Tummy Tamer Kit

I am the Queen of stomach issues. I'm talking royal coronation, room of jewels, have a palace that has crown molding in gold kind of stomach Queen. It's not really a title I ever wanted but as I've literally had stomach issues since my mom delivered me, it is one I have grown into. 

I can explain different types of nausea to you, cure period pain, and am known among my family for curing constipation issues. It is a super glamorous area of expertise. While I wish I didn't have all these stomach issues, it has taught me a lot about the digestive system and I've done so much trial and error I hope I can pass on some wisdom to others struggling with stomach issues. 

I have a "tummy tamer" kit I keep in my apartment for any digestion issue that might arise and I also travel with a smaller version of this kit for whatever a trip might throw my way. 

Below, is what you should keep in your "tummy tamer" kit that will answer any digestion woe you're currently facing.

This is not a replacement for going to the doctor for stomach issues or for conventional treatment and medication. This is meant to be a supplement to go beside what a doctor prescribes. 

I hope it helps! 

My Stomach Hurts!

• Digestzen: This essential oil is amazing for general stomach pain or upset. It almost feels like icy hot and can calm an upset stomach by dabbing on in a circular motion. It can get expensive, so if you want to make it yourself it's just ginger, fennel, and coriander! 

• Gingeraid: I discovered this tea this winter after antibiotics left my stomach a mess. The tea is delicious and warming and will soothe stomach pain or upset pretty quickly. Cutting up some ginger in water and boiling it will also do the trick. 

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Is there anything Apple Cider Vinegar can't do? Make sure to get the one with "the mother" in it if you're experience bad reflux and take 2-3 teaspoons a day in water. You can add honey to make the taste better. Drinking this every day has completely eliminated my need to take reflux medication--would highly recommend!  

I'm Feeling Queasy...

• Digestive Bitters: I learned about bitters after having a stomach virus on vacation. A waiter gave me some bitters in seltzer to calm my stomach down and I was shocked at how well it worked. You can find these pretty much anywhere or make your own. Just dissolve in a bit of water and you should feel the effects after a few minutes.  Bonus: you can make fancy cocktails with them too! 

• Digestzen: If you're feeling queasy or like you may vomit, I'd ensure you have Digestzen pills in your kit. These have saved both me and Nick from throwing up a few times and will settle a seriously queasy stomach within minutes. It's expensive but so well worth it. 

• Digestive Enzymes: I don't take digestive enzymes too often but if I've had a seriously rich meal or can feel I'm not going to digest something so well, I'll take two of these. Be careful not to use enzymes too often as they can have the opposite intended effect. 

• Activated Charcoal: This is what they give people in the hospital who have drank too much to absorb the toxins. It can do the same thing if you're feeling nauseous. I prefer the Charcoal Lemonade from Pressed Juicery but if you're not in an area that has juices with charcoal, you can get the pills online. Again, take sparingly only if  needed. 

Warning: The suggestions above are cooling items meaning they calm a fiery stomach and create a cooler environment. While this is helpful short term, a cool stomach can lead to reflux and gas so if you need to combat that feeling, try warming items such as ginger tea to counteract the effects. 

I Can't Stop Going To The Bathroom...

• Marshmallow Root Tincture: The first issue with diarrhea is dehydration. Marshmallow Root (yes from the same plant as the sugary marshmallows we put in hot chocolate) is extremely hydrating. It essentially helps water to stick to your insides to keep you hydrated when you're losing a lot of fluid. Dissolve an entire dropper in water and sip slowly 1-2 times a day until diarrhea subsides.  

• Slippery Elm: This was given to me while on antibiotics as I could not stop going to the bathroom. Slippery Elm, despite sounding like something in a witch's brew, is actually very useful for a myriad of ailments from coughs and sore throat to diarrhea and UTIs. The inner bark of the tree has something called mucilage on it which soothes whatever it touches, fighting inflammation and in this case, and irritated digestive system. You can take it in pill form or powder, but the powder gets thick if you don't drink it quickly! 

• Dehydrated Bone Broth: This is super helpful when you're traveling to get in some nutrition and hydration while keeping a queasy stomach calm. I like this one from Australia but only if you can split shipping with a friend (thanks Hannah!). If not, this one from Vital Proteins does the trick. It has to be chicken broth which will calm the stomach (vs. beef which works on the respiratory system). 

I Need To Go To The Bathroom...

• Magnesium Oxide: Constipation is the worst. Magnesium makes it better. Magnesium Oxide has all the benefits of magnesium but none of the stomach side effects. Take 1-2 pills before bed if you're constipated and continue until you're able to go to the bathroom. I'm usually okay after taking it for two days. 

• Aloe Juice: An amazing nutritionist told me about this wonder. Stop taking Mirilax which doesn't allow your body to expel waste naturally. Instead, drink 1-2 capfuls of aloe juice once a day until you're able to go to the bathroom. This has worked for my entire extended family (who clearly talks about everything with each other) and is a must when you're traveling. (I put it in a small shampoo bottle) 

• Amazing Grass Effervescent Green Tablets: When I'm constipated, the last thing I want is to put food in my body. What you need is fibrous greens but eating a whole salad sounds awful. Instead, I grab a green juice which is easier to digest. If I'm in an area with no green juice or traveling, I drop one of these tablets in water and drink it fast (hold your nose). It provides you with all those great greens without making you feel super bloated.  

I'm Feeling Bloated...

• Peppermint Oil: This is great to apply if you're feeling bloated. Apply in a circular motion on your stomach and you'll feel some relief as the oil works to reduce spasms of the colon and intestinal tract. Due to the presence of thymoland eugenol, it also will balance oral and intestinal flora, thereby reducing fermentation of undigested food.

• Lola Essential Oil: Period pain? Use this essential oil in a circular motion to soothe the bloat and cramps.  The ladies at Lola spent over a year testing out the perfect blend on hundreds of women and their hard work paid off--it works! 

• Apple Cider Vinegar: I told you Apple Cider Vinegar is always the answer! Bloat is usually caused by gas or reflux so sipping a little bit of this every day will significantly reduce bloating. 

• L-Glutamine Powder: This was recommended to me by a nutritionist and is extremely important if you have issues with your gut lining. It will assist in repairing the lining and can reduce bloat from there. I have a really difficult time with so many powders (too much liquid for my small bladder!) so take the pill form. 

• Probiotics: You should talk to your doctor about what probiotic they recommend, however be careful to find one that doesn't require refrigeration so you can take it while traveling. I like this one but am always trying out new ones. As soon as I took this, I looked like I deflated. It seriously does the trick by balancing the good and bad bacteria in your gut. 

If you have stomach issues, my first recommendation is to go to your doctor and ensure there's nothing you need to be seriously worried about. Then, start building your kit slowly, based on what your issues are. I know it can be overwhelming and I'm often asked if I could only take three items to make me feel better, what would they be. Out of this list, I'd recommend a probiotic, apple cider vinegar, and Digestzen soft gels to start.

It doesn't fit in a kit, but I'd also recommend working out regularly. It aids digestion, bloat, and keeps everything running smoothly. Move a little bit each day (at least 30 minutes) and you'll begin to feel the difference, I promise! 

I hope this helps you and you are on your way to having a happy stomach soon! 

Do you have something in your Tummy Tamer kit that's not on here? Let me know in the comments!