There are simple things you can do at home to ease stomach pain, like drinking water and avoiding spicy foods. If these don't work, you can also try over-the-counter or prescription medications.
In this article, we'll explore 12 expert-recommended stomach pain remedies for discomfort and indigestion. Additionally, we'll guide you on when it's best to seek advice from a doctor.
What is Stomach Pain?
Stomach pain refers to discomfort or aches felt anywhere between the chest and groin area.
This pain can vary in intensity and may affect different parts of the abdomen, including the appendix, liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, and bowel.
Causes of Stomach Pain
Stomach pain can have various causes, including common issues like gas, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea. Infectious illnesses like the flu can also lead to abdominal pain.
Less common causes may include:
- Pneumonia
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Strangulated hernia
- Peritonitis (infection of the stomach lining)
- Bowel obstruction
- Appendicitis
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney stones
- Ovarian cysts
Twelve Home Remedies to Relieve Stomach Pain
There are various popular home remedies for indigestion, which may also help ease stomach upset from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
1. Drinking water
Water is essential for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. Being dehydrated can make digestion more difficult and increase the chances of an upset stomach. Drinking water can also reduce heartburn.
While the general guideline is eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, fluid needs can vary based on factors like activity levels, health, and size.
Around 20% of fluid intake comes from food, so most people should aim for about 8 cups of water daily. Younger children need slightly less water, based on their weight.
Pros
- Drinking water aids digestion and prevents dehydration. However, some may forget to drink enough water, while others may prefer other beverages.
- Using water bottles and flavor enhancers can make it easier and more enjoyable to drink water throughout the day.
2. Stay Upright
Avoiding lying down can help prevent indigestion from turning into heartburn. When you lie down, stomach acid is more likely to travel upward, causing heartburn. So, it's best to stay upright for a few hours after eating until the discomfort passes.
Pros
Staying upright is easy to do during daily activities, but it might not be suitable if you need to rest or sleep while experiencing stomach pain.
3. Ginger
Ginger is known to ease nausea and vomiting, especially in pregnant women or those undergoing chemotherapy. You can add ginger to your food, drink it as tea, or even find ginger-infused products like natural ginger ale.
Pros
- Research shows ginger can help reduce nausea, but too much ginger might cause side effects like gas, heartburn, or abdominal discomfort.
- Commercial ginger products like ginger tea or chews are available, offering alternative ways to manage nausea.
4. BRAT Diet
Doctors often recommend the BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—for people with diarrhea. These bland foods can help reduce the number of bowel movements and soothe irritated tissues in the stomach and intestines.
Pros
- The BRAT diet can help firm up stool and reduce diarrhea, preventing dehydration and stomach cramps. However, it may not provide all the necessary nutrients in the long term.
5. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol can trigger indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues like GERD. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol can improve overall health and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Pros
- While avoiding smoking and alcohol can improve quality of life and health outcomes, it can be challenging for some individuals and may require additional support.
6. Choose Easy-to-Digest Foods
Certain foods can increase the risk of indigestion, including fatty or acidic foods, wheat products, some fruits and juices like watermelon, spicy dishes, and greasy foods.
Pros
- Opting for easier-to-digest foods can soothe the stomach and reduce discomfort. These foods, like fruits and vegetables, also contribute to a balanced diet.
7. Baking Soda
Some suggest that baking soda can ease heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acidity.
Pros
- While baking soda may provide relief, its taste might be unpleasant.
8. Figs
Figs have natural laxative properties that help with constipation and promote regular bowel movements. They also contain compounds that can soothe indigestion.
Pros
- If someone is experiencing diarrhea, it's best to avoid figs because they can worsen it due to their laxative effect. Figs come in various forms like leaves, whole fruits, and paste.
9. Aloe Juice
Aloe vera may aid in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and colitis, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.
10. Basil
Basil contains compounds that can reduce gas and has anti-inflammatory properties due to its high linoleic acid content.
Pros
Basil is easily accessible in grocery stores, gardening shops, and online.
11. Licorice
Licorice root products are believed to help ease digestive discomfort, although the exact role of licorice in these remedies is still uncertain. This ingredient is present in Cumargold.
For someone experiencing stomach upset, drinking licorice root tea multiple times a day may provide relief.
Pros
- Licorice root teas can be easily found online, or you can make them at home by steeping 1 or 2 teaspoons of licorice root powder in boiling water.
12. Rice
Plain rice is often recommended for individuals with stomach pain, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome, as part of a low FODMAP diet.
Rice is also a staple in the BRAT diet, which healthcare providers may suggest.
Pros
- Rice is readily available in bulk at most grocery stores and is usually budget-friendly.
6 Prevention Tips
- Eat Slower: Consuming meals at a slower pace can aid digestion and reduce the likelihood of stomach pain.
- Avoid Fatty or Processed Foods: Limiting intake of fatty and processed foods can help prevent stomach discomfort.
- Identify Food Intolerances and Allergies: Recognizing and avoiding foods that trigger intolerances or allergies can prevent stomach pain.
- Drink More Water: Staying hydrated supports digestion and may reduce the risk of stomach issues.
- Reduce Stress: Managing stress levels through relaxation techniques or activities can contribute to better digestive health.
- Exercise Regularly: Engaging in consistent physical activity promotes overall wellness, including digestive health.
However, persistent or severe stomach pain should prompt consultation with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
When to Contact a Doctor
If stomach pain persists or if it's suspected to be a symptom of another condition, it's advisable to reach out to a qualified healthcare professional.
A healthcare provider can examine the underlying cause of the stomach pain and recommend appropriate treatment if needed.
Immediate medical attention should be sought if individuals experience stomach pain along with the following symptoms:
- Severe or sudden pain
- Sweating
- A tender or painful stomach
- Vomiting blood or vomit resembling ground coffee
- Sticky, bloody, or black feces
- Difficulty passing urine, feces, or gas
- Difficulty breathing
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Jaundice
