Stomach pain is a common and interesting sensation that can happen for various reasons. It’s like a signal from our body that something might not be right. From feeling a bit uncomfortable after a big meal to experiencing a sharper, more noticeable ache, stomach pain can happen to anyone. It’s a way our body tells us to pay attention to our health and lifestyle. Exploring remedies for stomach pain can lead us to better understand our bodies and find ways to feel better, whether through simple tricks or modern medicine.
These may include heartburn or acid reflux, feelings of nausea, bloating, excess gas, frequent belching that might bring up bitter or unpleasant-tasting substances, flatulence, sour or bad breath, and occasional hiccupping or coughing. Here are 12 of the most commonly used home remedies to alleviate these symptoms.
Rice
For individuals experiencing stomach pain, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), incorporating plain rice into their diet, along with other low FODMAP foods, can be beneficial. In fact, rice is a staple of the BRAT diet, which healthcare professionals may recommend for digestive issues.
Rice offers several advantages as a dietary option. It is widely accessible at most grocery stores and is often budget-friendly. However, it’s worth noting that some research suggests that regular consumption of white rice may potentially increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. It’s essential to consider this evidence, but it’s also important to recognize that for those using white rice as a remedy for stomach pain, the impact on metabolic syndrome may not be significant, especially when consumed in moderation. Always consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist for personalized dietary guidance.
Licorice
Products containing licorice root have been suggested as potential remedies for relieving digestive symptoms. However, it’s important to note that experts remain uncertain about the specific role of licorice in these products.
For someone experiencing an upset stomach, exploring licorice root tea might be worth considering. Drinking licorice root tea several times a day until symptoms improve could provide relief.
Despite its potential benefits, licorice can have side effects, including an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in potassium levels. These side effects can be especially concerning for individuals with high blood pressure or those who have kidney or heart disease. Therefore, it’s advisable to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating licorice root into your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Basil
Basil is known to contain compounds that have the potential to reduce gas and promote digestive comfort. Additionally, its leaves are rich in linoleic acid, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
The availability of basil is generally widespread, and you can find it in local grocery stores, gardening shops, or online marketplaces.
Aloe juice
Aloe vera has shown some potential in reducing symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colitis, although it’s important to note that the existing evidence for these benefits is limited and requires further research to establish its effectiveness.
On the positive side, healthcare professionals suggest that consuming aloe vera juice can offer several advantages, including relief from symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as heartburn, flatulence, belching, nausea, vomiting, and acid or food regurgitation.
However, it’s essential to exercise caution when ingesting aloe vera, as it may lead to abdominal pain and cramps in some individuals. Always consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating aloe vera or any other herbal remedies into your diet.
Figs
Figs are known to contain natural substances that act as gentle laxatives, which can be beneficial for relieving constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. Additionally, figs contain compounds that may help alleviate indigestion.
While figs can be a valuable remedy for constipation, it’s important to be cautious if you are also experiencing diarrhea. In such cases, it is advisable to avoid consuming figs because of their natural laxative effects, which could potentially exacerbate the issue.
Baking soda
Baking soda is often recommended by healthcare professionals as a potential remedy for alleviating heartburn and indigestion by reducing stomach acidity.
However, it’s important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of using baking soda as a home remedy. While it can be effective in providing relief for an upset stomach, its taste may not be pleasant to everyone. Consuming excessive amounts of baking soda can lead to undesirable side effects, including shallow or slow breathing, muscle twitching, muscle spasms, diarrhea, vomiting, and irritability.
Avoid difficult to digest food
Research indicates that certain foods have the potential to increase the risk of indigestion. These include fatty or acidic foods, wheat products, some fruits and fruit juices like watermelon, spicy foods, and greasy foods.
On the positive side, avoiding these difficult-to-digest foods may help ease stomach discomfort and reduce pain. Additionally, opting for more easily digestible foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can contribute to a healthier and balanced diet.
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can be triggers for indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The advantages of quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake are significant. These lifestyle changes can greatly enhance a person’s quality of life and substantially reduce the risk of various health conditions, including cancer.
BRAT diet
The BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) diet is a dietary approach that healthcare professionals often recommend to individuals experiencing diarrhea. BRAT foods can help reduce the frequency of bowel movements and alleviate diarrhea.
The benefits of the BRAT diet are noteworthy. These bland foods are less likely to irritate the stomach, throat, or intestines, making them soothing for individuals dealing with the tissue irritation caused by stomach acid.
Additionally, many BRAT diet foods are rich in essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium, which can help replenish the nutrients lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. This can aid in reducing the risk of dehydration and stomach cramps associated with loose stool.
Ginger
Ginger is known to have potential benefits in reducing nausea and vomiting, particularly in pregnant individuals and those undergoing chemotherapy.
For individuals dealing with an upset stomach, incorporating ginger into their diet can be a worthwhile option. This can be achieved by adding ginger to their food, drinking ginger tea, or even consuming all-natural ginger ales that contain sufficient ginger to soothe stomach discomfort.
While ginger can be helpful in reducing nausea, it’s essential to be mindful of the possible side effects associated with larger doses of ginger, which may include gas, heartburn, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort.
Avoid lying down
Avoiding lying down can be an effective preventive measure to keep indigestion from escalating into heartburn. When the body is in a horizontal position, stomach acid is more likely to flow backward and upwards, potentially triggering heartburn.
For individuals dealing with an upset stomach, refraining from lying down or going to bed for at least a few hours can be a practical strategy to minimize the risk of heartburn.
The advantage of this approach is that it can be easily incorporated into daily activities to prevent heartburn.
Drink water
Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. When the body is dehydrated, the digestive process becomes more challenging and less effective, increasing the risk of an upset stomach. Additionally, staying adequately hydrated can contribute to reducing the occurrence of heartburn.
While a general guideline suggests consuming eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, it’s essential to recognize that individual fluid needs can vary. Factors such as activity levels, altitude, extreme temperatures, overall health, and body size all influence fluid requirements.
Approximately 20% of a person’s daily fluid intake comes from food, with the remainder coming from beverages. For most individuals, a reasonable target is to aim for at least 8 or more cups of water per day. It’s important to note that younger children may require slightly less water than adults, and their specific needs are determined by their weight.
In cases of digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea, maintaining hydration is critical. These symptoms can lead to rapid dehydration, so it’s essential for individuals experiencing them to continue drinking water to prevent dehydration-related complications.
Source: MedicalNewsToday