering from an underlying mental health problem which is causing your stomach to spin. Anxiety and depression can cause you to lose your appetite or overindulge, leading to poor stomach health. Try some home remedies which will help you to feel calmer and less stressed. Use oregano oil to stabilize your mood and reduce pain; its antimicrobial properties means it will have a positive effect on your hormones and will assist your overall gut health. Gentle exercise and yoga might also be the key to combating physical and mental illnesses. If you’re not doing enough exercise or getting out in the fresh air you may be lacking vital vitamin D nutrients and endorphins. Try to head out for a brisk walk each day on your lunch break or use a meditation app to help you calm down your breathing every morning when you wake up.
Get a hold of your health problems and let your belly be beautiful again. You deserve to live a carefree life, with your mind at ease and not worrying about stubborn soreness and persistent pain. If you are in any doubt you should always seek medical help as soon as you can, but first, assess how your lifestyle might be impacting on your daily health. A few small changes can be hugely advantageous for your gut health and overall stomach strength and shape. Women like us especially need to keep our tummies happy due to potential pregnancies and other female-related health topics, so don’t turn a blind eye to potential problems.
*A collaborative post*

Great idea – what you wat makes such a difference