Thursday, September 28, 2023

How To Ease Stomach Pain

Take A Break From Feasting

How to ease stomach pain and bloating with a simple self massage

When you’ve stuffed yourself to the point of stomach discomfort, it is time to take a break from eating and drinking for at least a few hours. This gives your stomach a chance to empty. The amount of time needed to completely empty your stomach significantly increases if you have eaten a large amount of high-fat foods.

It’s best to also eschew smoking and chewing gum to avoid swallowing air, further distending your already bloated stomach. When you feel up to eating again, try sticking to light low-fat fare, such a small bowl of clear soup and a cup of tea or coffee.

How To Get Rid Of Lower Abdominal Pain

Women often experience pain in the lower abdomen due to their periods or menstruation. But abdominal pain is not just a womens issue, men also experience this problem.

Lower abdominal pain is common and often easily remedied. But if you have such pain on a regular basis, do not take it lightly.

Simple problems like swallowing excess air, eating high-fat foods that lead to delayed stomach emptying, food poisoning and even stress can cause lower abdominal pain. But certain health issues can also cause this problem.

Some of the health-related causes include constipation, lactose or gluten intolerance, gastroenteritis, colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease , intestinal obstruction, gastroparesis, Crohns disease, diverticulitis, kidney disorders, appendicitis, hernias, gonorrhea, liver cirrhosis and irritable bowel syndrome, to name a few.

In some cases, lower abdominal pain in women can be related to the reproductive system, including pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, menstrual pain, premenstrual syndrome , ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease.

As there can be so many reasons behind lower abdominal pain, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor to find out the exact cause of the problem.

However, for mild cases, you can use some home remedies and lifestyle changes to see improvement in your condition.

Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of lower abdominal pain.

Contents

Chamomile Tea To Cure Stomach Pain

Chamomile tea is known to work as an anti-inflammatory along the digestive tract.

If your stomach pain is caused by gastritis or indigestion, a cup of chamomile can offer relief. It does this by relaxing muscles along the stomach and the esophagus, easing the contractions that push food along, and lessens any cramps or spasms you are experiencing.

  • Place one teaspoon of dried chamomile in one cup of boiled water.
  • Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
  • Strain tea and add lemon or honey for taste.
  • Drink up to three cups daily

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Using Other Techniques To Relieve Discomfort

  • 1Use breathing techniques. Breathing is relaxing and can divert your attention from the pain of mild cramps.XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source You can do this while doing something else that will divert your attention, such as watching a television show.
  • Focus on your breathing. Use a fast and shallow breathing rate, following a one-two rhythm.
  • 2Avoid certain beverages. Alcohol or any caffeinated or carbonated drink can add to abdominal pain. Sip water or clear fluids.XResearch source
  • 3Try to exercise the cramps away. Take a walk around your house, or in the garden. This can be helpful when you find that sitting or lying down is uncomfortable. Moving around can help relieve intestinal and stomach discomfort.XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source
  • You may find it best to avoid abdominal exercises while experiencing cramps due to the discomfort, especially because cramps may result from exercise itself if you push yourself too hard. Know your limits.
  • If your cramps are muscular in nature, exercise your abdominal muscles at another time and merely stretch them in the cobra pose. Any position where you are facing up, looking forward or facing the ceiling will result in a minuscule amount of abdominal tension.
  • When To Call Your Doctor

    Cure Stomach Ache

    There’s a bit of a gray area in terms of which stomach pain cases need immediate attention and which would warrant a call or visit to your doctor instead, as there can be symptom overlap. Again, listen to your body and your instincts if you’re not sure.

    If you don’t have any of the symptoms listed above and instead have any of the following features of your abdominal pain, it is important that you contact your doctor within a day or two:

    • Excessive vaginal bleeding or blood clots
    • Vaginal bleeding that lasts for longer than usual

    You should also call your doctor if you experience stomach pain while you are being treated for cancer.

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    Ginger Tea As A Stomach Pain Remedy

    The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger neutralize excess acids that cause stomach pain.

    Drinking ginger tea may help to stimulate proper digestion by promoting the production of digestive juices while fighting harmful free radicals that cause disease.

    Drink two to three cups of ginger tea daily.

    • Cut one medium-sized ginger root into thin slices.
    • Add the ginger to one cup of boiling water and boil for three minutes.
    • Lower heat and simmer for five minutes.
    • Strain and add honey for flavor.

    Using Apple Cider Vinegar As A Stomachache Cure

    Another paradoxical-sounding remedy is using acidic drinks to relieve pain from gastric reflux. Since gastric reflux can result in stomach acid leaking out into places its not wanted, your stomachs acidity can end up lower than is optimal for digesting food.

    Drinking apple cider vinegar can help improve the levels and ease an upset stomach. This assumes that youre able to, well, stomach the drink in the first place. While apple cider vinegar does its work best if taken raw, you may find mixing it with water, a teaspoon of honey, and sipping slowly to be the more tolerable option.

    • Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to one cup of warm water.
    • Mix in one tablespoon of honey.
    • Drink this remedy every three hours until pain is gone.

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    Avoiding Common Stomach Ache Triggers

  • 1Don’t eat foods that might upset your stomach, especially before bed. Try not to consume foods that are high in fat, acidic or spicy foods, carbonated beverages, or foods that produce a lot of gas. If you’re having frequent stomach pains, you might want to reduce these foods from your entire diet. However, you should especially limit them within 3-4 hours of bed so you can sleep well.
  • Gas-producing foods might include broccoli, beans, onions, cabbage, apples, and foods that are high in fiber. Dairy and sugar substitutes may lead to gas as well.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • Acidic foods including tomatoes, citrus fruits, and coffee can all lead to heartburn. Peppermint, chocolate, and garlic may also lead to indigestion.XResearch source
  • Try taking a digestive enzyme before you eat if you have food thatâs harder to digest.
  • 2Avoid taking aspirin or NSAIDS before bed. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can irritate the lining of your stomach. To avoid this, try not to take them within 3-4 hours of bed if you can avoid it.XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source
  • If your doctor has prescribed these medications, discuss whether you should take them with a meal or earlier in the day to avoid night-time stomach pain.
  • When Stomach Pain Is An Emergency

    How To Relieve A Stomach Ache

    Stomach pain can be caused by a life-threatening condition, such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction , or a bowel perforation .

    These emergencies usually cause very noticeable and often intolerable signs and symptoms. Your stomach pain is probably a sign of an urgent medical problem if:

    • You are pregnant
    • Your pain started within a week of having abdominal surgery or a gastrointestinal procedure
    • You have ever had a gastric bypass, a colostomy, or a bowel resection
    • Your pain started shortly after you experienced severe abdominal trauma
    • Your abdomen appears bruised or is rapidly expanding in size

    Your stomach pain may be mild in the beginning, and then you may develop associated symptoms after a few hours. You should get help immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms along with your stomach pain:

    • Abdomen is extremely hard
    • Inability to have a bowel movement accompanied by vomiting
    • Pain in neck, shoulder or between shoulder blades
    • Vision changes

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    Calm Your Mind And Body

    When we are in pain, we tend to get anxious. Unfortunately, anxiety brings with it a heightened state of physical arousal that can make our pain worse. Taking a few minutes to calm down can be quite effective.

    Relaxation exercises are a way to break the cycle of anxiety and pain. They offer a way to “turn off” the state of heightened physical arousal. Of course, they work better with regular practice, but can still offer some benefits for immediate pain relief.

    Three basic types of exercises are visualization, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation. With a little experimentation, you can decide which work best for you.

    Using Hot Water Bottles To Relieve Stomachache

    Hot compresses can help soothe stomach pain. The word hot is used loosely here, since the desired level of heat will depend on both the level of pain and personal preference.

    Fill the bottle or similar object with warm or hot water, place a cloth between it and your skin, and find a comfortable place to lie down.

    • Place the hot water bottle, or a cloth soaked in hot water, on stomach for a five- to 10-minute treatment throughout the day.
    • Take a warm shower or bath twice a day for 15- to 20-minute intervals.

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    How To Get Rid Of Upper Abdominal Pain

    One common health problem that affects people of all ages is abdominal pain. The pain can be caused by many conditions. However, the main causes include an infection, abnormal growth, inflammation, obstruction and intestinal disorders.

    The abdomen is divided into four quadrants: right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, right lower quadrant and left lower quadrant. It is very important to know the exact location of the pain. This helps narrow down possible causes.

    In fact, there can be different causes behind abdominal pain in different areas. For instance, pain in the upper abdomen may relate to the liver, right kidney, portions of the colon, spleen, pancreas or stomach.

    Upper left abdominal pain can be due to an enlarged spleen, fecal impaction , injury, kidney infection, heart attack or cancer. On the other hand, upper right abdominal pain can be due to hepatitis, injury, pneumonia or appendicitis.

    Upper abdominal pain can be dull, intermittent or sharp, depending upon the cause. If the pain is intense and chronic, immediate medical attention is needed.

    Once the cause is known, treatment becomes easier. For mild upper abdominal pain, you can get relief from simple home remedies and lifestyle changes.

    Here are the top 10 ways to treat upper abdominal pain.

    Contents

    Getting Comfortable For Bedtime

    Home Remedies for Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Natural ...
  • 1Try relaxation techniques to help you wind down. About an hour before you plan to go to bed, try doing something you find soothing. For instance, you might try a deep breathing exercise, yoga, or meditation. If you’re spiritual, you might spend some time praying. This may make it easier for you to go to sleep once you get into bed.XResearch source
  • Feeling anxious or tense can lead to or worsen stomach pain, so this could actually help you feel better physically as well.
  • Other ways you can wind down before bed include dimming the lights, reading or doing another quiet activity, and turning off all electronics an hour before bed.
  • 2Take a warm bath with Epsom salt before bed to soothe your period cramps. A warm bath can help you relax, but the gentle heat might also help ease your stomach pains, especially if you’re having period cramps. Adjust the temperature so it’s nice and warm, but not hot. Pour in 2 cups of Epsom salt and let it dissolve completely. Soak in the water for about 10-15 minutes to help relax and ease pain. Then, put on a cozy pair of PJs and head to bed.XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • This can also be helpful if your stomach pain is due to anxiety or indigestion.
  • You can get different scents of Epsom salt, such as eucalyptus or lavender, to help you relax more.
  • For instance, you might wear stretchy PJ pants and a large T-shirt to bed, or you might opt for a flowy nightdress.
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    Yogurt To Relieve Stomach Pain

    Plain, unsweetened yogurt containing probiotics, or active cultures, may help with stomach pains as it promotes proper digestion. These work to increase the good bacteria needed to relieve indigestion, bloating, and painful discomfort in the gut.

    Consuming plain, unsweetened yogurt throughout the day may reduce stomach pain episodes.

    Use the following recipe to create a drinkable form of this remedy.

    • Combine two tablespoons of plain unsweetened yogurt, 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt.
    • Add three teaspoons of fresh coriander juice.
    • Mix in one-half teaspoon of cardamom powder.
    • Mix well and drink one hour after each meal.

    Home Remedies For Stomach Pain May Work For You

    Stomach pain is a common complaint that can range from mild stabs of pain to debilitating painful cramps.

    Causes of stomach pain may be linked to an underlying health condition such as appendicitis or kidney stones, or it may be a reaction to a food product that irritates the stomach lining.

    Many cases of discomfort are mild and may be alleviated by home remedies for stomach pain.

    Using natural and widely available products like herbal teas and probiotic yogurt may offer fast relief without causing the additional pain sometimes triggered by the irritants in shelf medications.

    Sudden and severe stomach pain may indicate a serious health condition. If it is accompanied by a fever, breathing difficulty, or bloody vomit, seek immediate medical attention.

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    Making Lifestyle Changes To Relieve Ulcer Pain

  • 1Determine the triggers of your ulcer pain. First, find out if you have any triggers that cause ulcer pain. Triggers are any foods and beverages that make your stomach pain worse. When you learn your triggers, and avoid them.
  • This may involve keeping track of foods and beverages that cause you any problems. Start with the common triggers, like spicy foods, foods with high acidity, alcohol, caffeine, or foods with high fat content. Add any foods or beverages that you are sensitive to. This is a simple process of writing down the foods you eat and seeing how you feel about one hour after eating. If the food you ate an hour ago is bothering you, you should eliminate that food from your diet.
  • 2Change your diet. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce ulcer pain and stomach irritation. Most fruits and vegetables , and whole grains wont irritate your stomach. Plus, eating vitamin-rich foods will support your bodys healing so you can get rid of the ulcer.
  • Avoid coffee and alcohol.
  • Getting more fiber from fruits and vegetables can help prevent new ulcers from developing and heal ulcers.
  • Foods rich in probiotics might help your ulcer. These include yogurt, sauerkraut, dark chocolate, pickles, and soy milk.
  • Cutting milk from your diet may be able to provide some relief.XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source
  • Remedies And Treatments For Stomach Pain

    Treating Pregnancy Symptoms : How to Ease Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

    Stomach pains â also known as stomachaches, tummy aches, and bellyaches â can range from mildly annoying to painfully incapacitating. It can be caused by a food allergy, indigestion, or eating something that has gone bad. Or it can be something more serious like an ulcer, Crohnâs disease, or stomach cancer.

    At home, there are things you can do, and things you can take, to potentially alleviate your stomach pain.

    Use a Heating Pad

    A simple remedy is to place a heating pad where it hurts on your stomach. The heat relaxes your outer stomach muscles and promotes movement in the digestive tract. Lying down usually works best. Keep it on your stomach for 15 minutes.

    Draw a Hot Bath

    Similar to a heating pad, the warm, soothing effect of a hot bath not only relaxes the stomach area, but it also relaxes the rest of your body. Once the water temperature is to your liking, soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

    Get Some Sleep

    A recent study found that digestive disruptions can be directly tied to lack of sleep. Getting a full nightâs rest improves the overall health of your body and can help ease any stomach pains you may be experiencing.

    Donât Overeat

    Chamomile Tea

    This ancient brew has been used for countless homeopathic remedies for centuries, and it is especially effective in soothing an upset stomach. Its anti-inflammatory properties help your stomach muscles relax, which can reduce cramp and spasm pains.

    Ginger

    Peppermint

    Soda Water

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    Peppermint Tea To Relieve Stomach Pain

    For more generalized pain relief, try peppermint tea, or even sucking on a candy cane if youre feeling festive. Peppermint leaves contain menthol, a natural analgesic known to help nausea and upset stomachs. Whether you get it from a candy, tea, chewing on the leaves, or sniffing some extract, peppermint can alleviate stomach pain and any accompanying nausea.

    • Add one teaspoon of dried peppermint to one cup of boiling water.
    • Steep for five to 10 minutes before straining.
    • Add a dab of honey for taste.
    • Or, chew on one fresh peppermint leaf throughout the day.

    Consider A Digestive Aid

    You might consider an over-the-counter digestive aid if your discomfort persists despite trying other measures. Chewing a couple of antacid tablets can help, especially if you are experiencing heartburn as well as stomach discomfort.

    Products containing bismuth subsalicylate claim to relieve a variety of digestive symptoms that might plague you after eating too much, including indigestion, heartburn and stomach upset. Anti-gas products that contain simethicone are particularly helpful if you are suffering with a lot of gas and belching along with your stomach discomfort.

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