Abdominal pain is usually a temporary symptom and is mostly not a dangerous condition such as cramps, indigestion, or motion sickness. Although not dangerous, stomach pain is annoying because it causes discomfort that can prevent you from doing activities you enjoy. Fortunately, there are various ways you can treat an upset stomach, such as basic exercise, drinking homemade tonics, and changing your diet. If none of these work, you may have a serious medical condition, such as appendicitis. Contact a medical professional immediately if you experience prolonged acute pain.
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Method 1 of 4: Trying a Quick and Easy Heal
Step 1. Go to the restroom
Usually people who experience nausea or abdominal pain in general only need to have a bowel movement. Before trying other methods, try sitting on the toilet for a few minutes leaning forward with your knees pulled toward your chest. Naturally, this position will encourage the body to defecate without any undue pressure.
- Do not try to force a bowel movement by tightening or pushing on your stomach. Forcing the body to defecate improperly can lead to serious complications such as hemorrhoids.
- If your intestines or stools are bloody, seek medical attention immediately. Intestinal bleeding is called hematochezia, and stools that contain blood are called hematemesis.
Step 2. Apply a warm compress on the stomach
Applying heat to the abdominal area can help relax the muscles and reduce muscle stiffness or cramps. Use a bottle filled with hot water, a warm compress made in the microwave, or an electric heating pad and place it on your stomach for a few minutes.
If you don't have any of the utensils listed above, place the rice in a clean pillowcase or sock and heat in the microwave for 1 or 2 minutes
Step 3. Stand up and touch your toes
Mild indigestion can usually be cured by expelling gas in the stomach and intestines. Help your body to expel it by touching your toes and doing other similar simple exercises.
For example, lying on your back with your legs raised, or bending your knees toward your chest while gently rocking them. Raised legs will reduce pressure in the abdominal area so that it can release the trapped gas and reduce discomfort
Step 4. Allow yourself to vomit
If you are really nauseous, your body may be signaling that you need to throw up. This unpleasant action may seem like a bad choice, but it's actually the body's way of expelling bacteria, viruses, or ingested and irritating food. Go to the doctor if you continue to vomit for several days as this could indicate a serious underlying condition.
- If you feel nauseous but can't throw up, try biting into a soda cracker or wearing an anti-nausea magnetic bracelet to ease the nausea.
- Vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration. Therefore, if you vomit more than once, consume sports drinks that are equipped with electrolytes. This will replace the sodium and potassium in the body needed to fight disease.
Step 5. Take a hot shower
Soak your body in warm water to increase circulation and relax muscles. This action can relieve an upset stomach and help relieve the stress you are experiencing. Soak yourself in the tub for at least 15 to 20 minutes and add a cup or two of Epsom salts to help relieve inflammation.
Use a bottle filled with hot water or a heating pad to warm your stomach muscles if you don't have a bath
Step 6. Massage your stomach
Abdominal cramps can be caused by muscle constriction. This condition can be reduced by giving a gentle massage. Apply light pressure to several areas of the abdomen and back. Focus on the area that hurts the most, but don't overdo it and press or rub too hard.
When massaging, focus on inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Deep breathing can help relax the muscles and distract you from the pain
Step 7. Take the medicine without a doctor's prescription
You can use over-the-counter medications for indigestion, nausea, and common cramps. You shouldn't depend on these drugs all the time, but you can use them in moderation safely and effectively. Follow the dosage instructions carefully and ask your pharmacist if there are any specific instructions or warnings about the medicine you are buying.
- If you have indigestion, look for medications that contain calcium carbonate or bismuth. Both of these ingredients will cover the lining of the stomach and reduce pain and nausea with no or few side effects or contraindications.
- If the pain persists even after taking bismuth, try a medication containing a low dose of acetaminophen instead of aspirin or ibuprofen. However, do not let you use it excessively because in the end it can cause liver damage.
Method 2 of 4: Taking Home Remedies
Step 1. Eat prunes or other foods that are high in fiber
A common cause of stomach pain is constipation: your body needs to have a bowel movement, but something is blocking or blocking it. Constipation can be relieved by eating foods that contain lots of fiber such as prunes, broccoli, or bran (seeds). Plums are very potent because they contain the natural laxative sorbitol, and are full of fiber.
- If constipation persists despite eating foods and drinks high in fiber, try a mild laxative containing sennoside in tea or water-soluble powder.
- You can also stimulate the muscles of the digestive tract with a cup of coffee that causes you to have a bowel movement. However, don't drink it all day long. Coffee is a natural diuretic, so it can cause dehydration and make constipation worse if too much is consumed.
- Plum juice is known to help stimulate the intestines and make you defecate. Drink a small glass of juice in the morning, and a small glass in the afternoon to help relieve constipation.
Step 2. Drink peppermint, chamomile, or ginger tea
Several studies have shown that these three herbs can help relieve nausea and general stomach discomfort. Ginger can regulate digestion, while peppermint and chamomile can relieve cramping muscles.
You can also chew boiled peppermint leaves or drink ginger water instead of drinking tea made from this herb. Make ginger water by dipping a few pieces of ginger root in hot water, letting it soak there, and then straining it
Step 3. Make a mixture of baking soda and water
Almost all over-the-counter antacids contain baking soda as the main ingredient. So, you don't need to buy antacids at the store because you can make them yourself at home. Dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in one glass of warm water and drink this solution slowly.
Repeat the process every few hours until nausea or indigestion is reduced
Step 4. Drink apple cider vinegar
Unlike plain white vinegar, apple cider vinegar can relieve nausea because it absorbs unwanted nutrients in the stomach. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of warm water. If the taste is not a problem for you, drink a glass of this mixture every few hours until your nausea goes away.
Purchase organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar that clearly states that the product contains a "mother". This means that the vinegar contains enzymes and raw bacteria that are very beneficial for gut health
Step 5. Drink aloe vera juice
Aloe vera juice has been shown to reduce abdominal cramping pain. This juice can also help with constipation and indigestion. In the past, aloe was only sold exclusively in certain places and health food stores, but in recent years its popularity has increased so that this ingredient can be easily obtained in many places.
Method 3 of 4: Treating Indigestion or Chronic Heartburn
Step 1. Watch what you consume
If you experience frequent indigestion or heartburn (a burning sensation in your chest due to stomach acid rising into your esophagus), focus on treating the cause of your indigestion, not just treating the symptoms. Begin this process by monitoring your consumption habits and eating patterns. Some small habits that seem trivial, such as eating too fast, bribing large meals, or eating too many large portions can make indigestion worse.
- If you have bad eating habits, correct them by eating smaller meals over longer periods of time. Eating food slowly allows the stomach to have more time to digest the food. Food in small portions can lighten the workload of the body.
- Problems with the stomach after eating are called nonulcer dyspepsia, which is also known as indigestion.
Step 2. Drink after meals
Waiting up to an hour after eating to drink can help relieve indigestion. While it may seem counterintuitive, drinking water while you are eating can dilute the digestive acids in your stomach, making them less effective.
Choose water or milk instead of fizzy drinks, alcohol, or coffee because these drinks are abrasive to the stomach lining and can increase discomfort
Step 3. Don't eat spicy and oily food
Indigestion is often caused by eating foods that are difficult to digest, which exacerbates pain and increases acid production. One of the easiest ways to reduce indigestion is to find out what foods can trigger symptoms of dyspepsia (stomach pain) and eliminate them from your food list.
You're better off choosing bland and soft foods such as oatmeal, toast, broth, applesauce, crackers, and rice. These foodstuffs are easy to digest so they don't put too much pressure on the digestive system
Step 4. Wear clothes that are loose around the waist
This may seem trivial, but the clothes you wear can actually have a big impact on indigestion and acid reflux. Pants or skirts that are too tight around the waist can poke into the stomach and put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. This can interfere with normal digestion and cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.
This doesn't mean you have to get rid of all your favorite tight jeans. Just make sure you're wearing slightly loose-fitting clothes before having a big meal
Step 5. Take supplements to keep your digestion good
Some supplements that can be obtained easily and have a positive impact on digestive disorders include digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid supplements, and enteric-coated peppermint oil. For example, taking enteric-coated peppermint oil gel capsules daily has been shown to reduce or cure indigestion by up to 75%.
- Although indigestion is often thought to be the cause of overactive stomach acid, this condition can also occur due to insufficient stomach acid. Ask your doctor if you think this might be a problem, and try taking a hydrochloric acid supplement if your doctor recommends it.
- No matter which supplement you choose, be sure to follow the dosage instructions and consult your doctor if side effects occur.
Step 6. Add probiotics to your diet
Probiotics are good bacteria that thrive in the stomach and can aid digestion. Several studies have shown that taking probiotics can treat certain chronic digestive problems, such as irritated bowel syndrome and diarrhea that causes infections. You can consume yogurt and other cultured milk products every day to increase your probiotic levels. Make sure you check the label and buy products that contain live cultures.
If you don't like yogurt, try taking a gel supplement in capsule form instead. Some good supplements include Align and Florastor. Both of these products are probiotic supplements that are useful for the health of your digestive tract (gastrointestinal)
Step 7. Consume artichoke leaf extract three times a day
Artichokes increase the production and flow of bile in your stomach so food can move more quickly through the digestive tract. Several recent studies have shown that consuming artichoke extract can significantly reduce symptoms of indigestion such as flatulence and feeling full too quickly.
Although it has been widely used in Germany, artichoke extract may be difficult to find in other countries. Purchase this product at a health food store or search the internet for home delivery
Step 8. Check your consumption of nitrates and anti-inflammatory drugs
Many prescription medications can cause indigestion or heartburn, so check your medicine cabinet to see if you're taking the medication that could be causing your problem. Even so, do not immediately stop using essential drugs. Talk to your doctor about whether you should stop using the drug and whether you can get a replacement.
Nitrates are often used to treat heart disease because they dilate blood vessels, while common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin are often used to treat pain
Step 9. Rest after eating
Before doing any physical activity, you should rest so that your food is digested first. If you exercise immediately after eating, the body's efforts to digest food will be disrupted because it must provide energy and blood for active muscles and lungs. These disturbances will delay your digestive activities and can cause stomach pain. Sit up straight or relax for up to an hour after eating.
If you've just eaten a large, high-fat meal, you may need to wait 2 to 3 hours before engaging in a strenuous exercise
Step 10. Consult a doctor for prescription drugs
Many over-the-counter medications can treat indigestion, but many of them have unpleasant side effects when used long term. If indigestion persists despite changing your diet and taking supplements, consult your doctor and ask if there are other medications that can treat your problem.
For example, your doctor may decide to prescribe you a proton pump inhibitor or H2 receptor antagonist. Both drugs work to reduce acid production in the stomach or reduce existing acid levels
Method 4 of 4: Preventing Stomach Pain in the Future
Step 1. Manage stress by stretching and meditating
Stomach problems such as nausea and indigestion will often occur if you have high stress levels. To reduce stress, try stretching slowly and meditating. This action can relax your body and mind while reducing the chances of stomach upset in the future.
Several recent studies have shown that deep breathing can also relieve mild heartburn. Unlike preventive medicine, breathing exercises don't have any negative side effects so you won't suffer any harm from trying them if you ever experience mild heartburn
Step 2. Exercise regularly
Frequent exercise can increase metabolism and prevent constipation. Even in the long run, the exercise you do can strengthen the digestive tract, making it more efficient and consistent in removing waste and cleansing the intestines.
If you run long distances, you may be more susceptible to diarrhea because your body has to support the constant motion of running, and because blood flow to your intestines decreases. These negative side effects can be limited by avoiding caffeine and sugar substitutes before you start your run
Step 3. Keep a food diary
Write down everything you eat each day to help identify foods that cause indigestion so you can avoid them in the future. You don't have to do it all the time, but try to take a week to write down all the foods you eat and the amounts, as well as when you have stomach pain and what types of pain are associated with it.
For example, don't just write, "Pizza. After that, it hurts." Instead, write something like, "Two slices of pepperoni pizza. Half an hour later had sharp heartburn for about 1 hour."
Step 4. Take control of your weight
Some research suggests that even small amounts of weight gain can increase your chances of experiencing painful heartburn. Although the reason for this association is not known, doctors suspect that heartburn occurs when fat around the stomach presses against the stomach. This added pressure causes acid to rise up into the esophagus, which in turn causes heartburn.
To lose weight, do regular aerobic exercise, cook a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and do endurance-based strength training
Step 5. Drink 2.2 liters of water every day
Your body needs lots of water for effective digestion and regular bowel movements. Without adequate water intake, the stomach is unable to excrete waste that has accumulated, resulting in constipation, polyps, and painful hemorrhoids.
Make sure you drink water at room temperature. Cold water can startle your system, slow digestion, and even cause a mild stomach ache
Step 6. Get plenty of rest
If you are treating a stomach virus, your body needs to rest and conserve resources to fight off the virus. If you only suffer from acid reflux, lack of sleep can make this condition worse because your esophagus will be exposed to acid for a longer time.
If stomach pain keeps you from sleeping at night, ask your doctor about what medications or homeopathic remedies you can take to help you sleep
Warning
- Many people experience stomach ache while traveling abroad. You can significantly lower this risk by drinking bottled water, brushing your teeth with bottled water, and not consuming potentially contaminated ice. In addition, do not eat raw foods such as peeled fruit and salads that have been touched by other people's hands.
- Call emergency services immediately if your abdominal pain is related to a recent injury or you experience chest pain and pressure.
- Consume fish and meat that have been thoroughly cooked. If the food is not cooked thoroughly on the inside, the harmful organisms living in the meat will not die. Eating undercooked food can also lead to food poisoning.
- Ask someone to take you to the hospital if you have severe pain that prevents you from sitting up, or has to bend over to relieve the pain. Also, go to the hospital if your stomach swells or feels sore, your skin is yellow, you have blood in your vomit or stools, or if your nausea and vomiting persists for several days.
