Health

America’s Nutrition Coach: Food Rx for Upset Stomach

Published

9 years ago

February 23, 2015

By Dr. Ro
NNPA Columnist

Ever get that queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach for seemingly, no reason at all?

You’re not alone. Although many people experience inexplicable stomach upsets that have no complicated medical diagnoses, researchers say the symptoms that often follow –nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive upsets, occur in women about six times more frequently than they do in men. No worries! There is help in your kitchen.

A true story:

I grew up in inner city Washington, D. C. But my mother, a single parent was from a small town in Virginia, in Orange County, and like many Black families who had migrated to the north, we visited our Virginia roots every weekend and each summer. My mother was an entrepreneur – the first African American female in the nation’s capital to own her own taxi business bearing her name! She maintained the taxi business during the week and on weekends she owned and operated a juke joint. If the term “juke joint” doesn’t resonate with you, think about Miss Celie, Shug Avery, and the after hours spot they frequented in “The Color Purple.”

Across the yard from the juke joint sat my grandma’s house and the most beautiful and robust garden. During my summer visits, I spent most of my time on the heels of my grandmother who served dinner from garden to table every day. But whenever I complained of a stomachache, she would trot me straight out to her garden, filled with all manner of produce, including about a dozen varieties of mint.

At my grandma’s insistence I would chew a few leaves of her mint choice and my stomach pains would subside. It was there, in my grandma’s garden that I first learned that many a remedy to what might ail any of us is often found in foods we consume. This is perhaps my first glimpse into the work I do today as a nutrition coach. So in the spirit of my grandmother – Mary Brock, the gardener also known by her neighbors and family as a “prayin’ woman,” I offer you a few remedies for your stomach upsets because “food is medicine.”

Try my food prescription (Dr. Ro’s Food Rx) when that queasy feeling takes root in your tummy.

* Fennel or Caraway seeds – these seeds can work wonders to improve digestion and to ease gas and bloating. Add 1 tablespoon of caraway or fennel seeds to 1 cup boiling water, cover and steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink 3 cups a day on an empty stomach for best results. You may also chew on the seeds after a meal to prevent upset stomach.

* Papaya – often used to treat digestive upsets such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and heartburn because of its natural digestive enzyme, papain, and breaks down foods that may be irritating to the stomach. A half of thinly sliced fruit will do the trick.

* Apples – (best baked if you have a particularly sensitive stomach), are good for fighting a queasy stomach because they are rich in enzymes and the soluble fiber, pectin, which help to break down stomach irritants from other foods and as a bonus, also lower cholesterol.

* Cinnamon – the spice known for treating morning sickness and diarrhea, is also good for chasing gas bubbles away. It stimulates the digestive system, which moves foods along the digestive tract smoothly. Sprinkle cinnamon on other stomach-settling foods like apples, bananas, and herbal teas such as chamomile or ginger. You may also make a cinnamon tea by adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to 1 cup of hot water, let stand for 5 minutes then drink.

* Ginger – anyone who’s ever had an upset stomach may have heard that ginger ale was the remedy to settle an upset stomach. Well there’s a good reason. Ginger contains chemicals believed to work primarily in the stomach that may reduce nausea and inflammation. If you don’t like “the fizzies” that come with the carbonation of ginger ale, try ginger tea, or fresh ginger soaked for a few minutes in water.

* Mint and Thyme – both herbs help to ease gas, bloating, and stomach cramps by stimulating digestion and moving food smoothly through the digestive tract. Each can be used to make a simple tea to ease stomach cramps and to relieve pressure caused by gas and bloating. You may also chew on mint leaves for relief.

* Plain crackers – work well to settle an upset stomach, because they are low in fiber and easy to digest.

Bottom line? Stay away from hi-fat and fried foods because the demands on your stomach to digest them are too high and will cause undue stress. Opt for clear vegetable or chicken broth to ease back into a diet of vegetables, fruit, and lean protein if you have been unable to tolerate solid foods for a while.

Rovenia Brock, Ph.D. is a medical advisory board member and contributor to the “Dr. Oz Show,” where she helped more than a half-million Americans lose more than 5 million pounds. She is the author of “Dr. Ro’s Ten Secrets To Livin’ Healthy (Bantam). For more health, nutrition, and fitness tips, join Dr. Ro and her social media community at www.everythingro.com.

###

Reporter II

Posts by Reporter II

Related Topics:Dr. Ro healthy food Nutrition Rovenia Brock

Up Next

Finally! The FDA Admits That Nearly Over 70% of U.S. Chickens Contain Cancer-Causing Arsenic

Don't Miss

It’s Official: Americans Should Drink More Coffee

Reporter II

Click to comment

Community

For Cervical Cancer Month, Medical Community Focused on Education

January was Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Physicians, advocates and others in the medical community commemorated the month by raising awareness about a form of cancer they say is highly preventable and treatable. Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV) and it develops slowly over time but can be prevented with proper care in girls as young as 13 years old.

Published

19 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Oakland Post

A Mayo Clinic article published last month stated that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed and die of cervical cancer, compared to White women in the U.S. 2,000 Black women are diagnosed every year with cervical cancer and 40% die as a result.

By Magaly Muñoz

January was Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Physicians, advocates and others in the medical community commemorated the month by raising awareness about a form of cancer they say is highly preventable and treatable.

Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV) and it develops slowly over time but can be prevented with proper care in girls as young as 13 years old.

Sonia Ordonez, an OBGYN and gynecology surgeon at Kaiser Permanente, stated that as soon as people with cervixes reach the maturity reproductive age, they should start taking preventative measures like getting the HPV vaccine. The vaccine involves a series of two-doses for people aged 9 through 14 or three-doses for people 15 through 45 years old.

“I see a lot of young women who can’t remember or may not have gotten [the vaccine] when they were younger, or maybe got one, but we can give them the series of vaccines and restart at any point in time,” Ordonez said.

She said that cervical cancer is not the only cancer caused by HPV. Strains of the virus can also lead to throat, anal and penile cancers.

Screening is also an effective way to check for cervical cancer and should be done every three years after someone turns 21, doctors recommend. It is best to start as early as possible to catch occurrences early.

Ordonez said that this cancer is also more likely found in people of color and has led to more deaths overall.

A Mayo Clinic article published last month stated that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed and die of cervical cancer, compared to White women in the U.S.

2,000 Black women are diagnosed every year with cervical cancer and 40% die as a result.

“This disparity is not due to genetic differences among White, Black or Hispanic women, but rather related to systemic racism, access to healthcare and socioeconomic factors,” Dr. Olivia Cardenas-Trowers, a Mayo Clinic urogynecologist, said in the article.

Ordonez stated that immigrant women are also highly susceptible to the cancer, as many Latin American countries may not have accessibility to screenings or lack of insurance makes it harder for them to get tested.

Hispanic women are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 30% more likely to die from it, as compared to non-Hispanic White women, according to the Office of Minority Health.

Family medicine physician, Joy Anyanwu, stated that the pandemic contributed to hesitancy about getting cervical cancer screenings among some women. Other factors are people’s aversion to vaccines, parents not wanting to believe that their children are or will become sexually active, and doubt about the overall effectiveness of the vaccine.

“The vaccine is very safe — over 97% effective in preventing cervical cancer,” Anyanwu said. “Even if you aren’t having sex, the earlier you start would actually help.”

Anyanwu said she understands that parents might not want to ask questions about their children’s reproductive health, but it’s a mindset that can be a barrier to having important conversation about prevention or care.

To keep families their families and communties healthy, the doctor emphasized that people should prioritize keeping up with their vaccine series and going to screenings every year.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌

Sacramento Lawmakers Step Up Push for “Smart Solutions” on Crime, Public Safety

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) and Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights), both members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), have joined other lawmakers and criminal justice reform advocates to address public safety in the state.  On April 2, CLBC members gathered outside the State Capitol for the unveiling of the #SmartSolutions Public Safety Policy Platform, a package of 30 bills that addresses the top concerns of retailers, retail workers, the fentanyl crisis, and support for victims and survivors of crime.

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2024

Oakland Post

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), second right, and Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton), right, have introduced bills that would protect victims, reduce recidivism, and treat substance-use disorders. CBM photos by Antonio Ray Harvey.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

On April 2, CLBC members gathered outside the State Capitol for the unveiling of the #SmartSolutions Public Safety Policy Platform, a package of 30 bills that addresses the top concerns of retailers, retail workers, the fentanyl crisis, and support for victims and survivors of crime.

“Instead of being tough on crime, we need to be smart on crime,” Smallwood said at the press briefing. “I am not saying that we’re not going to be holding folks accountable for the actions that they take. But we will not rely on incarceration as a solution.”

McKinnor, Smallwood-Cuevas, a coalition of advocates, addiction treatment experts, and Yurok Tribal leaders joined Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), and Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) at the press conference organized to promote legislative solutions that ensure safety and justice.

Organizers say #SmartSolutions is an intersectional campaign that combats criminalization and mass incarceration by pushing for the redirection of state resources to fund housing, health care, schools, services for victims, and programs that reduce recidivism and promote accountability, beyond incarceration.

Opponents of the bills proposed in the #SmartSolutions campaign say their colleagues who support reform-focused strategies are looking the other way on crime and encouraging lawlessness.

For example, Assemblymembers Wendy Carillo (D-Boyle Heights), Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) and Mike Gipson (D-Carson) are supporting Assembly Bill (AB) 1990, legislation that would allow a peace officer to arrest shoplifters without a warrant or without witnessing the theft.

Assemblymember James Ramos (D-Highland) authored AB 1772 and introduced it in January. The legislation proposes sterner penalties for retail theft, particularly for repeat offenders.

The #SmartSolutions campaign is co-sponsored by Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Smart Justice California, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) California Action, Californians for Safety and Justice, and Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB).

Smallwood recently introduced two bills she hopes will provide solutions to the escalating retail theft problem in the state. Senate Bill (SB) 1446 addresses theft, technology and job security in retail establishments and aims to minimize workplace violence, according to supporters. SB 1282 requires counties to expand the use of a diversion program for theft cases.

“Restorative Justice is the essential pillar of making our criminal justice system more fair, just, and equitable,” McKinnor said. “Restorative justice recognizes the trauma of victims and preparatory of crimes and provides a constructive space for victims to find healing.”

Dr. Amiee Moulin, founder of the California Bridge program and chief of the Division of Addiction Medicine at the University of California (UC) Medical Center, said drug “addiction and overdose” are taking a toll on patients, families and the community.

“I believe that California’s proposed legislation focused on expanding access to treatment is a crucial step towards saving lives,” Moulin said. “By removing barriers to care and embracing evidenced-based strategies we can provide patients the support they need to heal and recover.”

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

California Black Media

Stakeholders Warn Lawmakers of Expanding Aging Population; Older Black Californians Included

The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) hosted its second annual forum focused on challenges facing Californians over 65 years old. Titled “Aging and Disability Issues: What Legislative Staff Need to Know for 2024,” the virtual event was organized to bring awareness to lawmakers that California’s aging adults are living longer and to emphasize the importance of developing policy to support this growing population, according to organizers.

Published

2 months ago

February 24, 2024

Oakland Post

The discussion encompassed a range of topics including planning for long-term care, assisted living, enhancing healthcare quality, technology use, services for senior adults with disabilities, state budget considerations, and the best policies and practices to help aging adults stay healthy, active, independent, and confident.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) hosted its second annual forum focused on challenges facing Californians over 65 years old.

Titled “Aging and Disability Issues: What Legislative Staff Need to Know for 2024,” the virtual event was organized to bring awareness to lawmakers that California’s aging adults are living longer and to emphasize the importance of developing policy to support this growing population, according to organizers.

This year’s meeting included the perspectives of gerontologists and other subject-matter experts who provided data and insights critical to informing policy.

Former Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), who chairs the CCoA’s Executive Committee, began the discussion.

“The landscape of California is changing. Aging is changing and it’s changing California,” Brown said. “Older adults are living longer, and the cohort is becoming more ethnically diverse, underscoring the need to develop culturally, appropriate services.”

The CCoA acts as the principal advocate for older Californians and as a catalyst for change that supports and celebrates Californians as they advance in age. The CCoA advises the Governor and Legislature, along with state, federal, and local agencies on programs and services that affect senior adults.

Statewide organizations that participated in the event included LeadingAge California, Disability Rights California, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, and California Collaborative for Long-Term Services and Supports.

In addition, representatives and staff members of Choice In Aging, Age Watch Newsletter, California Elder Justice Coalition, California Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association were presenters during the 90-minute discussion.

“In California, we know that older adults are underserved and unserved relative to their needs,” CCoA Executive Director Karol Swartzlander said. “In stark terms, we know that 4% of older adults who need service actually receive services.”

According to the California Department of Aging (CDA), California’s aging population is expected to reach an estimated 4.5 million individuals ages 60 to 69 and 4.2 million senior adults ages 70- to 79 by the year 2040, based on information from CDA’s Master Plan for Aging.

Recognizing that the state’s 65-plus population is projected to grow to 8.6 million by 2030, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order calling for the development of the MPA.

Debbie Toth, from ChoiceInAging, said the MPA is a model of “how we can do better” to service the needs of older adults. ChoiceInAging, Toth said, “is going to be shopping accessible transportation and rate increases for adult day healthcare.

“But we need to have legislation to do it,” Toth told legislative staff members.

A 2016 California Health Report (CHR) revealed that by 2030, 18% of the state will be 65 or older. Projections in that study also indicated that 52% of these older adults would be from diverse minority groups but “no population is expected to be harder hit than African Americans,” the report stated.