Stomach ache: causes, remedies, and prevention

A meal eaten too quickly. The tension and stress of a particularly busy day. The anxiety of a tight deadline for which we feel unprepared. Temporary, occasional, and mild stomach pain (very different from long-term ailments) can be treated with very simple and effective natural remedies. And without wasting unnecessary medications, with their associated side effects. In some very specific cases, however, stomach pain requires a medical examination and evaluation.

Natural remedies

These are small measures, good habits, pieces of the puzzle for a healthy lifestyle. Combined with some very specific infusions, drops or herbal teas: all natural products. In providing these recommendations, we always remember an ancient and popular proverb, still very relevant today: "Digestion begins in the mouth." In other words, with how you eat and the balance of your foods.

Natural products for stomach ache

• ChamomileChamomile tea has calming properties and can help reduce inflammation or stomach cramps. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea can be very helpful in relieving mild stomach pain.
• ZENZEROIt is known for its anti-nausea and digestive properties. It can be consumed as a tea, candy, or even as a grated fresh root.
• Peppermint: an excellent remedy for cramps and gas. Mint has a relaxing effect on the stomach muscles, promoting smoother digestion.
• Apple cider vinegar: It can help balance stomach acidity and stimulate digestion. A teaspoon diluted in a glass of water can be an effective remedy for some digestive disorders.
• Sodium bicarbonate: It's a natural remedy for heartburn. A teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water can help neutralize acidity and reduce heartburn.
• Liquorice (deglycyrrhizinated licorice, DGL): in DGL form (without glycyrrhizin) it can help soothe the stomach lining and promote healing from ulcers or irritation.
• Fennel: an excellent remedy against bloating and heaviness in the stomach, thanks to its carminative properties that reduce gas.
• Marshmallow Root Tea: it has a soothing effect on the stomach mucosa, particularly useful for those suffering from gastritis or acidity.
• Hot water with lemon: can stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.

When to go to the doctor 

If you experience sharp, severe pain, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Even if the pain is mild but persists over time, it's a good idea to undergo appropriate medical checkups to determine the underlying cause, which in some cases may be pathological. If the pain is very severe, acute, or doesn't improve over time, it could be a sign of a serious problem. Furthermore, fever that accompanies stomach pain may indicate an infection that should be investigated further with your doctor, as may repeated cases of nausea and vomiting that cannot be stopped naturally, not being able to eat or drink without pain, unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, pain that radiates throughout the chest area, breathing problems. 

Medicines for stomach pain

If and when your doctor decides, stomach pain can be treated with some medications.

• Antacids: Used to neutralize excess stomach acid and relieve heartburn or gastritis. For example, Maalox.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)They reduce the production of stomach acid and are useful for conditions such as ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux. For example, omeprazole.
• H2 receptor antagonists (H2 antihistamines):  They also reduce stomach acid production, but in a different way than PPIs. For example, ranitidine. 
• Medicines against nausea and vomiting: If stomach pain is associated with nausea, medications such as metoclopramide or domperidone may be helpful.
• Carminatives:  Used to relieve abdominal bloating and gas pain. For example, simethicone, found in products like Aerored or Mylicon.
• Spasmolytics: If the pain is due to muscle spasms in the stomach or intestines, medications such as Buscopan may be helpful.

Prevention

To prevent the onset of stomach ache, it can be very useful to follow some precautions in your daily life, modifying bad habits that can trigger the annoying disorder. Let's see all the “stomach-saving” precautions, starting from the style at the table.

• No rush at the table
  Haste is a bad counselor. Even during meals. Our busy daily schedules often push us to eat quickly, sometimes even standing up or in front of the computer, while we continue working. The digestive process begins with chewing. If food that isn't small enough reaches the stomach, it triggers an inevitable feeling of fatigue and heaviness. Digestion is thus complicated and slowed down. This situation worsens in the evening. Poorly digesting dinner also ends up negatively impacting the quality of sleep. Furthermore, science has shown that meals consumed too quickly affect weight and other health issues. A study presented during the Scientific Sessions 2017of Heart Association for example, it revealed that those who eat quickly are more likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome, manifesting risk factors such as being overweight, with excess triglycerides and cholesterol, high blood pressure and blood sugar.
• Balanced foods
  An Proper nutrition It's a good ally in preventing stomach ache. A balanced diet should limit sugar intake, products made with refined flour, and shelf-stable foods as much as possible. Also, be careful about overly spicy foods and snacks between meals. Don't forget that the body requires an adequate intake of fibers, essential components in any dietary regimen for their ability to prevent constipation, soften stools and promote the natural movement of the digestive tract.
• Not too cold, not too hot
  Once we've ensured a healthy diet, it's important to remember that foods should not be consumed too cold or too hot. This simple precaution will help avoid causing irritation that can lead to heartburn.
• Irritating products
  There are several products that contribute to irritate the stomachFatty foods and fried foods are the most common. Even the wrong drinks can be harmful to the stomach. Alcohol, carbonated drinks, industrial fruit juices, and so on are particularly irritating. coffee, if consumed in excessive doses. Cigarettes, which have a significant impact on ailments such as stomach ache, should be added to the range of irritants. Smoking should therefore be avoided or at least limited as much as possible.
• Excess acidity
  Increased acidity can be caused by several predisposing factors as well as the presence of various pathologies. When heartburn is an occasional problem, the causes are manageable. It could be excessively large meals, difficult-to-digest foods, or a few too many drinks.excess food For example, it tends to put pressure on the digestive system, which is unable to produce enough substances, such as enzymes, to cope with the volume of food ingested. stress and anxiety have a heavy impact, distorting the digestive process. For reduce states of tension, it can be helpful to take some time to relax before you start eating.
• Lack of physical exercise
  Getting good physical activity stimulates the digestive tract, helping to combat conditions like constipation. Gentle, relaxing exercises like those practiced while doing yoga are excellent. yoga and Pilates, as they help relieve stress.

Read also:

• Heartburn: Remedies and Prevention
• Gaviscon for indigestion and heartburn
• The foods that help the intestine the most
• What to eat with gastroesophageal reflux