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7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan For High Blood Pressure, Created By A Dietitian

Have high blood pressure? This high-protein meal plan can help.

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDReviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

For most people, blood pressure has no noticeable symptoms but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously. Having high blood pressure, also called hypertension, increases the risk of stroke and heart disease—two leading causes of death in the United States. If you're one of the nearly 50% of adults in the United States with high blood pressure, you may be wondering what steps you can take to protect your heart. While there are many potential causes of high blood pressure, including genetics, there are lifestyle and nutrition changes that may help improve your levels. Follow this high-protein meal plan for high blood pressure to get started.

How We Create Meal Plans

Registered dietitians thoughtfully create EatingWell's meal plans to be easy-to-follow and delicious. Each meal plan meets specific parameters depending on the health condition and/or lifestyle goal it is targeting and is analyzed for accuracy using the nutrition database, ESHA Food Processor. As nutritional needs differ from person to person, we encourage you to use these plans as inspiration and adjust as you see fit.

Why This Meal Plan Is Great for You

To help improve blood pressure, we limit nutrients that may worsen your levels and prioritize nutrients that can help. We limit sodium to 1,500 milligrams per day, which is the max the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends for people with high blood pressure. We also limit saturated fat to no more than 14 grams per day, as the AHA recommends limiting saturated fat for overall heart health and prioritizing unsaturated fats from foods like nuts, fish and olive oil. 

To help improve blood pressure, we include a wide array of high-potassium foods. Potassium helps reduce tension in the blood vessels and counteracts the impact of sodium, both of which can help improve blood pressure. The AHA recommends a potassium intake of 3,500 to 5,000 milligrams of potassium per day to help prevent and treat high blood pressure. Each day in this meal plan provides an average of 3,890 milligrams of potassium to align with these recommendations. Because of its numerous health benefits, including improving heart health, we include plenty of high-fiber foods from sources such as beans, lentils, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Each day provides an average of 41 grams per day. Though there's not a lot of evidence on the impact a high-protein diet has on high-blood pressure, we know that it's a nutrient that many people prioritize. Each day provides an average of 106 grams of protein per day.

This 1,800-calorie meal plan has modifications for 1,500 and 2,000 calories to support those with different calorie needs. While we previously included meal plans and modifications for 1,200 calories, we no longer do. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting your calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it's unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

​​Is it OK to mix and match meals if there is one I do not like?

Definitely, feel free to repeat a different meal if there's one you don't like or choose a different high-protein, heart-healthy dinner. For reference, we aimed for 1,800 calories per day and a daily minimum of 90 grams of protein and 30 grams of fiber—though most days came in quite a bit higher than that. We capped sodium at 1,500 milligrams per day and saturated fat at 14 grams per day. We have a wide array of heart-healthy recipes, so you can find something to suit your tastes.

Can I eat the same breakfast or lunch every day?

Yes, if it's easier to eat the same breakfast or lunch every day then that works! Each breakfast is between 368 to 424 calories while each lunch spans 369 to 589 calories. If you're closely monitoring calories, protein or other nutrients, you may want to adjust a snack or two.

Why is there not a modification for 1,200 calories?

We no longer provide modifications for 1,200-calorie days in our meal plans. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it's unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.

What are the side effects of high blood pressure?

Though it often has no symptoms, blood pressure can cause some serious side effects. Untreated high blood pressure damages and hardens the blood vessels. It increases the risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke as well as kidney and eye damage.

Protein and Blood Pressure:

Though the impact of total dietary protein intake on blood pressure is unclear, there is evidence that links eating a wide variety of protein sources with a reduced onset of high blood pressure. Researchers evaluated the variety and quantity of protein intake of over 12,000 adults in China. The participants who ate protein from the widest variety of sources had a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure. That's some serious motivation to proiritize the satisfying macronutrient. Enjoy protein from sources such as poultry, fish, shellfish, dairy, nuts, seeds, soy and legumes.

Foods to Focus On:
  • Beans and lentils

  • Dairy, particularly yogurt, kefir and cottage cheese

  • Poultry

  • Lean meat

  • Fish

  • Shellfish

  • Nuts, seeds and nut butters

  • Soy (tofu, edamame)

  • Fruits

  • Vegetables

  • Whole Grains

  • Olive oil

  • Avocado

  • Herbs and spices

  • How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:
  • Make High-Protein Peanut Butter, Banana & Blueberry Overnight Oats to have for breakfast on days 2 through 4.

  • Prepare Baked Banana-Nut Oatmeal Cups to have as a snack throughout the week.

  • Day 1

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

    Breakfast (424 calories) A.M. Snack (135 calories)
  • ½ cup edamame, in pods

  • 1 clementine

  • Lunch (589 calories) P.M. Snack (261 calories) Dinner (404 calories)

    Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve 3 servings Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli to have for lunch on days 2 through 4.

    Daily Totals: 1,812 calories, 76g fat, 13g saturated fat, 103g protein, 198g carbohydrate, 44g fiber, 1,447mg sodium, 4,109mg potassium

    Make it 1,500 calories: Omit edamame at A.M. Snack, reduce to ¾ cup yogurt and omit walnuts at lunch and omit kefir at P.M. Snack.

    Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

    Day 2

    Sara Haas

    Breakfast (419 calories) A.M. Snack (281 calories) Lunch (369 calories) P.M. Snack (261 calories) Dinner (460 calories)

    Daily Totals: 1,790 calories, 61g fat, 11g saturated fat, 98g protein, 233g carbohydrate, 38g fiber, 1,336mg sodium, 3,955mg potassium

    Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. Snack to 1 medium orange and omit kefir at P.M. Snack.

    Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

    Day 3

    Jennifer Causey

    Breakfast (419 calories) A.M. Snack (105 calories) Lunch (402 calories) P.M. Snack (265 calories) Dinner (530 calories) Evening Snack (62 calories)

    Daily Totals: 1,782 calories, 50g fat, 13g saturated fat, 106g protein, 244g carbohydrate, 37g fiber, 1,489mg sodium, 3,546mg potassium

    Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. Snack to 1 plum, omit apple at lunch and omit yogurt at P.M. Snack.

    Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. Natural peanut butter to banana at the A.M. Snack.

    Day 4

    Charlotte & Johnny Autry

    Breakfast (419 calories) A.M. Snack (105 calories) Lunch (402 calories) P.M. Snack (268 calories) Dinner (432 calories) Evening Snack (179 calories)

    Daily Totals: 1,805 calories, 71g fat, 11g saturated fat, 104g protein, 204g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,444mg sodium, 3,530mg potassium

    Make it 1,500 calories: Omit almonds at P.M. Snack and omit chopped walnuts and blueberries at evening snack.

    Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. Natural peanut butter to banana at the A.M. Snack.

    Day 5

    Photography: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabe Greco

    Breakfast (368 calories) A.M. Snack (105 calories) Lunch (397 calories) P.M. Snack (206 calories) Dinner (500 calories) Evening Snack (218 calories)

    Daily Totals: 1,794 calories, 87g fat, 13g saturated fat, 99g protein, 178g carbohydrate, 48g fiber, 1,481mg sodium, 3,789mg potassium

    Make it 1,500 calories: Change P.M. Snack to 1 medium apple and omit pistachios at evening snack.

    Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. Natural peanut butter to banana at the A.M. Snack.

    Day 6 Breakfast (424 calories) A.M. Snack (105 calories) Lunch (397 calories) P.M. Snack (265 calories) Dinner (406 calories) Evening Snack (215 calories)
  • 1 cup edamame, in pods

  • 1 clementine

  • Daily Totals: 1,812 calories, 70g fat, 14g saturated fat, 121g protein, 195g carbohydrate, 42g fiber, 1,420mg sodium, 4,803mg potassium

    Make it 1,500 calories: Omit Baked Banana-Nut Oatmeal Cups at P.M. Snack and change evening snack to 1 medium orange.

    Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. Natural peanut butter to banana at the A.M. Snack.

    Day 7

    Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Addelyn Evans

    Breakfast (368 calories) A.M. Snack (281 calories) Lunch (397 calories) P.M. Snack (188 calories) Dinner (434 calories) Evening Snack (116 calories)

    Daily Totals: 1,783 calories, 82g fat, 12g saturated fat, 109g protein, 175g carbohydrate, 4122g fiber, 1,449mg sodium, 3,500mg potassium

    Make it 1,500 calories: Omit pistachios at A.M. Snack and omit evening snack.

    Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. Natural peanut butter to evening snack.

    Read the original article on Eating Well.

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    8 Home Remedies For UTI Symptom Relief, Fast

    Up to 40% of women will get a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their life, making it important to know what to do when symptoms strike. Given how uncomfortable UTI symptoms can be, it's understandable to want to find urinary tract infection immediate relief if you're struggling with a burning feeling when you pee and a constant urge to go.

    Just know this: While you may be able to do a few things on your own to feel better while you have a UTI, it won't clear up without medical intervention. "A true UTI needs antibiotics to clear the bacteria responsible for the symptoms and infection," Sherry A. Ross, M.D., a women's health expert and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women's Intimate Health. Period, explains.

    If your UTI is left untreated, it can travel to your kidneys and create an even more uncomfortable and complicated infection. So, it's crucial to call your doctor when you develop symptoms.

    Meet the experts: Sherry A. Ross, M.D., a women's health expert and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women's Intimate Health. Period; David Kaufman, M.D., urologist and director of Central Park Urology; Courtenay Moore, M.D., a urologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Priya Padmanabhan, M.D., a urologist at Corewell Health; Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an ob/gyn in Texas.

    Whether you're waiting for your appointment or are waiting for the antibiotics to kick in, doctors say these home remedies can help you feel more comfortable during a urinary tract infection.

    What is a UTI?

    Most UTIs are caused by bacteria getting into the urinary tract and causing inflammation and pain. "The female anatomy is a setup for infections of the bladders," explains Dr. Ross. She says that because women have a shorter urethra, which is essentially the tube that leads urine from the bladder out of the body, bacteria can enter much more easily than it can through male anatomy.

    In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women are 30 times more likely to get a UTI than men and more than half of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. But as much as knowing you're not in the minority may be reassuring, it doesn't take away from the stinging, burning, and needing to rush to the bathroom every 10 minutes feeling you get when you have an infection.

    Common UTI symptoms

    You might have some or all of these symptoms with a UTI, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

  • Pain or burning when you pee
  • Feeling like you need to pee a lot
  • Pressure in your lower abdomen
  • Urine that's smelly or looks milky
  • Blood in your pee
  • Feeling tired, shaky, confused, or weak
  • Fever
  • Home remedies for UTI relief

    While a UTI will not clear on its own, the following natural remedies can help speed up recovery and ease your symptoms.

    Avoid foods and beverages that will irritate your bladder

    Drinking coffee and alcohol, and eating spicy food or foods with lots of added sugar will irritate the urinary tract. They can decrease the blood flow to the bladder, which will make it harder for your immune system to fight off the infection.

    Drink lots of water

    According to Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an ob/gyn in Texas, drinking lots of water when you are experiencing UTI symptoms can help flush away the bacteria. The more water you drink, the more you'll have to relieve yourself—another key step in getting rid of a UTI.

    Empty your bladder often

    Urinating may not be the most pleasant sensation when you're suffering from a UTI, but it's absolutely necessary to use the bathroom whenever you feel the urge to go. "Draining your bladder frequently is essential to [get] rid of the bacteria," Dr. Shepherd explains.

    Use a heating pad

    Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Ross both recommend applying heat to your abdomen for relief from UTI cramps or the burning sensation. "A heating pad or hot water bottle over your lower abdomen can help ease some of the discomfort from a UTI," Dr. Ross says. If you're using an electric heating pad, be careful not to fall asleep with it on or leave it on your skin for long periods of time. This can be dangerous and either burn your skin or worse, cause a fire.

    Be wary of herbal remedies—but they may help

    Recent studies have shown that uva ursi plant extract, also known as bearberry, may help combat UTIs through the plant's antimicrobial properties. However, there can be side effects, and uva ursi can be harmful if not taken properly, so be sure to consult your doctor before trying the supplement.

    Steer clear of vitamin C

    Vitamin C is known to help prevent UTIs by acidifying the urine, which can kill certain bacteria present in the urinary tract. But Dr. Ross warns if you already have a UTI or are experiencing real symptoms of one, vitamin C will not be effective in killing off bacteria. This is because unless you know the exact bacteria causing the UTI, vitamin C—although helpful—may not be doing enough to kill the infection you're experiencing.

    Avoid feminine hygiene products with scents and chemicals

    "Using feminine products that have perfumes and other irritating chemicals can introduce disruptive bacteria into your body" which can inhibit UTI treatment, Dr. Ross says. Additionally, Dr. Ross stresses that if you're prone to UTIs, any products that will allow unwanted bacteria to enter your body should be avoided. "Avoid diaphragms, vaginal sponges, diva cups, and sex toys if you're prone to UTIs," she advises.

    Wear loose-fitting clothing

    Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing to help keep the area around the urethra dry while you treat a UTI. Tight-fitting pants and underwear can trap moisture, allowing bacteria to grow, according to the National Institute on Aging.

    How to prevent a UTI

    Sick of dealing with urinary tract infections? Really, the best "natural remedy" is simple: just prevent one from striking in the first place! Here's how:

    Drink cranberry juice

    Although it has often been thought of as a treatment option, cranberry juice can only help as a preventative measure. "Cranberry juice can be helpful in preventing UTIs by making the urine more acidic and preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder," Dr. Ross explains. "An acidic environment in the urine makes bacterial build-up more difficult and reduces your chance of getting a UTI. But even with this information, studies have conflicting evidence about cranberries being a reliable source for prevention." So if you're prone to UTIs, it won't hurt to drink unsweetened cranberry juice. But it's definitely not the UTI cure-all it has always been thought to be.

    Pee after sex

    "The primary cause of urinary tract infections in women is sex," says David Kaufman, M.D., urologist and director of Central Park Urology. "Bacteria is simply transferred from the vaginal vault to the urethra as a result of movements during the physical act of intercourse." That's why he recommends peeing after sex "like you are putting out a brush fire." Meaning, you want a strong stream to try to push out any bacteria that may have worked its way back up there. "We need that urine volume to wash out the bacteria afterwards," Dr. Kaufman says. (By the way, Dr. Kaufman says that may mean that you'll need to drink a bunch of water right before or after sex to make this possible.)

    Practice good hygiene after sex and ask your partner to, too

    "Overall health with increased water intake and exercise is the best way to improve health and help with decreasing UTIs," Dr. Shepherd shares. This includes good hygiene and being diligent about cleaning all of your lady parts. And make sure your partner does, too. "Bacteria from sexual intercourse is one of the most common ways women can get a UTI," Dr. Shepherd explains.

    Don't use pads

    If you've been using menstrual pads for ages and you haven't had any UTI issues in the past, this may be no biggie. But if you use pads and you find that you're struggling with regular UTIs, Dr. Kaufman recommends using tampons or another period control method. Pads "can allow fecal material to work their way up to the vaginal area," he points out.

    Limit antibiotic use

    Although it can't always be avoided, frequent antibiotic use can actually cause more harm than good and lead to UTIs. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea, which can allow unwanted bacteria to enter the urethra. When fighting off illness, antibiotics can wipe out good as well as bad bacteria, which can leave you more prone to infection. Dr. Ross recommends taking a daily probiotic to help repopulate the good bacteria in your body, but more research is needed to test its effectiveness in treating UTIs.

    Wipe front to back

    "Always remember to wipe 'front to back' to avoid bringing unwanted bacteria from the anus to the vaginal area," Dr. Ross says. A rule as simple as this make all the difference between frequent UTIs and not getting any.

    Stay hydrated

    "Drinking a lot of water will help keep unwanted bacteria moving out of your body," Dr. Ross says. "And, don't hold in your urine for long periods of time—a general rule of thumb is to urinate every two to three hours or when you first feel the urge." For the record, the National Academies' Institute of Medicine recommends that men get about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day from food and liquids while women get about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters).

    Just know that this won't cure a UTI if you already have one. "You can't 'drown' the bacteria by super hydrating," Dr. Kaufman says. "The symptoms may temporarily improve but the bacteria are just diluted and temporarily less symptomatic. The infection is still present."

    When to see your doctor

    While there are many home remedies for treating UTI and relieving symptoms, there are instances where you may need to visit your doctor and it's likely you'll need antibiotics. If your symptoms are persisting beyond a few days, or you experience recurring UTI's, it's time to make an appointment with a professional to keep your condition from worsening.

    UTI treatment

    Treatment for a UTI is usually simple. "Your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic and medications that decrease the burning/pain with urination," says Courtenay Moore, M.D., a urologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

    "In addition to an appropriate course of antibiotics, hydration and pyridium (Azo), which turns the urine orange, may be used for the discomfort," says Priya Padmanabhan, M.D., a urologist at Corewell Health.

    Once you start antibiotics, you'll usually start to feel better in a day or two, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. But it's important to take all of the antibiotics prescribed to you to make sure you fully clear the infection.

    What happens if you have recurrent UTIs?

    Recurrent UTIs are defined as two UTIs within the last six months or three UTIs in a year.

    If you're struggling with recurrent UTIs, it's important to be evaluated by a doctor to see what could be behind them. From there, your doctor will likely recommend a personalized plan that may include probiotics, D-mannose (a supplement that creates a non-stick surface on the bladder wall), and cranberry products, along with prophylactic treatments.

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    12 Home Remedies For Stomach Pain

    Stomach pain is a pain or an ache that someone experiences anywhere between the chest and groin.

    This pain can vary in intensity and affect different areas of the abdomen, such as the:

  • appendix
  • liver
  • gallbladder
  • stomach
  • pancreas
  • bowel
  • Stomach pain can vary in intensity and has various causes.

    More uncommon causes include:

    There are several popular home remedies for indigestion. Some may also help ease stomach upset from other sources, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

    1. Drinking water

    The body needs water to efficiently digest and absorb nutrients from foods and beverages. Being dehydrated makes digestion more difficult and less effective, increasing the likelihood of an upset stomach.

    Additionally, drinking water may help reduce heartburn.

    The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that although the general rule of thumb is drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, a person's fluid needs can vary. Activity levels, elevation, extreme temperatures, general health, and size can all make a difference in fluid needs.

    Around 20% of a person's fluid intake will come from food, with the rest coming from beverages. For most people, a suitable figure to aim for is approximately 8 or more cups of water daily. Younger children require slightly less water than adults:

  • Infants weighing 7.7 to 22 pounds (lb): Infants of this weight require 3.3 fluid ounces (fl oz) per 2.2 lbs. For example, an infant weighing 22 lb will require 33 fl oz of fluid per day.
  • Children weighing 24 to 44 lb: Children of this weight require 3.3 fl oz per 2.2 lb for the first 22 lb, and then 1.6 fl oz for every 2.2 lb above this weight. For example, a child weighing 33 lb will require 42 fl oz of fluid per day.
  • Children weighing more than 44 lb: Children of this weight require 50 fl oz for the first 44 lb, and then 0.6 fl oz for every 2.2 lb above this weight. For example, a child weighing 66 lb will require 57 fl oz of fluid per day. People should not give children more than 81 fl oz of fluids at once.
  • For those with digestive issues, it is important to stay hydrated. Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, so people with these symptoms should keep drinking water.

    Pros and cons

    Drinking water can help with digestion and prevent dehydration.

    However, some people may forget to drink water throughout the day. Additionally, some may prefer the taste of other beverages.

    Products, such as water bottles and flavor enhancers, can make drinking water throughout the day more convenient and enjoyable.

    2. Avoiding lying down

    Avoiding lying down may prevent indigestion from becoming heartburn.

    When the body is horizontal, the acid in the stomach is more likely to travel backward and move upward, which can cause heartburn.

    Therefore, people with an upset stomach should avoid lying down or going to bed for at least a few hours until it passes.

    Pros and cons

    Avoiding lying down may be a convenient remedy if a person performs daily activities.

    However, this remedy may be unsuitable if someone experiences stomach pain during the time they rest or sleep.

    3. Ginger

    Ginger may help reduce nausea and vomiting in people who are pregnant or those who undergo chemotherapy.

    Individuals with an upset stomach could try adding ginger to their food or drinking it as tea. Some all-natural ginger ales may also contain enough ginger to settle an upset stomach.

    Ginger tea is widely available to buy in supermarkets and online.

    Pros and cons

    Research suggests that ginger may help reduce nausea in those who are pregnant.

    However, larger doses of ginger may cause side effects, such as gas, heartburn, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort.

    Many different products containing ginger are available commercially and may help manage nausea. These include ginger tea, ginger chews, ginger lollipops, and ginger supplements.

    4. BRAT diet

    Doctors may recommend the bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) diet to people with diarrhea.

    BRAT foods may decrease the number of stools a person passes and help ease their diarrhea.

    As these foods are bland, they do not contain substances that irritate the stomach, throat, or intestines. Therefore, this diet can soothe the tissue irritation resulting from the acids in vomit.

    Many of the foods in the BRAT diet are also high in nutrients, such as potassium and magnesium, and can replace those someone loses through diarrhea and vomiting.

    Pros and cons

    The BRAT diet may help harden stool and reduce diarrhea and dehydration. This may help reduce stomach cramps due to loose stool.

    However, this diet may not be suitable for the long term, as people may not consume all the necessary nutrients through the food in this diet.

    5. Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol

    Pros and cons

    Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake improves people's quality of life and reduces the risk of certain health conditions, such as cancer.

    However, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol can be difficult, and individuals may require extra support.

    Learn more about quitting smoking and drinking:

    6. Avoiding difficult-to-digest foods

    Research suggests that the following foods may increase the risk of indigestion:

  • fatty or acidic foods
  • wheat products
  • spicy foods
  • greasy foods
  • Pros and cons

    Avoiding difficult-to-digest foods may help ease the stomach and reduce discomfort and pain.

    However, avoiding heavily preserved foods may be more difficult for people who do not have the time to source fresher food or those who live in a food desert. Food deserts are regions where individuals have limited access to nutritious and affordable food

    7. Baking soda

    Some healthcare professionals suggest that baking soda can help relieve heartburn and indigestion by reducing stomach acidity.

    Pros and cons

    While this home remedy may help with an upset stomach, it may not taste pleasant. Additionally, consuming too much baking soda may lead to:

  • shallow or slow breathing
  • muscle twitching
  • muscle spasms
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • irritability
  • 8. Figs

    Figs contain substances that act as laxatives to ease constipation and encourage healthy bowel movements. Figs also contain compounds that may help to ease indigestion.

    Pros and cons

    However, if people are also experiencing diarrhea, they should avoid consuming figs due to this food's laxative effects.

    Figs are available in several forms, such as fig leaves, food, and paste.

    9. Aloe juice

    Aloe vera may help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and colitis, although the evidence for these benefits is slight and needs further research.

    Pros and cons

    Healthcare professionals state that drinking aloe vera juice can yield multiple benefits, including providing relief from the following symptoms of GERD:

  • heartburn
  • flatulence and belching
  • nausea and vomiting
  • acid and food regurgitation
  • However, ingesting aloe vera may cause abdominal pain and cramps.

    Aloe vera juice is widely available commercially.

    10. Basil

    Basil contains substances that may reduce gas. Its leaves also contain levels of high linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

    Pros and cons

    Basil is usually available to purchase in grocery stores, gardening stores, and online.

    However, those in food deserts may have to rely on online stores if they find it difficult to source fresh basil.

    11. Licorice

    Products that contain licorice root may help relieve digestive symptoms. However, experts are uncertain about the role of licorice in these products.

    Someone with an upset stomach could try drinking licorice root tea several times daily until their symptoms improve.

    Pros and cons

    Licorice root teas are widely available online, but it is possible to make them at home by mixing 1 or 2 teaspoons of licorice root powder with boiling water.

    However, licorice can cause side effects, such as an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in potassium levels. This may be especially dangerous for those with high blood pressure or kidney or heart disease.

    12. Rice

    Plain rice may be beneficial for those with stomach pain due to irritable bowel syndrome or other conditions that can cause frequent diarrhea, along with other low FODMAP food.

    Rice is also part of the BRAT diet that doctors may recommend.

    Pros and cons

    Rice is available in bulk at many grocery stores and is often one of the more affordable foods available.

    However, there is some evidence that white rice consumption may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. However, the risk may increase with regular or frequent consumption and may not affect those who consume white rice to help with stomach pain.

    Below we answer some frequently asked questions about upset stomachs.

    Does COVID-19 give you stomach cramps?

    Research states that people with COVID-19 may have abdominal pain.

    Some may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, and vomiting, instead of fever at the start of COVID-19.

    When should I worry about stomach pain?

    According to the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), a person should be concerned if their stomach ache is very severe or has a sudden onset.

    If this is the case, they should contact a healthcare professional immediately – especially if they notice other symptoms, such as vomiting blood, having difficulty passing urine or feces, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and jaundice.

    What are the three types of abdominal pain?

    There are different ways of classifying abdominal pain. Some medical authorities say the three main types of abdominal pain are:

  • Visceral: This is an aching or cramping pain that starts when nerves in an organ's walls are stretched.
  • Parietal or somatic: This refers to sharp, localized pain due to irritation of the body's outer structures, such as the skin, muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Referred: This involves pain that the brain mistakenly identifies as coming from one place, when it really originates someplace else.
  • Doctors can also help identify abdominal pain by what part of the abdomen it affects or the speed at which it develops — these include sudden, rapid, or gradual.

    What is the main reason for stomach pain?

    The most common causes of stomach pain are not very serious and do not last long. They frequently involve:

  • digestion issues, such as indigestion, gas, food intolerances, and digestion or constipation
  • infections, such as stomach flu, urinary tract infection, or GERD
  • the menstrual cycle, as with menstrual cramps or pain from ovulation
  • What can I do to relieve stomach pain?

    A person can help relieve stomach pain by:

  • giving the stomach a break by not eating much and sticking to gentle foods, such as bananas
  • maintaining hydration
  • using a hot water bottle or soaking in a warm bath
  • When should I go to the ER for stomach pain?

    A person with stomach pain may need to consider going to the ER in the following scenarios:

  • if they are pregnant and have severe abdominal pain
  • the stomach ache came on very suddenly or is severe
  • it hurts when they touch their stomach
  • they're vomiting blood or their vomit looks like ground coffee
  • their poo is bloody or black and sticky and extremely smelly
  • they cannot pee
  • they cannot poo or fart
  • they cannot breathe
  • they have chest pain
  • they have diabetes and they're vomiting





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