Remedies And Treatments For Stomach Pain
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
Home Remedies For An Upset Stomach
An upset stomach is a nonmedical term describing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.
Next time youre feeling any of these symptoms, try these home remedies from Nebraska Medicine gastroenterologist Sarah Malik, MBBS, to feel better.
Peppermint oil
For centuries, peppermint oil has been used to treat gastrointestinal ailments. Peppermint oil possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating and anesthetic activities, all of which may help gut disorders. Peppermint oil can relax painful muscle contractions along your food pipe.
Eucalyptus oil, found in vapor rub
Vapor rub contains ingredients that can provide a soothing effect if rubbed on the belly. It contains eucalyptus oil, which fights against bacteria, improves your immune system and reduces inflammation. It also contains menthol, camphor oil and nutmeg oil, which have been used to relieve pain.
Ginger
Herbal medicines are also effective for nausea. People have used ginger root to soothe troubled stomachs for the past 2,000 years. Various preclinical and clinical studies also support ginger’s helpful properties. Try ginger tea with lemon for a relaxing, comforting drink.
Sports drinks and noncaffeinated sodas
Certain foods make an upset stomach worse
Some people with chronic stomach discomfort are more sensitive to certain foods:
Ate Too Much Halloween Candy Upset Stomach 16 Home Remedies To Set You Right
Make sure you have these ingredients on hand before this Halloween. Also, if your children have any food allergies, be sure to check the ingredients of the candy they eat!
If you didnt follow the 12 TIPS TO PREVENT YOUR KIDS FROM EATING TOO MUCH HALLOWEEN CANDY, you may be dealing with Halloween hangover at your house.
Eating too much candy can wreak havoc on your kids digestion, causing nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
Having some home remedies for an upset stomach can save the day . Many of the ingredients can be found in your kitchen, and if one doesnt work for you, theres a whole list of remedies to try.
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Are There Foods That Reduce Stomach Pain
Anxiety-related stomach pain is not usually the result of your diet , so there arent necessarily any dietary changes that can help reduce stomach pain.
That said, those with panic attacks are more prone to experiencing more severe stomach discomfort, even when no anxiety is present. In other words, when you have panic attacks, its possible to have stomach pain even without a panic attack.
Also, those with anxiety attacks and severe anxiety are prone to whats known as over-sensitization. That means that they are more likely to notice and feel smaller, normal changes in the body, and these can trigger an anxiety attack. So if your diet does contain foods that cause you gas, stomach discomfort, or mild indigestion, it may be best to avoid them because the slight amount of discomfort could feel worse than it should and may trigger a panic attack.
Thats why healthy eating is important in those that get stomach pain with anxiety. Make sure youre getting:
- Water/Hydration
- Whole-Grain Carbohydrates
Also, if you suffer from stress-induced hyperacidity, then it is recommended that you consume dairy products and non-spicy foods. In moderate amounts, over-the-counter antacids may be needed as well.
In addition, if possible, try to avoid eating until youre too full. Those with severe anxiety sometimes interpret the full feeling as pain, and this could trigger a panic attack and further pain.
How To Know If You Have It
In addition to the health issues listed above, these physical signs may represent an imbalance in your abdominal muscles:
- A slightly upturned belly button
- One or more noticeable horizontal creases around or above your belly button.
- Good, firm definition in your upper abs but a significantly softer lower ab region .
But you may not see any visible evidence of stomach gripping or hourglass syndrome.
Beyond noticeable signs, Dr. Browning advises doing a mental inventory of your mentality and practices.
The easiest way to recognize the condition has to do with recognizing your own motivations and behaviors of the past and looking for muscle imbalances, he says. For many people, I think its possible to take a moment to reflect honestly and find patterns of the behavior in multiple places.
Ask yourself whether you tend to:
- Spend a lot of time sucking it in.
- Obsess over trying to flatten your stomach.
- Focus on ab workouts more than other body regions or muscle groups.
Individually, each of these possible identifiers is nonspecific, Dr. Browning says, but together they can provide insight into what may or may not be going on.
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Side Effects Of Stomach Gripping
Sucking in your stomach every now and then isnt going to do you any harm, but too much of it can cause problems.
As with any muscular imbalance, the effects can be far-reaching, Dr. Browning warns. He walks you through some of the possible implications to your health.
Breathing issues
With stomach gripping, your diaphragm learns to contract in the opposite direction, which can pull the lower ribs up and in, instead of pulling down and creating negative space for the lungs to expand with inhalation, Dr. Browning explains.
This means that when you suck in your stomach, theres less room available for your ribs and lungs to expand. And when your lungs dont have the space they need, the surface area for oxygen transport is limited and you simply cant breathe your best.
Ultimately, stomach gripping can reduce your oxygen intake by as much as 30%.
Neck and back pain
The muscles in your mid and lower back are responsible for supporting your upper body. But when stomach gripping messes with the muscles in your core , your neck, shoulders and back pay the price in pain.
As your body tries to find space for your ribs to expand, your lungs start to press upward instead of down, which can cause neck pain, Dr. Browning says. Because of the way your muscles are attached, this upward movement can cause increased structural strain in the mid and lower back, which are anchors for your contracting abdominal muscles.
Pelvic floor problems
Where Do The Painful Tumors Come From
The only way to actually get rid of sharp stomach pain is to deal with the underlying cause. This means getting to the bottom of where the pain is coming from and how to fix it. There are a few reasons the pain can come from the stomach. Some of the more common reasons include: gallstones and other stones lodged in the gall bladder, inflammation of the pancreas or stomach, ulcers, and a buildup of mucus in the stomach. What causes this mucus buildup? This buildup of mucus is usually caused by an ulcer. This can be either on the inside of the stomach or the lining of the stomach. These ulcers can be very painful. Thankfully, there are many options for getting rid of these ulcers. Some of the options include: medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery. So, what can be done to treat the pain of a stomach ulcer? This varies from person to person. For instance, some people who dont have pain when they take an antacid or a high fiber diet. On the other hand, some people that have been told to take medication to treat ulcers have a hard time tolerating the medication. Some of the most common medications that are used to treat ulcers are: Peptic ulcers are often treated with: Prevacid H2 Antagonists .
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How To Handle Your Upset Stomach
An upset stomach does not require medical attention in most cases. Pain or discomfort from an upset stomach is typically acute and will go away on its own, or with home treatment. However, its important to realize that many different things can cause an upset stomach or stomach pain. Be aware of these causes, find out how to treat an upset stomach, and learn when to speak to a medical professional.
There Is Hope With Cancer
Dr. Mitchell says. “A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying. The fear of the unknown is hard to shake, and it can be challenging to wrap your mind around what is happening. The treatment process can be long and arduous, and the side effects can be debilitating. Cancer can also be excruciating, both physically and emotionally. It is hard to watch a loved one suffer, and it can be tough to stay positive when things seem hopeless. However, it is essential to remember that cancer is not necessarily a death sentence. With early detection and proper treatment, many people can beat the disease and live happy and healthy lives. So if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, don’t give up hope.”
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How To Prevent Stomach Cramps
Not all stomach pain can be prevented. But you may be able to reduce your chances of getting stomach cramps by:
- Washing your hands before you prepare and eat food
- Avoiding overeating and, if possible, refraining from eating right before bed or a workout
- Staying hydrated and eating foods high in fiber
- Checking expiration dates and tossing food thats not fresh
- Avoiding foods you know you have a sensitivity to
Signs And Symptoms Of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain may take several different forms. In addition to how severe it is, abdominal pain can be described in the following ways:
Generalized Pain This refers to pain felt in more than half of your abdominal area, and is typical of stomach viruses, indigestion, or gas as the cause of your pain.
Localized Pain This refers to pain felt in just one area of your abdomen, and is typical of a problem with an organ like your stomach, appendix, or gallbladder as the cause of your pain.
Cramping This type of pain come and goes, or changes in its severity or perceived position in your abdomen. Cramping is rarely serious and is typical of gas, passing a stool, or menstruation as the cause of your pain.
Colicky Pain
Its important to call your doctor if your abdominal pain is so severe that you cant move without feeling more pain, or sit still in a comfortable position.
- Nausea and vomiting that doesnt resolve
- Weight loss
- Abdomen very tender to touch
- Swollen abdomen
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How Do You Get Rid Of A Stomach Ache In 5 Minutes
Over the counter medical treatment
- For gas-related pain, OTC medication like Mylanta, Gas-X can help get rid of gas and bloating.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause stomach ache and burning sensation , an antacid or acid reducer like Pepcid AC or Zantac 75 can help.
- For constipation, a mild OTC stool softener or laxative can help relieve constipation in most cases.
- Abdominal cramps can occur due to diarrhea. Medicines like Pepto-Bismol, which contains loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate, can help reduce diarrhea and cramps.
- Pain relievers, such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, can help reduce the abdominal pain and the pain of cramps caused due to several conditions. It may be combined with anti-cramping medications.
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Anti-inflammatory foods:
- Eating foods that have anti-inflammatory properties can reduce abdominal pain. These foods include blueberries, squash, cherries, capsicum, tomatoes, cold-water fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, beans, green leafy vegetables, and almonds. These foods also improve overall body health. It’s advised to incorporate these foods in the diet throughout the year, instead of just during the periods. Sugary food, fried and fatty foods, white bread or pasta, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco can increase cramps.
How Can I Prevent Stomach Bloating
If your stomach bloating is caused by diet or alcohol, you can help prevent it by making some lifestyle changes. Some good general guidelines include:
If the cause of your bloated stomach is something more specific, such as specific food intolerance, perimenopause or a medical condition, you might need a little help with diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Some options include:
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How Can You Help Prevent An Ulcer
Dr. Simpson advises, “First you shouldn’t try to treat an ulcer on your own. If you think you have one see your doctor, and you should undergo a test called an endoscopy where they look into your stomach to see if you have a problem. When they look in your stomach they will take a biopsy to see if you have the bacteria, and if you have it they will use antibiotics to treat it. Drinking more than two drinks a day can also cause an ulcer, by disrupting the mucosa of the stomach.”
According to Dr. Lalezari, “As always an ounce of prevention is better than a gallon of cure so it’s best to follow a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables and a diet high in healthy fiber to prevent ulcer disease. Avoiding prolonged use of NSAIDS, and smoking will also help prevent ulcers from forming. Lastly, taking a few minutes each day to meditate and exercise can help decrease stress levels and help prevent a pesky ulcer from developing.”
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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Sure Signs You Have An Ulcer In Your Stomach Now
Ulcers are a common occurrence that affect 1 in 10 people according to the Cleveland Clinic and while they’re excruciating for many and leave them doubled over in pain, others don’t have symptoms or realize they have one. Although it’s been a popular misconception that ulcers are a result of high stress, coffee and spicy foods, experts we spoke with reveal the true causes and share signs you have one. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
What Can Cause Bloating After Menopause
Unfortunately bloating is not only a concern during menopause years but can continue to get worse as you age, even after your hormones have had time to stabilize. While diet and lifestyle can still cause bloating issues after menopause, there are other things that may be the culprit for your bloating.
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Fenugreek Seeds To Get Rid Of Upset Stomach
Fenugreek also helps to get rid of upset stomach and other stomach disorders. Fenugreek seed is rich in mucilage which lower down the acidity of the stomach providing instant relief. Mix two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds powder with one teaspoon of yogurt. Take the mixture 2 times a day. You can add two teaspoons of fenugreek powder with a glass of water as an alternative to yogurt. Drink it two times a day to get rid of upset stomach.
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.
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