Common Mistakes People Make During Stomach Upsets

Stomach upset is a common ailment caused by various things, such as infections, indigestion, food intolerances, or stress, and while the symptoms usually go away on their own, there are some common mistakes people make that can lead to prolonged discomfort or symptomatic worsening. 

Ignoring Hydration Needs

A common mistake is not drinking enough fluid. Stomach upset, especially with diarrhea or vomiting, can lead to dehydration. Not drinking enough fluid can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and worsening symptoms. The best fluids to use are water, oral rehydration solutions, clear broth, and herbal teas that are caffeine free. Too much of any sugary, caffeinated or carbonated drink could irritate your digestive tract or worsen dehydration.

Eating Irritative Foods and Drinks

Many people continue to eat or drink things that make their stomach symptoms worse during a stomach upset, even if they make it feel worse. Spicy, oily, or fried foods will slow digestion which can make nausea and indigestion worse. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and sodas, can bother the stomach lining. Drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks usually increase symptoms by increasing acid production and being dehydrating. For those who are lactose intolerant, dairy products can trigger cramps or diarrhea. In some cases, people also take remedies like an o2 tablet for stomach-related discomfort, but avoiding irritative foods remains the first step.

Eating Large or Heavy Meals

Digestion is slower during stomach upset, and if you consume a large meal the digestive system can become overwhelmed. Overeating or consuming heavy meals can produce increased nausea and bloating. It’s better to eat low-fat, easily digestible foods, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, in smaller, more frequent amounts. Eating quickly and without chewing may lead to indigestion, and should be avoided.

Wrong dose and use of medications

• Improper self-medication while experiencing stomach upset, may lead to exacerbation of symptoms or a delay in diagnosis of serious conditions.
• Many over-the-counter medications (such as ibuprofen, or even aspirin) can irritate the stomach lining and should be avoided when you have stomach upset.
• You would want to avoid using antacids or anti-diarrheal medications more than necessary or excessively. In fact, using these medications may actually just delay recovery or result in some adverse effects associated with medications.
• Also, using antibiotics without medical consultation, and for suspected infections, is something many patients consider to be completely accepted practice. Thus, using antibiotics without the medical context and consideration can actually promote resistance, and also impair gut microbiota.
• It is critical to mention that medications such eldeflox oz tablet should only be used under a doctor’s supervision, as they do have indications and effects if used for non-medical purposes.

Not Resting and Not Reducing Stress

• Lengthening symptoms by ignoring what the body is communicating and allowing for rest, and further exposing to more stress can result in prolonged and heightened symptoms.
• When stress and anxiety arise, they increase activity along the Gut-Brain Axis, which can worsen many stomach indications such as nausea and cramping.
• Orientation for allowing use of sleep, and relaxation, is available for healing digestion system.

Resting Lying Down Immediately After Eating

A number of people will either lie down or head for bed soon after eating, when symptoms of stomach upset are present, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux and worsening of indigestion. Whether standing or sitting upright for a minimum of 2-3 hours, encourages gastric emptying and minimizes gastric acid reflux. Do not perform any vigorous physical activity immediately after eating.

Not Seeking Medical Assessment

• Another major error is waiting too long to seek medical attention when symptoms worsen or don’t improve.
• If you have ongoing stomach pain, ongoing vomiting, blood in stool or vomit, high fever, or signs of dehydration, you should seek medical attention.
• It is important to diagnose and treat underlying conditions early on to avoid complications.

Ignoring Food Intolerances and Allergies

• Food intolerances and allergies can be aggravated by consuming foods you are intolerant or allergic to while experiencing stomach upset.
• Try to avoid trigger foods you know you cannot tolerate such as dairy that contains lactose, products that contain gluten when a celiac is suspected, and certain fermentable carbohydrates.
• Keeping a symptom diary would help recognize trigger foods.

Poor Personal Hygiene

• Stomach upset often stems from infectious causes transmitted via contact through contaminated hands, food, or both.
• Not washing hands prior to eating food or after going to the bathroom makes you more susceptible to infectious causes.
• Always perform safe food handling/preparation in addition to safe handwashing.

Bad Probiotic Support

• Stomach upset usually comes with antibiotics or an infection to the gastrointestinal tract, if you have not returned to a baseline of probiotic support, this could hold up recovery and develop further disturbances in digestion.
• It may help to consume food and/or supplements rich in probiotics, as these can help re-align gut flora.

Overusing Evidence of Home Remedies

• Utilizing improper, untested, or overuse of home remedies without consultation may result in further complications.
• Some home remedies are incompatible with medications, or inappropriate conditions.
• If you are considering any herbal or alternative treatment consult a healthcare professional first to ensure you are not taking them incorrectly.

In order to physically manage stomach upset:

• Ensure you are adequately hydrated with appropriate fluids.
• Be aware of what you consume and stick to smaller, bland, easy-to-digest meals.
• Prevent irritants such as food and drink.
• Make sure to rest enough and manage your stress levels.
• Use medications only as needed and consult with a professional.