A letter to my fellow bad b******es with stomach problems

It’s time to cut the s*** and heal your gut babyyy! All that bloating, indigestion and stomach pain is most likely your gut crying for a cleanse. Although we aren’t doctors here at The Edge, we have some tips for you to start your healing journey. These simple changes in your day to day will help you feel (and look) your best!

Water always

Every morning for the past six months the first thing I have done is drink at least 8 oz of water. Not only does this satisfy my painfully dry morning throat but helps kickstart my digestive system for the day. Most people think drinking more water causes more bloating, but it's actually the opposite. Staying hydrated helps your digestive system and gets those bowels moving!!

opt for water when you can. If you are craving a sweet drink throughout the day mint tea, green tea and kombucha are great alternatives. Just watch out for the sugar!

Be conscious of your eating

No, you don’t need to cut out all of your favorite junk foods but pay attention to what upsets your stomach. We all love a charcuterie board, but is the cheese worth the pain? The answer to that question is no (well sometimes it’s yes).

We suggest tracking the foods that upset your stomach for a few weeks. After you have a general idea, try eliminating them and see if your symptoms improve. If nothing changes, don’t be afraid to contact your doctor, it’s possible that you might have a food intolerance or a larger digestive issue.

Food before coffee… or no coffee at all

Coffee is very acidic which is why it often might leave you with terrible indigestion and hours on the toilet. I know especially being a college student late nights and early mornings call for lots of caffeination. Although coffee is usually the answer there are tons of alternatives that will still help wake you up.

Matcha is a great coffee alternative, it will give you a slow release of energy over time, which helps avoid a caffeine crash. There are also tons of health benefits such as increased focus levels, tons of antioxidants and might even help you lose a little weight.

If you absolutely can’t live without your coffee try and keep it to one cup a day, and make sure you eat before you drink it. Don’t wait till you have the caffeine jitters to have your breakfast.

You NEED sleep

Late nights are hard to avoid in college but try to schedule out your days when you can. This will help you stay on track to your full night’s sleep.

Probiotics

Why aren’t you taking a daily probiotic yet? Seriously though it’s crazy how many benefits come along with taking one. Although they can be a little pricey, they can give your body a lot of the bacteria it needs. Before you purchase a random probiotic contact your doctor and make sure you choose one that suits your stomach needs.

Lower your stress levels

I bet this one made you all lol… You know when you have a big test or presentation, and your stomach doesn’t feel well? Well, believe it or not your stomach and brain are actually pretty tight. Stress can cause a lot of harm to the digestive system, even though it's hard to eliminate all your stress, be conscious of it. Try adding in meditation or just a few moments of quiet into your daily routine.

BONUS TIP (and a personal favorite): Peppermint tea is your holy grail! I swear a cup of this after ever meal works wonders! It helps optimize digestion as well as relieve any irritation!

Now we can’t guarantee that all of these tips will magically make you feel amazing, but regardless they will help your body stay healthy. There also might be some added perks like clearer skin and more energy! Remember to contact your doctor if you think your issues are something more serious.

And of course, don’t let your stomach stop you from being the bad b**** that you are!