Stomach pain can be very annoying. However, there are many ways to relieve it. Over-the-counter medications and natural ingredients such as ginger and peppermint can immediately relieve abdominal pain and cramps. In the future, you can prevent stomach upset by changing your diet such as eating healthy foods, and avoiding spicy foods or foods that can irritate your stomach. If you have frequent stomach pains, call your doctor to find out possible causes and solutions. Activities such as yoga, meditation, and aerobic exercise may also relieve and prevent stomach pain.
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Method 1 of 3: Get Rid of Stomach Pain Quickly
Step 1. Take an over-the-counter antacid if you have an ulcer
Stomach pain can be overcome by neutralizing stomach acid using various drugs. Antacids such as Promag, Mylanta, or Pepto-Bismol can help coat the stomach and counter the negative effects of stomach acid. These drugs are available in tablet or liquid form. Use as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- To prevent stomach upset, take an acid-blocking medication such as Pepcid Complete about 30 minutes before eating.
- Stomach pain due to stomach acid may be accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation in the chest which is another symptom of heartburn.
- Antacids can help control heartburn, but do not cure the cause. We recommend that you check with your doctor to find out the cause of heartburn so that you can prevent it in the future.
Step 2. Take laxatives to relieve stomach pain due to constipation
If the cause of abdominal pain is constipation, try consulting the use of laxatives to stimulate bowel movements with your doctor or pharmacist. The effects of over-the-counter laxatives in light doses may only be felt in 2-3 days. Meanwhile, stimulant laxatives may work more quickly, but may be accompanied by side effects such as cramping. Take laxatives as directed and avoid taking more than the recommended dose.
- Do not use laxatives more than 2 weeks at a time because it can make your body experience dependence.
- The stomach pain you experience may be caused by constipation if it is accompanied by bloating, weakness, and no appetite.
Step 3. Take an over-the-counter bloating medication to treat pain from gas in the stomach
Overeating, eating fiber-rich foods, and eating too fast can cause bloating. To overcome this, take over-the-counter medications that contain simethicone. This active ingredient will help expedite the release of gas from the digestive tract.
- Your stomach pain may be caused by bloating if it is accompanied by belching, farting, and a bloated and enlarged stomach.
- To treat abdominal pain due to bloating, you can also use digestive enzymes. This enzyme can help reduce symptoms such as pain, heartburn, bloating, and farting.
Step 4. Drink ginger to reduce heartburn
Ginger is a natural ingredient that can improve digestion and reduce stomach pain. Drink ginger tea or natural ginger infused water to reduce stomach ache. It's best to avoid commercial ginger drinks because they don't contain much ginger, but are high in sugar.
- To make ginger infusion water, peel and chop 8 cm of ginger root and then add it to about 2 liters of drinking water. Add lemon if you want to balance the ginger taste. Leave overnight before drinking.
- Not everyone feels the benefits of ginger to relieve stomach pain. Even though ginger is quite safe and delicious for treating an upset stomach, some people somehow experience little benefit.
Step 5. Drink chamomile tea to soothe the stomach muscles
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve stomach irritation. This tea can also soothe the muscles of the upper gastrointestinal tract, thereby relieving stomach aches and mild constipation. Put one chamomile tea bag in about 250 ml of water and let it sit for 3-4 minutes before drinking.
Chamomile is also efficacious as a sedative so it can also help relieve problems in the gastrointestinal tract
Step 6. Use peppermint tea or mint to reduce stomach upset
Peppermint can help smooth the flow of bile in the body, thereby relieving stomach pain and preventing stomach problems. To get a high dose of peppermint, drink peppermint tea. Alternatively, suck on some peppermint candy. The peppermint content in the candy may not be too much, but it should still be beneficial for the stomach.
Step 7. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your stomach to relieve pain
Heat can increase blood flow to the surface of the skin. When placed on the stomach, the heat source can relieve pain and soothe muscles. Try placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on your stomach for 10-20 minutes and see if your stomach ache subsides.
- To avoid injury, do not apply the heater directly to the skin.
- Remove the heater immediately if your skin is red or painful.
Method 2 of 3: Adjusting Your Diet to Prevent Stomach Pain
Step 1. Eat fermented foods to improve digestion
Fermented foods and drinks contain good bacteria that can help the body digest food more easily. Try to include 2-3 servings of these products in your diet each week to help the digestive system. Fermented foods and beverages, including:
- Kefir, a fermented milk product
- Kombucha, fermented tea
- Sauerkraut, fermented cabbage
- Miso, pasta made from fermented soybeans
Step 2. Prioritize the consumption of simple carbohydrates that are easily digested by the body
Eating foods that are difficult to digest can make stomach pain worse during recovery. For that, prioritize the consumption of simple carbohydrates such as rice and bread. Bananas and applesauce are also known to be easily digested by the stomach.
Avoid foods that are heavy on the digestive tract such as whole grains and spinach during the recovery period
Step 3. Avoid spicy foods that can irritate the stomach lining
Stomach pain is usually caused by inflammation of the stomach lining. So, you have to be more careful in choosing food during the recovery period. Choose snacks that are not too seasoned. To avoid unwanted ingredients, try to cook yourself until you recover from an upset stomach.
Good bland foods to eat include turkey sandwich or unseasoned chicken breast with rice
Step 4. Eat yogurt to improve digestion and soothe the stomach
Yogurt labeled "active culture" will increase the number of good bacteria in the digestive tract and improve digestion. Yogurt can also soothe stomach pain and reduce bloating. Opt for plain yogurt as certain fruits or additives can make your stomachache worse.
If possible, buy organic yogurt to avoid added ingredients
Step 5. Eat enough fiber
The diet of some of us is low in fiber. The result is problems such as constipation. Fiber-rich foods, including:
- Whole wheat bread
- Fiber-rich breakfast cereal
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Fiber-fortified foods. These foods include, bar food products, yogurt, pastries, etc., which are fortified with fiber.
Method 3 of 3: Overcome Stomach Pain that Recurs Frequently
Step 1. See a doctor if you have frequent stomach pains
If you have frequent stomach pains, see a doctor immediately. Abdominal pain can be a symptom of a health problem that requires immediate treatment, medication, or even surgery. Share any other symptoms you may have to help your doctor figure out the cause.
- Tell your diet or lifestyle changes that may be contributing to gastric problems.
- Your doctor may perform a physical exam and ask you to undergo laboratory tests, as well as radiology, or endoscopy.
Step 2. Try meditating to reduce stomach pain from stress
Meditating daily can reduce overall stress, as well as relieve stress-related symptoms. Regular meditation can also reduce gastric problems due to inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders. Spend at least 15-20 minutes each day and meditate by sitting quietly and focusing on breathing slowly at regular intervals.
Find a quiet place and time to meditate so you won't be disturbed
Step 3. Exercise for 30 minutes to increase the body's metabolism
Exercise can help relieve and prevent stomach pain by reducing stress and increasing the body's metabolism. To maximize the benefits of moderate-intensity exercise, spend at least 30 minutes and do cardio 4-5 times a week. Try activities like:
- jogging
- Bicycle
- Swimming
- roller skating
- Walk fast
- Row
- Dance
Step 4. Try yoga poses that can help with digestion
Yoga practice has many benefits, including relieving stress and improving digestion. Take a beginner yoga practice at a local gym to learn the basics and try different poses. Or, try some basic yoga poses yourself like:
- "Apanasana", which is a pose lying on your back while hugging your knees against your chest for 5-10 counts.
- Bridge pose, which is lying on the floor bending your knees and moving your hips to stretch.
- Child pose, which is kneeling, crouching, and stretching the arms forward.
Tips
- Stomach pain can be caused by a number of health problems, from heartburn, stress, menstrual cramps, to serious problems that require medical attention. If your stomach pain is severe or has no apparent cause, you may need medical attention.
- Although there is little supporting research, many people find bone broth beneficial for relieving an upset stomach.
