Remedies for Belly Pain

Stomach pain is an extremely widespread symptom among the population, caused by the most disparate and heterogeneous causes. Fortunately, it often represents a minor disorder, which appears as a consequence of a large meal or in response to strong stress: in such circumstances, stomach pain tends to regress spontaneously or through simple food / behavioral remedies. At other times, however, stomach ache is a sign of serious illnesses such as liver dysfunction, biliary colic, pancreatitis, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, or bowel cancer.
In general, the common (or "not worrying") stomach ache tends to regress spontaneously within a few hours or at most within a couple of days: in these cases, intestinal disorders and menstruation are the most important factors. commonly responsible for pain in the lower abdomen.When the stomach pain appears higher, persists and does not reduce with any type of food, behavioral or palliative remedy, the advice of an expert is recommended to assess the severity and origin of the disorder.

Please note: stomach ache is unlikely to manifest itself as a symptom in its own right. More often, in fact, abdominal pain is accompanied by constipation / diarrhea, abdominal cramps, flatulence, belching, bloating (swollen belly) and nausea.

The material published is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Belly Pain; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient. or after a particularly large meal

In some cases, stomach ache depends on a "food intolerance: in such situations, it is necessary to undergo special diagnostic tests to trace the triggering cause. For example, if the stomach ache depends on a" lactose intolerance, the remedy more effective is to eliminate all foods that contain it from the diet. Again, if the stomach ache was caused by celiac disease, the only appropriate solution is to follow a gluten-free diet (gluten-free).

Sip water: avoid swallowing liquids quickly, especially if cold

In case of stomach pain due to intestinal disorders and vomiting, it is advisable to take solid and light foods (eg crackers) and to avoid milk and dairy products. In such situations, a good remedy is to take sugary liquids in small doses, and not earlier than 4-6 hours after regurgitation.

Contact your doctor if your stomach ache lasts more than 7 days and no pharmacological / behavioral / food remedy is able to reverse the disorder

Seek medical advice if stomach pain is particularly severe and accompanied by symptoms such as intermittent fever / high fever, vomiting, tarry and bloody stools, jaundice, chest pain and anorexia (loss of appetite)

Relieve stress. Even if taken for granted, decreasing daily tensions is an excellent remedy to prevent or alleviate stress-dependent stomach pain.

If necessary, take yoga, pilates or any other form of relaxation

If necessary, take non-absorbable antibiotics that exert their rebalancing action on the bacterial flora at the enteric level without being absorbed by the intestine (eg Normix ®)

Immerse yourself in hot water. Even a hot bath can relieve stomach ache, as well as generate a pleasant feeling of well-being and relaxation.

Apply a bag of hot water on the abdomen: the heat applied on site relieves pain, relaxes the abdominal muscles and relieves stomach pain (a remedy particularly indicated in case of stomach pain due to menstrual pain). Do not place the hot water bottle directly on the skin: wrap it on a soft cloth or place it on top of your clothes

Drink hot liquids (broth, milk, decaffeinated tea, soups)

Abdominal pain due to menstrual pain can also be alleviated by assuming a particular position during sleep: while sleeping, the fetal position with the knees gathered to the chest seems to be a decent remedy to relieve abdominal pain.

they are the worst allies of stomach ache

Follow an unbalanced diet, characterized by excesses, high-fat foods and "junk" foods

Abusing heteropolysaccharide-based laxatives (fibers): these products (including herbal products) swell in the gastrointestinal tract, favoring stomach pain and abdominal swelling

Drinking carbonated soft drinks

Combine many foods together (e.g. pasta, meat, fish and desserts)

Depression, anxiety and stress accentuate abdominal tension

Continue to take nonsteroidal pain relievers (NSAIDs) if you have an upset stomach. As we know, heartburn, stomach ache and ulcers of the gastrointestinal mucosa are included in the list of typical side effects of NSAIDs (see gastrointestinal drugs)

Sleeping in a supine position (belly up): in the presence of stomach pain due to pancreatitis, the supine position worsens the pain

Wearing tight clothes, too tight pants, elastic tights and tight belts - such behavior can potentiate stomach ache

Drink ice water or sodas

with live lactic ferments or a probiotic in case of prolonged antibiotic therapy (to strengthen the immune system)

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and E)

If necessary, control hunger by preferring whole foods (pasta, rice) and rich in fiber

Indulge in a sugary fruit between meals: these foods favor the fermentation of the foods they are associated with, therefore they tend to accentuate (or even cause) stomach ache and bloating

, such as dips, stir-fries and high-fat foods

Citrus fruits and tomatoes are foods that should be eliminated in case of stomach pain associated with heartburn

Stomach pain after eating can be prevented by avoiding alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks

Overly spiced foods

Avoid or limit as much as possible the consumption of foods that can induce flatulence (legumes), in particular in subjects predisposed to stomach ache

Soft drinks, sweets and artificial sweeteners: fermenting in the intestine, these foods promote stomach pain and abdominal bloating

Sodas

Milk and dairy products: limiting the consumption of milk and dairy products is an excellent remedy to relieve or prevent stomach pain in lactose intolerant subjects

The combinations "Milk + eggs" as well as "legumes + meat" are not recommended in case of stomach ache, since they increase the perception of a swollen stomach. See dissociated diet

Complex foods: forcing the gastrointestinal system to a super digestive job, these foods slow down digestion and promote the sensation of stomach ache and bloating

. Natural remedies can, in fact, alleviate or promote the disappearance of stomach pain due to intestinal disorders, menstruation, stress and binge eating. In such circumstances, antispasmodic herbal teas are the most suitable:

• Mint (Mentha piperita) → spasmolytic, digestive, antiseptic properties
• Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L) → carminative, digestive and antimicrobial properties
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) → stimulating action on the motility of the stomach and intestines, anti-fermentative activity
• Angelica (Angelica archangelica L) → spasmolytic, prokinetic and carminative activities
• Melissa (Melissa officinalis) → relaxing, digestive, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic properties

Antifoam drugs + antacids (eg Dimethicone): drugs indicated to relieve stomach pain due to peptic ulcer or indigestion

Antacid drugs, gastric mucosal protectors, and proton pump inhibitors are needed to relieve stomach pain and stomach pain associated with gastric ulcer

Some enzyme preparations (e.g. pancreatin, bromelain and papain) are a good remedy for relieving stomach pain, as they promote digestion

Pro-kinetic drugs: indicated in the presence of abdominal pain to promote stomach emptying

Probiotic supplements: useful remedy in case of a swollen stomach. By regulating intestinal activity, these drugs favor the engraftment of the symbiont bacterial flora

Stomach pain associated with mental disorders must be treated with antidepressants. Consult your doctor , to prevent stomach pain and heartburn (typical NSAID side effects)

Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated beverages

Chew slowly

Maintain a healthy weight

Regularly engage in physical activity

Relieve stress

Drink lots of water every day (at least 2 liters / day)

Spreading meals over many small snacks is a useful remedy to prevent stomach ache from "binging" and maintaining the ideal weight.

Pay particular attention to the intake of NSAIDs, drugs responsible for stomach ulcers and stomach pain.If these medications are needed, take them during or after a meal

Following a healthy and balanced diet, respecting what is dictated by "dietary education, and exercising regularly, proves to be the most effective remedy for preventing" common "stomach ache.

gastric surgery should be treated with specific drugs (antifoam, proton pump inhibitors, etc.) or with surgery (indicated in the presence of ulcers refractory to drug therapy)

Abdominal pain caused by tumors of the stomach, esophagus or pancreas should be addressed with a chemotherapy treatment possibly supported by surgery

Abdominal pain associated with biliary colic should be treated with cholecystectomy