A stomach ache is a term often used to refer to cramps or a dull ache in the abdomen. It is felt in the part of the trunk below the ribs and above the pelvis. It is caused by inflammation, distention of an organ, or by loss of the blood supply to an organ. Abdominal pain inirritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be caused by contraction of the intestinal muscles or hyper-sensitivity to normal intestinal activities.
Some common causes of stomach aches are indigestion, gas, heartburn, constipation, a stomach infection, overeating and lactose intolerance. However, stomach pain can also be due to more serious issues like an ulcer, a hernia, gall stones, a urinary tract infection and appendicitis.
Abdominal Pain is common among youngsters and working professionals with unhealthy eating habits. It is extremely irritable and causes a lot of distraction.
By following these Top 10 Home Remedies you can say no to abdominal pain or stomach ache forever.
Ginger: Since ancient times, people have turned to ginger as a cure-all for pain to nausea and everything in between. It’s not just an old wives’ tale, either studies have shown that ginger can be a very effective treatment for some kinds of stomach upset. Ginger’s main ingredient is gingerol, a strong antioxidant that helps decrease the production of free radicals and their potential damage to the body. A natural anti-inflammatory, ginger is available in dozens of forms, all of which can help. Ginger chews andsupplements are easy to take, while other people prefer their ginger in beverage form. Try an all-natural ginger ale or chop up some fresh ginger root and make a tea which is even more healthier.
Chamomile Tea: Chamomile can help ease the pain of a stomach ache by working as an anti-inflammatory and by relaxing the smooth muscle of the upper digestive track. When it relaxes that muscle, the contractions that are pushing food through your system ease up a bit and lessen the pain of cramping and spasms.
Peppermint: Peppermint is often cited as a helpful fix for nausea and upset stomach because the menthol in its leaves is a natural analgesic. Try brewing a cup of peppermint or spearmint tea, sniffing peppermint extract, sucking on a minty candy, or even chewing on the leaves themselves. This will keep stomach pangs at bay and alleviate feelings of nausea. Peppermint also has the ability to improve the flow of bile, which the body uses for digestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar: If you can stomach it, try taking this acidic pantry staple by the tablespoon to neutralize an upset stomach. Too strong? Mix some in with water and a teaspoon of honey and sip it slowly. The acids in apple cider vinegar help decrease starch digestion, allowing the starch to get to the intestines and keep the bacteria in the gut healthy. Some people opt to take a spoonful each day as a preventive measure.
Rice Water: Rice water is exactly what it sounds like-the water left-over after you cook rice. It acts a demulcent, meaning a substance that relieves inflammation by forming a sort of soothing barrier over a membrane, in this case, the lining of your stomach. To prepare: Cook your rice with twice the amount of water you normally would for your chosen amount. In this case use plain old long-grain white rice. Put the rice in a pot on the stove and add the water, cooking over medium-low heat. As the rice starts to become tender, remove it from the heat and let it soak for 3 minutes with the lid on the pan. Drain and drink the water warm, adding a smidge of honey if needed. Save the rice for a bland meal later.
Fennel Seeds: Let’s say your stomach ache is being caused by indigestion. In this case, chewing fennel seeds will help as they contain anethole, a volatile oil that can stimulate the secretion of digestive juices to help move things along. It can also help tame inflammation, and reduce the pain caused by it. If you are suffering from gastritis, inflammation of the stomach, this may provide some relief from the discomfort. Not suitable for pregnant women. Tip: Soak some aniseeds in water for a night, and drink this water, next morning. It will give relief from stomach ache.
Club Soda and Lime: Like lemon, lime can help ease an aching tummy. Combine the lime with club soda and you have an easy drink to sip on to wash away the pain. If you overate and have a stomach ache as a result, the carbonation in club soda will encourage you to burp, therefore relieving pressure in your belly. It has been shown to help greatly with dyspepsia (basically indigestion) and constipation.
Yogurt: Yogurt is good for your stomach s overall health. In fact, yogurt with live cultures (good bacteria) improves digestion and relieves stomach aches due to indigestion. You can eat plain, unsweetened yogurt several times a day until you notice improvement in your condition.
Warm Lemon Water: Lemon water, if your issue is indigestion, helps a stomach ache. The high acidity level stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid, which breaks down our food. By upping the amount of HCL being produced, you help move digestion along at healthy pace. You get the added bonus of the hydration too, which keeps the system flushed and running smoothly. Lemon water will also help to eliminate waste through the bowels more efficiently, thus preventing or alleviating constipation, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders.
The CRAP Diet: Appropriately named the CRAP diet, it stands for fruits with fiber that can act to naturally ‘loosen things up’: cherries, raisins, apricots, and prunes. These help in relieving from problems like constipation. They can be taken upto three to five times a day in adequate numbers. By swapping caffiene, refined sugar, alcohol, and processed foods for healthier options you can live a better life.
Note: The pain is usually not due to an irritation inside the stomach but from the cramping or stretching of muscles on the outside.
