If you have a sensitive stomach, you may experience indigestion after eating. Common issues include gas, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, hiccups, and nausea. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize your discomfort. While you should always consult a gastroenterologist if symptoms persist, you can take the following measures to manage digestive discomfort at home.

How to Minimize Stomach Sensitivity

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Water helps your body absorb nutrients from food, so make sure you're staying hydrated if you have stomach problems. Rehydrating is especially critical if you experience diarrhea or vomiting. You can also try sipping coconut water. It's packed with magnesium and potassium, which can reduce muscle cramps and spasms.

2. Incorporate Natural Digestive Aids Into Your Diet

Certain foods and herbs can calm an upset stomach and aid digestion. Incorporate natural products like ginger and mint into your diet. If you're experiencing constipation, try figs as a natural relief. Alternatively, if you're experiencing diarrhea, eat bananas. They're high in starch and will help make your stool firmer.

3. Try a Warm Bath or Heating Pad

Stomach cramps can be a painful side effect of digestive issues. Take a warm bath or apply a heating pad to alleviate tense muscles. The warm water can also reduce stress, which can contribute to indigestion in some cases.

4. Steer Clear of Irritating Foods

Certain products can exacerbate an upset stomach, including gluten, alcohol, dairy, spicy goods, and processed foods. Fried and oily foods are also difficult for the digestive system to handle. Make a list of foods that seem to cause problems for your digestive system and try eliminating them from your diet to see if that helps.

5. Eat Slowly

When you eat too fast, you're more likely to take in air with your food, causing gas and bloating. Eating slowly and chewing each bite thoroughly make the food easier to digest. Eating more frequent, small portions of food throughout the day instead of fewer, large meals can alleviate the burden on your digestive system and reduce stomach sensitivity.

If you're still having trouble with a sensitive stomach, trust the team at Naugatuck Valley Gastroenterology Consultants of Prospect, CT, for help. These gastroenterologists have helped patients throughout New Haven County since 1989. They'll perform an accurate diagnosis and provide solutions to alleviate your digestive discomfort. Call (203) 756-6422 to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist today.