Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
1.
Dehydration is acommon cause of stomach aches, and rehydration is the quickest way to address it.
If you have diarrhea, drinking water is all the more crucial.
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
Diarrhea can cause dehydration and perpetuate abdominal pain.For nausea, take small sips of room-temperature water.
Others use flat ginger ale to settle an upset stomach.
Two species calledMatricaria recutitaandAnthemis nobilisare commonly used for this.
Peppermint
The mint family, which includespeppermint(Menthapiperita), can be very helpful for relieving stomach aches.
This may help people withconstipation-predominant (IBS-C)in which stomach pain is accompanied by constipation.
They can be useful to ease cramping and spasm with specific conditions like IBS.
If you follow it for a longer period, you risk becoming deficient in certain nutrients and calories.
Seltzer and Lime
Seltzer and lime are popular home remedies for indigestion.
They can also treat stomach pain triggered by food allergies, stomach flu, and peptic ulcers.
The combination can be beneficial for stomach aches for two reasons:
8.
Apple Cider Vinegar
There is some evidence thatapple cider vinegarcan help ease stomach pain associated with chronic gastritis.
Exercise
Exercise may help to relieve a stomach ache, depending on the cause.
Walking aids in digestion, promotes peristalsis, and helps to relieve constipation and trapped gas.
Cycling and swimming also offer similar benefits.
If youre too uncomfortable for formal exercise, try pacing or marching in place.
Stretching, certainyoga poses, and tai chi can also ease abdominal discomfort.
Moves that bring your knees closer to your chest are helpful for relieving cramping and gas pain.
Deep Breaths
Deep breathing exercises can also be helpful for easing a stomach ache.
Diaphragmatic breathing involves expanding the abdomen instead of the chest when breathing in.
Diaphragmatic breathing also activates the parasympathetic nervous systems relaxation response calming the digestive tract.
This helps to reduce abdominal cramping, bloating, constipation, and urgency.
To practice diaphragmatic breathing:
11.
Probiotics
If you have diarrhea, try probiotic-rich yogurt, kefir, or supplements.
Research showsprobioticscan help stop diarrhea triggered by antibiotics, infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and other conditions.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found naturally in the digestive tract.
Diarrhea, gas, and bloating can occur when the intestinal microbiome is off balance.
Eating probiotic-rich foods or taking probiotic supplements can help restore balance and ease an upset stomach.
Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is sometimes used as an antacid.
It is the primary ingredient in many over-the-counter antacid remedies such as Alka-Seltzer and may help relieve heartburn.
Take 1/2 teaspoon dissolved in a 4-ounce glass of water.
It is possible to take too much baking soda.
The right medications depend on your symptoms.
How do you sleep with a stomach ache?
Your position can help make sleeping with a stomach ache easier.
For example, sleeping on your left side can relieve symptoms of an upset stomach and other digestive issues.
A routine blood test with abnormal results, such as anemia, also can suggest a more serious cause.
Stress can cause disruption along this online grid, which can lead to stomach pain and other GI problems.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you think stress may be the cause of abdominal pain.
Summary
Stomach aches are an uncomfortable but common ailment that everyone experiences at some point.
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