If you have an upset stomach, your first instinct may be to suck on a peppermint candy or brew a soothing cup of peppermint tea. However, while the minty treat can help some digestive conditions, like indigestion and gas, it may hurt others, such as heartburn due to gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD).
Does peppermint candy settle the stomach?
Peppermint (Mentha piperita), a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea, is also used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid digestion. It has a calming and numbing effect, and is often used to treat headaches, skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, and anxiety associated with depression.
What are the benefits of eating peppermint candy?
Yes, it freshens your breath, but it’s actually a natural antiseptic, so it helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. It’s also great for relieving headaches and nausea or any other digestive-related issues (um, hello post-holiday tummy ache).
Are peppermints candy healthy?
“Peppermint candies are a nutritionally poor food, containing high levels of sugar without any vitamins or minerals.
Does peppermint candy have real peppermint in it?
Most candies offer zilch when it comes to nutritional value, but pop-in-your-mouth peppermint sweets boast small amounts of healthy peppermint oil (extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant) or extract (made by soaking the plant in alcohol).
What candy is good for upset stomach?
Peppermint is an excellent remedy to help calm down an upset stomach. People may also notice similar effects when eating black licorice when feeling nauseous, as fennel is one the main ingredients in this candy.
What calms an upset stomach?
There are many foods that can help relieve an upset stomach. Herbs and spices like ginger, chamomile, mint and licorice have natural stomach-soothing properties, while fruits like papaya and green bananas can improve digestion.
Can eating too many peppermints be harmful?
Peppermint can cause some side effects including heartburn, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.
Do peppermint candies help IBS?
A study from 2011 published in Pain showed why peppermint might help people with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. The compounds in peppermint actually activate an anti-pain channel in the colon.
What candy has real peppermint?
Peppermint Star Brites are the only mint made with an essense of real peppermint oil. With their vibrant red and white stripes, these make an iconic addition to any candy display. Each pound of Brach’s Starbrite Peppermint Disks contains approximately 75 pieces.
Does peppermint candy raise blood pressure?
Aromatherapy retailers warn patients with high blood pressure to avoid peppermint because it may raise blood pressure. When used in very high amounts, peppermint and its constituent, menthol, may have negative effects on blood pressure.
Does sucking on peppermints help nausea?
8. Try peppermint. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint candy may soothe an upset stomach and curb morning sickness. Many pregnant women find that wearing Sea-Bands bracelets relieves nausea with no negative side effects.
Why do I crave peppermint?
Your very low iron level could indeed be contributing to your craving. Iron or zinc deficiency is sometimes associated with a condition called pica. This is the medical term for craving and eating non-food substances. While mint coffee or cookies qualify as food, mint-flavored lip balm certainly does not!
Do peppermints help with gas?
Peppermint may relieve digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating and indigestion. Animal studies indicate that peppermint relaxes your digestive system and may ease pain. It also prevents smooth muscles from contracting, which could relieve spasms in your gut ( 2 , 3 ).
Does peppermint candy help lose weight?
Peppermint works as a natural appetite suppressant. I noticed years ago that eating a peppermint candy cane after a meal kept me full and not reaching for more goodies. 2. This diet is less expensive than weight loss supplements, drinks, or paid programs.
Can candy settle your stomach?
NBC News Health and Nutrition Editor Madelyn Fernstrom echoed this advice. “Don’t be fooled by most holiday treats that sound like they can help an upset stomach,” she said. “Ginger and peppermint hard candies can sometimes help, but avoid looking for relief when these ingredients are a part of cookies or candy.”
What settles upset stomach naturally?
Try putting a heating pad or hot towel on your abdomen. The heat can help relax the muscles and relieve cramping. Taking a hot shower or bath with Epsom salts may also help. If the stomach pain is persistent, try sticking to the basics with the “BRAT” diet – that is, bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
Can sweets settle the stomach?
Sugar a Nausea Remedy
If your nausea stems from infection, injury, dehydration, motion sickness or migraines, you may be able to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting by sipping small amounts of clear sugary liquids like flat soda, popsicles or apple juice.
What drink makes your stomach feel better?
Treatment
- Sports drinks.
- Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as 7-Up, Sprite or ginger ale.
- Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry or cranberry (avoid citrus juices)
- Clear soup broth or bouillon.
- Popsicles.
- Decaffeinated tea.
How do you get rid of an upset stomach in 5 minutes?
How do you get rid of a stomachache in five minutes? Using a heating pad is usually the quickest route to relieving a stomachache. Place the heating pad over your abdomen and sit with it to help relax the stomach muscles.
How can I get gas out of my stomach?
Here are some quick ways to expel trapped gas, either by burping or passing gas.
- Move. Walk around.
- Massage. Try gently massaging the painful spot.
- Yoga poses. Specific yoga poses can help your body relax to aid the passing of gas.
- Liquids. Drink noncarbonated liquids.
- Herbs.
- Bicarbonate of soda.
- Apple cider vinegar.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.