The cacao bean is the source of perhaps the most magical and beloved foods on Earth because it is the source of chocolate. Even the cacao tree's official name, Theobroma cacao, recognizes the long-standing love most of us have for the fruit of this tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek language for "food of the gods." And while chocolate is the most popular and favorite of these foods from the cacao bean, an even healthier choice is raw cacao powder. How Is Cacao Powder Made? To produce raw cacao powder, raw cacao beans are simply cold pressed to remove the fat, and the remaining solids are ground into a fine powder. Cacao vs. Cocoa: What's the Difference? Cacao powder contains all the beneficial nutrients and beneficial compounds of the raw cacao bean minus the fat. In contrast, cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans. And even if they look alike, the two are different. In making cocoa powder, up to 90% of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw c
What causes stomach cramps & bloating?
Stomach cramps
can be innocuous or dangerous, and may be related to everything from
gas to irritable bowel syndrome, better known as IBS. Severe stomach
pain and anything that lasts several hours or days—or consistently
returns—should be looked at by your doctor. For the purposes of this
article, we will focus on stomach cramps that are not serious and can be
dealt with by a few simple changes, or in some cases, additions, to
your lifestyle.
Like stomach cramps, most bloating is not serious
and has a variety of potential causes. Higher salt intakes can cause
bloating due to water retention, as can an abundance of carbohydrates.
Additionally, “bubbly” foods, which include sparkling water, seltzers,
and sodas, can cause gas in the intestines, while eating too fast and
chewing gum can provide a similar effect.
Allergens, like dairy,
can also be suspect if bloating occurs regularly after eating foods with
lactose. Women may also be prone to bloating during, or right before, menstruation.
What can I do when I’ve got cramps & bloating?
While
pain relievers can be a quick-fix to painful stomach cramps, there are
several more holistic fixes that can be used on a regular, if not daily
basis.
If you are experiencing irregular or severe stomach cramps or bloating, visit your doctor or healthcare professional.
1. Ginger
Ginger is Ayurveda’s best kept secret, good for everything from stomach pain and immune health, to nausea and the common cold.
Try keeping a pouch of dried ginger in your purse or backpack, or brew a
cup of ginger tea. Sprinkle ginger powder in dishes that can be a
little more finicky on the stomach (like those that are heavy with
onions or garlic) or simply slice a chunk of raw ginger and munch away.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
This
pucker-your-lips vinegar has become more popular in recent years and
for good reason. Apple cider vinegar (or ACV as it’s lovingly known) is
used to treat ringworm and allergies, and for those suffering from stomach cramps or bloating, settle an upset stomach.
Look for brands that carry the “mother” to receive the benefits of the
enzymes natural in raw, unfiltered vinegar and add a spoonful to a glass
of water. Taste too strong? Make switchel, which also contains ginger, for a doubly stomach soothing approach.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint
is one of the easiest herbs to grow in your backyard garden, and also
the fastest to spread. Luckily, peppermint can be used to boost memory, protect against gum diseases and cavities, and take care of several digestive issues, including nausea, ulcers, flatulence, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Peppermint can be found in various forms, including essential oils,
fresh herbs, dried herbs, and even topical creams. Personally, I find
peppermint tea—brewed hot with fresh herbs and a dollop of
honey—especially soothing.
4. Bitters
Bitter foods
have long been used to aid digestion, and bitters make getting these
bitter foods down the gullet much more palatable. Bitters are herbal
tinctures, usually preserved in alcohol, that soothe the stomach, both
as a preventative and a symptom-reliever. There are a variety of bitter
herbs that can be used: dandelion, burdock, yellow dock root, and Angelica root are popular choices.
While some of these can be used in recipes, bitters may be the best way
to utilize these pucker-worthy foods. Not enthralled by the herbs and
roots mentioned above? Try blessed thistle, gentian, or centaury.
5. Probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria that we often refer to as “good” bacteria, because of their roles in digesting our food, absorbing nutrients, and keeping our immune system healthy.
Adding probiotics to your diet can help keep your digestive system
healthy, and luckily there are now a slew of choices that make this
easy, not to mention delicious. Try sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir,
or kombucha. Even sourdough bread and natto—fermented soybeans—can
boost the number of probiotics in your gut. Need even more help? Look
for probiotics
at your natural grocer or health food store, but ensure you purchase
refrigerated probiotics since many bacteria are sensitive to heat.
Article by Jade de la Rosa
https://basmati.com/2019/07/02/5-holistic-methods-cure-stomach-cramps-bloating
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