How to Help Teens With Nervous Stomachs
Your teen might be plagued by a sour stomach, cramps or even diarrhea every time she's stressed or anxious. There are several ways to help your child overcome these uncomfortable feelings. By understanding both the triggers and the physical causes behind your teen's symptoms, you can help calm a nervous stomach so she feels better.
Instructions
Identify your teen's triggers for a nervous stomach. Stress and anxiety can often trigger digestive issues for teens, so anything that causes your teen worry can be a culprit. Taking tests at school, social anxiety or worries about important decisions such as where to go to college can all cause symptoms of anxiety, according to KidsHealth.org. By identifying the causes, you can work to address the anxiety first and the stomach issues after. Talk to your teen about stress response and how to deal with the anxiety that triggers her nervous stomach. She can try some instant calmers, such as slow breathing, yoga or positive visualization, suggests licensed marriage and family therapist Wendy M. Schwartz, Psy. D., on her website. Try to find solutions for specific challenges. If she's worried about her grades, some extra help or a tutor might cure some of her worries. If she's anxious about getting into a specific college, help her choose a few backups that she's excited about. Help her find perspective on her concerns. Give your teen bland, easy-to-digest foods on high-stress days. Spicy foods and foods high in lactic acid or acid can all exacerbate a nervous stomach. Instead, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains and water can all keep your teen's tummy calmer when she is faced with a big test or presentation at school, for example. Give your teen an over-the-counter antacid if she has a sour stomach. A chewable tablet containing calcium can help reduce the excess stomach acid. Most chewable OTC tablets are fine for teen consumption -- just make sure to follow package directions regarding dosage. See your teen's doctor if a nervous stomach is a longstanding issue rather than an occasional isolated incident. Your teen might actually be suffering from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or an anxiety disorder. With the proper medical attention, your teen can better manage her condition.