Understanding common stomach pain

Your stomach and stress


The intestinal tract's function is to make food supplies available to the body. Whatever is not absorbed by the body is excreted at the end of tract. The intestinal system is a long tube. Food passing through the alimentary tract isn't "in" the body until it has been absorbed through the intestinal wall at some point.

It's a common fact that wen you are busy, anxious, depressed or just stressed out, eating habits take a dive for the worse.

It is during these times that you:
• Over-eat or lose your appetite
• Eat too quickly
• Binge on spicy and greasy food and "sinful" foods such as chocolates and cakes
• Eat irregularly
• Consume too much caffeine and alcohol

When all these happen, your stomach takes the brunt of the overload. However, the stomach is smart. In no uncertain terms, it tells us by several ways that it is not feeling good. Some of these ways are:

• Indigestion
• Stomach ache
• Flatulence
• Vomiting
• Poor appetite

Women choose to lead healthier lifestyles

A woman is more likely to pick up a health-related publication than a man. It's been said that women are concerned about their own health and that of their families more than men. This is because women are (most often) the decision makers in a home.

A woman needs to look after her own health first before she can look after her family's. She needs to look into the health of her body, mind and soul. Only if she is healthy and strong will she be able to provide her family with the best nourishment possible.Every woman should go for regular health checks (at least once a year).

A woman of child-bearing age should also go for routine gynecological checks with her doctor. Choosing to ignore this will warrant unwanted complications later in life.

Eating healthy meals

What is your ideal weight?

Your ideal weight depends on your how tall you are, your build, and whether you are a man or a woman. One of the best ways of calculating a healthy weight is to work out your body mass index (BMI) by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. The ideal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Your risk of a number of health problems rises significantly from a BMI of 27 while anything over 29.9 is a serious health concern. Another good check for healthy weight is to measure your waist. Women with a waist circumference of over 88 cm (35 inches) and men with waists of more than 102 cm (40 inches) are at much greater risk for disease.


What happens if I am overweight?

If you are overweight you have a greater chance of shortening your life. You will be the perfect candidate for developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, joint problems, gallbladder disease, sleep and lung problems and a host of other terminal diseases. Abdominal body fat, the 'apple shape', is a higher health risk than the 'pear shape'.


Mind what you eat

1. Eat a balanced diet consisting of plenty of vegetables, fruit, legumes and cereals. Include low-fat milk and dairy products, lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs and nuts.2. Prepare meals with little or no added fat, salt and sugar.


3. Drink plenty of water each day. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation (1-2 drinks a day for women, 2-3 for men). However, if you're trying to lose weight you should bear in mind that alcohol is low in nutrients and high in kilojoules.4. Look at your food portions - if you are in the habit of piling up your plate, try gradually easing back. Bulking up with fruit and vegetables gives essential fibre and helps stave off hunger.5. Don't be hungry and don't skip meals.6. Cut the fat. Learn how to cook tasty, balanced low-fat meals. You don't have to live on cottage cheese and carrot sticks.7. Choose foods with a low glycemic index (GI) such as fruits, vegetables,breakfast cereals and milk. They can help you lose weight while keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

If you are about to have your monthly period, chances are that you will binge on "comfort food" such as chocolates, cakes and sweets. Satisfying an occasional craving is safe. If you must snack, then choose healthy food such as raw vegetables sticks, granola bars and such. It'll satisfy the craving to munch on something and you won't pile on the weight.

Be aware of your own breasts

Start routine breast self-examinations as early as 20 years of age - especially if you have a family history of breast cancer (grandmother, mother, aunt, sister). You need to examine your breasts two to three days after the end of your period every month.

Look out for:
• Lumps or any change in breast size or shape
• Swelling, redness and warmth or dimpling of the skin
• Nipple discharge
• Pain that isn't related to your menstrual cycle


Choosing a doctor whom you are comfortable with

Women must see their family doctor or gynecologist regularly, at least once a year for the all-important PAP smear and breast examination. Early detection of gynecological related cancers can save your life. The choice of a male or female doctor is entirely up to you - most importantly, he or she must make you feel comfortable.

When you do visit your doctor be sure to enquire about which tests you should do (depending on your age, risk factors, family history etc).

But for ladies out there. Please go and check!!