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Stomach Complaints Stomach Complaints Stomach Complaints Stomach Complaints DIARRHEA CONSTIPATION Anyone with diarrhea knows the abdominal Constipation pain, bloating, cramping feelings that are often refers to brought on by frequent loose or watery stools. difficulty in emptying the Many foods can cause diarrhea, such as dairy bowels, with products, caffeine, alcohol, and greasy, fatty dry, hard stools or spicy foods. Some foods that are better often noted, and is usually brought on by a lack tolerated are bananas, boiled potatoes, of dietary fiber, water and exercise. Some cooked carrots, cooked chicken, plain rice, medications can also be a factor. toast and applesauce. Constipation can also occur in small children Diarrhea Treatment when they ignore the urge to pee. Adding fiber to your diet can help control Daily exercise and drinking more water will help watery diarrhea as it helps make watery relieve constipation. Other changes to your diet stool more formed and constipated stool such as increasing dietary fiber to at least 40 softer. grams a day, and eliminating dairy products or If your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial or choosing dairy alternatives are known to be parasitic infection, you may need antibiotics. helpful as well. Help small children get into a regular routine so Stomach There are many choices for over‐the counter he/she doesn’t resist the urge to go (after meals is products like Imodium AD® or Kaopectate® a good time to sit on the toilet for 5‐10 minutes). that can reduce symptoms but don’t speed Complaints healing. See your health care provider if the level of constipation prevents you from participating in It’s time to see your health care provider if normal activities, lasts longer than 3 weeks Heartburn, Nausea, there is blood or pus in the stool, you without significant relief, or you have not had a Diarrhea & Constipation experience black, tarry stools, diarrhea bowel movement for a few days longer than persists longer than 3 days, is accompanied normal. Management by a fever of 102° or above, you experience severe abdominal or rectal pain, or there are signs of dehydration (decreased urination, This report was compiled by Ammonoosuc Community decreased sweating, increase in heart rate Health Services, Inc. (ACHS) clinical staff for informational and breathing rate, muscle cramps and purposes, and does not replace any advice one might receive headaches). from a qualified health care provider. Heartburn, Nausea, Diarrhea and Constipation Management Many people suffer with digestive difficulties, and spend millions of dollars each year on both prescription medications and visits to their doctor’s office to address a myriad of stomach problems. Many of these problems can be addressed by making informed lifestyle changes or taking over‐the‐counter remedies instead of prescription drugs. Getting regular exercise, drinking plenty of provider before regular or long term use. water, and eating a fiber‐rich diet (at least 40 grams/day for adults), and reducing or NAUSEA eliminating processed foods, alcohol, tobacco and caffeine are all beneficial for a healthier Although nausea can be a symptom of more you and will help keep many of these serious health conditions, the usual causes of problems from occurring in the first place. nausea are a persistent stomach virus, pregnancy, food poisoning, drug overdose, Many stomach issues can be caused by high concussion, overeating and migraine. Taking stress levels. Relaxation practices like yoga, too many supplements at once or too high a meditation, prayer, breathing exercises, dose can also make a person feel a bit queasy. massage, or guided imagery can be effective ways to reduce or prevent stress. Managing Nausea Making lifestyle changes for a healthier you can lessen the occurrence of common stomach issues. Daily exercise, drinking plenty of water, Always talk to your provider about any and making smart food choices support a healthier lifestyle. Try small, protein rich meals every two hours medications you are taking that might to keep up strength. Eating a protein‐rich contribute to your symptoms, as well as any “GERD” (HEARTBURN) keeping a journal to identify patterns of what snack before bed is important to lessen the which might help if you take them. might be causing your GERD symptoms may be next morning’s nausea. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) is a burning helpful. Other ideas for managing GERD For pregnancy‐related nausea, try products Maintaining “good bacteria” in your sensation in the chest caused when stomach acid symptoms include: made with real ginger, acupressure bands, or digestive system is very helpful in managing travels backward up the Try using bricks/blocks/boards to raise the head talking to your doctor about taking extra many stomach complaints. Taking a probiotic esophagus (food pipe), of your bed a few inches above the foot of the vitamin B6. supplement or consuming cultured yogurt or causing irritation. Many other fermented foods can provide good bed (stacking pillows under your head can things can contribute to Drinking liquids between meals instead of with bacteria and should be considered part of actually make GERD symptoms worse). GERD symptoms, especially them can help lessen symptoms of nausea. your diet to keep the digestive system obesity, pregnancy, alcohol, Some herbal supplements such as slippery elm healthy. Persistent nausea over 1‐2 weeks, weight caffeine, nicotine, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) may help loss, vomiting, inability to eat, or nausea that If you still need occasional help with overeating and eating too manage heartburn. Over‐the‐counter gets worse over time are all reasons to see a common stomach ailments, the following close to bedtime. medications such as calcium carbonate (TUMS®), health care provider. ranitidine (Zantac®) and omeprazole (Prilosec®) information may be helpful. Along with avoiding these can also help but ask the advice of a health care contributing factors, Continued next page... .
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