Nutrition

The Old, New Way to Cure a Stomach Ache

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System are trying to find out what it is about ginger that gives it such magical healing powers. Ginger may settle the stomach by blocking certain chemicals in the stomach that cause nausea.

Fresh ginger root is best. Buy it at your grocery store, grind or chop it and add to foods. The dried form of ginger works well too. Ginger is available in capsule form. Or you can drink ginger tea or ginger ale. Even ginger snap cookies may help - as long as they are made with real ginger.

Two cautions: Pregnant women with morning sickness should talk with their doctors before taking ginger capsules. And some ginger ales may not contain the real thing - only a synthetic form of ginger. Read the label.

When your stomach is unsettled, follow these dos and don'ts:

Do eat or drink

Toast or crackers
Sherbet
Pretzels
Oatmeal
Soft, bland fruits and vegetables, such as canned peaches
Clear liquids
Small amounts of food, often and slowly

Don't eat or drink

Fatty, greasy or fried foods
Very sweet foods, such as candy or cake
Spicy or hot foods
Foods with strong odors
Liquids with meals

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