When To Seek Professional Help For Upset Stomach
If your stomach ache is persistent with no signs of improvement and lasts for more than several days, it is time to get professional help as this may be a sign of a more serious ailment that requires immediate medical attention.
Sudden and severe stomach aches can be the root cause of serious problems that may worsen if medical help is not sought immediately. You should see your doctor immediately, especially if the pain has been concentrated in a single area. Some of the reasons for stomach ache are as follows:
Read more about: Best Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add In Your Diet
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the readers situation.
Drink Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar
If you’re dealing with a stomach ache caused by gas or indigestion, apple cider vinegar might do the trick to help aid digestion. Bedford says the “recipe” that homeopathic doctors usually recommend is:
- One cup of warm water
- One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- One tablespoon of honey
Taking the apple cider vinegar alone undiluted is not recommended since the acidity can irritate your throat and deteriorate tooth enamel. Plus, mixing it with water and honey can make the vinegar more palatable.
Most of the evidence for apple cider vinegar and stomach aches is anecdotal, and more research is needed to determine if this is a sure-fire remedy for most.
Avoiding Smoking And Drinking Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol indigestion and other gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastrointestinal reflux disease .
Pros and cons
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake improves peoples quality of life and reduces the risk of certain health conditions, such as cancer.
However, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol can be difficult, and people may require extra support.
Learn more about quitting smoking and drinking:
- greasy foods
Pros and cons
Avoiding difficult-to-digest foods may help ease the stomach and reduce discomfort and pain. Additionally, more easily digestible foods such as fruit and vegetables may help promote a healthy, balanced diet.
However, avoiding richer or heavily preserved foods may be more difficult for people who do not have the time to source fresher food or those who live in a food desert.
Recommended Reading: Why I Have So Much Gas In My Stomach
Common Stomach Ache Causes
There are many reasons you may have a stomach ache, ranging from something as simple as taking medication on an empty stomach to something more serious, like an ulcer, says Rudolph Bedford, MD, a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
Acute, short-term stomach aches usually last for between two to three days and don’t necessarily require a doctor’s visit. Here are some common causes of acute, short-term stomach aches:
- Gas and indigestion
- Certain cancers including stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and kidney
Rice Water To Relieve Stomachache
Last but not least, look to rice more specifically, look to the leftover water after you cook rice.
Rice water is capable of forming a coating over certain membranes like, for instance, the lining of your stomach. This barrier can be a soothing lining to help ease inflammation and offer relief from stomach pain.
For a simple rice water remedy, first wash one-half cup of white rice.
- Add rice to six cups of boiled water, cover, and allow to sit until rice is tender.
- Strain the water into a cup to cool.
- Add one-half teaspoon of honey.
- Sip on two cups daily.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Stomach Fat Women
Fast Facts On Stomach Ulcers
- Stomach ulcers are common in the West and easy to treat but can become serious.
- The most common causes are bacteria and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
- The classic symptom of a stomach ulcer is indigestion.
- Treatment for stomach ulcers normally focuses on removing the cause.
The classic symptom of a stomach ulcer is indigestion, also called dyspepsia.
Indigestion causes pain or discomfort in the stomach area. This symptom can be mistaken for heartburn, which can occur at the same time.
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease may cause heartburn. It occurs slightly higher up from the stomach, and people will feel it in the lower part of the chest.
Stomach ulcer symptoms tend to be more distinct than heartburn, but symptoms can still be vague.
An ulcer also tends to produce a burning or dull pain in the center of the abdomen. People sometimes describe the pain as a biting or gnawing pain. Some individuals may describe a hungry sensation.
Individuals may also be able to relieve pain by eating, drinking, or taking antacids.
Some stomach ulcers go unnoticed and show no typical indigestion-type pains. These ulcers are less common, and doctors tend them after they have started bleeding.
Some ulcers can cause a hole in the stomach wall. Health experts call this perforation, which is a severe condition.
Stomach ulcer symptoms often change over time and can be difficult to spot.
Dietary changes can help prevent stomach ulcers from developing.
Do Some Gentle Yoga Stretches
Most of these tips have focused on internal remedies for stomach pain, but you can also get some relief by stretching.
A number of yoga poses are designed to help stimulate digestion and relieve bloating, which can make you feel less crampy and miserable. For quick relief, try a knees-to-stomach pose. Lie on your back somewhere comfortable.
Draw your knees up to your chest and wrap your arms around your shins. Make sure to keep your back flat on the floor. Hold this pose for one minute, and then release.
Repeat this pose until you feel better.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Bulgy Stomach
Home Remedies For Stomach Pain
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
Stabbing, throbbing, pulsing, or burning abdominal pains may be the sign of either minor or serious health conditions.
In most cases, relief can be found with all-natural home remedies for stomach pain.
The powerful yet nontoxic properties of many common kitchen products may help to alleviate the pain and other symptoms caused by gas, constipation, irritating foods, indigestion, food allergies, or viral infections.
Identifying the cause is the first step in knowing how to get relief from stomach pain.
In this article:
Apply Peppermint Essential Oil To The Abdomen
Like the benefits that ginger and apple cider vinegar offer, peppermint essential oil acts in a similar way. If you dont have ginger or ACV on hand when a stomachache hits but peppermint oil in your cabinets, this can be a great way to help relive the pain.
Peppermint offers a number of digestive health benefits, most notably it can help to reduce muscle spasms in the gastric lining and colon.
Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil and rub across your abdomen wherever discomfort is occurring.
If you dont have peppermint oil but you have peppermint tea, this can be equally beneficial and soothing to drink.
You May Like: How To Tighten Stomach Muscles
Evaluate What You Ate
Its important to know if what you ate was the direct cause of the stomachache. While this may not help you in the moment, it can give you good information going forward.
If, for example, you ate a lot of dairy or sugar and you find you most often get stomachaches when these foods are in your meals, thats a signal from your body that you may either lack the ability to properly break them down or that these foods simply dont agree with your body.
It may be helpful to start a food journal where you write down everything you eat so that you can better correlate it with digestive upset, like stomachaches.
What Is Stomach Ache And What Are The Causes
Stomach pain is a condition where the abdominal region experiences severe pain and cramps. There are many causes as to why this happens and most stomach pains are not serious. The common cause for Abdominal pain is due to trapped gas inside the stomach, which can be treated with a pain killer. Stomach pain is also caused by bacterial or viral infections, which can infect the area. These pains usually occur along with loose stools, vomiting and gas.
Listed below are some of the common and less common reasons for stomach ache:
Also Check: How Can I Get Rid Of Bloating In My Stomach
When To See A Doctor For Abdominal Pain
An upset stomach is a common problem and it is not usually a cause for concern. Most people start to feel better in a few hours or a day at most. However, if the symptoms last for more than a day, it is important to seek medical attention, especially in young children and older adults who can become dehydrated very quickly.
Other symptoms that warrant an evaluation by a healthcare provider include:
- Uncontrolled diarrhea or vomiting that lasts for more than a day
- Constipation for more than 4-5 days
- Blood in the stool or vomit
- Fever
- Arm pain or chest pain
- Problems with swallowing
- Feeling a lump in the upper or lower abdomen
References:
Remedies And Treatments For Stomach Pain And Gas
Most stomach pain and gas will go away on its own, but there are steps you can take to ease discomfort and prevent future gas pain. Gas-related stomach pain remedies include:
Pass Gas
The only way to get rid of gas is to pass it. Donât hold it in. If youâre worried about odor, try reducing foods that contain sulfur-producing compounds such as broccoli, cabbage, and beer.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Many gas-relieving products are marketed, but scientific evidence of their effectiveness is limited. Many people claim to experience relief, so they may be worth trying. The most common medications that claim to relieve immediate symptoms are activated charcoal and simethicone .
Herbal Remedies
Peppermint and peppermint oil have the best record as digestive aids, but there are many other foods that may help. In one study, Chinese herbal formulae outperformed placebos in soothing IBS symptoms. Commonly included ingredients are:
- Wearing ill-fitting dentures
Enzymes Before Eating Certain Foods
Taking enzymes before you eat can help you better digest your meal. Most enzymes are only available for those with a medical condition that prevents them from producing their own. However, two widely available enzymes for problematic foods are:
- Lactase supplements can help those who are lactose intolerant.
- Alpha-galactosidase supplements can help people digest legumes.
Also Check: How To Stop Stomach Pain From Anxiety
Fennel Seeds To Relieve Stomachache
The phrase volatile oil is not normally associated with relieving stomach pain, but thats just what anethole, found in fennel seeds, can do. Anethole will stimulate the production of digestive juices, which, if you have indigestion, can be just the thing to provide natural pain relief for inflammation of the stomach.
Pregnant women, however, should not use fennel seeds.
- Chew on one-half to one teaspoon of fennel seeds after each meal.
- Or, add one teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds to one cup of boiled water. Steep for eight to 10 minutes before straining tea. Add a dab of honey for taste. Drink tea after each meal.
Ginger Natural Remedy To Get Rid Of Stomach Cramps
Among roots that are reliable for making your tummy feel better, ginger deserves a good place on the podium. This home remedy works by easing the digestion process and, as a result, making the pain in your abdomen go away. You can brew a pot of fresh ginger tea to make the most of its anti-inflammatory properties. If you cannot find any sources for fresh ginger in your area, you can always buy some ginger tea or even some ginger supplements if you are not fond of the slightly spicy taste.
Recommended Reading: Why Is My Poop Green And My Stomach Hurts
Common Causes Of Stomach Ache Include Constipation Diarrhea Acid Reflux Lactose Intolerance Stress Gas And Bloating
One can experience stomach ache due to various reasons such as constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, lactose intolerance, stress, gas and bloating. While there are many ways to treat the same, nutritionist and lifestyle educator Karishma Chawla shares how one can manage different types of stomach aches with the help of home remedies.
Read on to know.
Constipation
Constipation is caused by lack of dietary fibre, indulgence in processed foods, dehydration, too much dairy, medication, lack of exercise or movement, ignoring the urge to defecate, and stress. Chronic constipation can lead to gas production, stomach bloating, and ache. Dietary interventions include consuming whole grains such as dalia, red rice poha, rajgira and legumes fruits and vegetables rich in fibre like dark green leafy vegetables, pear and papaya drinking plenty of water and other fluids like starting the day with lemon water and consuming vegetable smoothies. Lifestyle measures include slowing down the morning ritual, having a routine, a set wake-up and sleep time along with yoga and stretches. Avoid refined, deep-fried, and high sugar foods. One can experiment with black salt which may help to relieve gas and bloating and aid digestion. Garlic helps to relieve gas, constipation and treat the infection.
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
Read Also: How To Lose Post Menopause Stomach Fat
Baking Soda And Lemon Drink
It is an easy and the best option for indigestion. You can mix lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda that may help to relieve digestive complaints. The drink produces carbonic acid in the stomach, causing the reduction of indigestion and gas. The acid in lemon also reduces the acid secretion in your stomach.
Natural Remedies For Stomach Ache
If you get stomach aches periodically, youre not alone. An upset stomach can result from all sorts of things from stress and diet to more serious matters such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease or colon cancer.
While there is no comparison to care from one of our board-certified gastroenterologists, many stomach aches can easily be treated at home. However, if you have persistent issues or pain, or a sudden onset of severe symptoms, medical treatment is always your best option.
8 Natural Remedies for Stomach ache
Peppermint
The menthol in peppermint leaves has been used as a natural pain reliever to aid stomach problems for centuries. Try drinking it in a tea, chewing on mint gum, or sucking on a peppermint candy.
Apple Cider Vinegar
While not delicious to taste on its own, this pantry staple can be taken by the tablespoon to neutralize an upset stomach. Try mixing it with a cup of water and a teaspoon of honey. The acids inside may help decrease starch digestion, and keep the bacteria in the gut healthy.
Ginger
Ginger has been used since ancient times to help treat stomach aches, and science proves it truly can help. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can be consumed in various forms candy, capsules, or as tea but fresh ginger root is best when looking to rid stomach pain.
Chamomile Tea
Drink Water
Exercise
Apply Heat
Try the BRAT Diet
When to visit us
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of C Section Stomach
Home Remedies For Upset Stomach / Tummies
What is Upset Stomach?
Upset stomach is referred to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen that is caused by many factors such as viruses, parasites and foodborne illness. It includes a group of symptoms related to digestive system including nausea, bloating and burping. Natural home remedies can treat upset stomach or tummies effectively.
Causes of Upset Stomach / Tummy
Here are the common causes for upset stomach/tummies:
- Alcohol excess
Symptoms of Upset Stomach / Tummy
The following are the symptoms for upset stomach or tummy:
- Vomiting
Home Remedies for Upset Stomach / Tummy
The following are some herbal and natural remedies for curing upset stomach/tummy:
Tip 1:
Baking soda is a common home remedy for treating upset stomach. Make a mixture of ½ teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water, mix well and drink it down. Drinking this can bring on a burp that may ease stomach pressure and will reduce acidity in the stomach.
Tip 2:
Papaya fruit contains papain, an enzyme that helps break down protein and soothe the stomach. It aid in digestion, eases indigestion and also helps with constipation. So simply enjoy munching some fresh papaya every day after your meal.
Tip 3:
Herbal teas such as ginger, sage, chamomile, peppermint and so on work wonder to ease down abdominal problems. They also relieve cramping stomach and intestinal muscles. Make some herbal tea and have it daily.
Tip 4
Tip 5:
Tip 6:
Tip 7:
Tip 8:
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.
Read Also: What Can Cause Gassy Stomach