8 Natural Remedies for Stomach Ache (2024)

8 Natural Remedies for Stomach Ache (1)

If you get stomach aches periodically, you’re not alone. An upset stomach can result from all sorts of things from stress and diet to more serious matters such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease or colon cancer.

While there is no comparison to care from one of our board-certified gastroenterologists, many stomach aches can easily be treated at home. However, if you have persistent issues or pain, or a sudden onset of severe symptoms, medical treatment is always your best option.

8 Natural Remedies for Stomach ache

Peppermint

The menthol in peppermint leaves has been used as a natural pain reliever to aid stomach problems for centuries. Try drinking it in a tea, chewing on mint gum, or sucking on a peppermint candy.

Apple Cider Vinegar

While not delicious to taste on its own, this pantry staple can be taken by the tablespoon to neutralize an upset stomach. Try mixing it with a cup of water and a teaspoon of honey. The acids inside may help decrease starch digestion, and keep the bacteria in the gut healthy.

Ginger

Ginger has been used since ancient times to help treat stomach aches, and science proves it truly can help. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can be consumed in various forms – candy, capsules, or as tea – but fresh ginger root is best when looking to rid stomach pain.

Chamomile Tea

Long known as a sleepy time remedy, chamomile also can act as an anti-inflammatory, which can help stomach muscles relax and reduce the pain of cramping and spasms. Try it while sitting up before heading to bed.

Drink Water

When in doubt, drink fluids. Throughout the course of the day, we lose water through sweating, breathing, and digesting. It’s crucial to replace the water we lose to prevent dehydration and keep theGI tract running smoothly. Dehydration can cause bloating due to electrolyte imbalances and can halt digestion and cause constipation.Check out these 5 creative ways to increase water intake for some simple ways to up your H2O.

Exercise

Walking, cycling, and gentle stretching yoga with deep breathing can all be helpful when dealing with a stomach ache. Try gently twisting your back while sitting on your feet for starters as this can help relive gas pains.

Apply Heat

Try putting a heating pad or hot towel on your abdomen. The heat can help relax the muscles and relieve cramping. Taking a hot shower or bath with Epsom salts may also help.

Try the BRAT Diet

If the stomach pain is persistent, try sticking to the basics with the “BRAT” diet – that is, bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These foods are low in fiber and high in binding, and none of them have salt or spices, which can aggravate the stomach more. It’s a great way to help combat nausea and diarrhea.

When to visit us

A stomach ache isn’t always a sign that you need to head to a doctor. But when it lasts for more than a few hours and it’s coupled with symptoms such as blood in your stool, rectal bleeding, paleness, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, yellowing of the eyes, or severe nausea or vomiting, then it’s best to visit us as soon as possible. Persistent stomach problems can indicate a more serious issue.

Have questions? Our team of doctors at Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC in Troy, Michigan have the knowledge and experience finding and treating diseases in the gastrointestinal tract to ease your stomach issues. Give us a call at (248) 273-9930 or request an appointment today.

8 Natural Remedies for Stomach Ache (2024)

FAQs

What helps a stomach ache ASAP? ›

However, some remedies that may help settle an upset stomach include drinking water or clear liquids, eating small and frequent meals, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding tobacco and caffeine. Over-the-counter medications such as antacids or antidiarrheal drugs may also provide relief.

How to lay down to relieve stomach pain? ›

Sleep professionals agree that sleeping on your back and left side is best for digestion and pain management. While knowing what side to lay on when your stomach hurts can help you avoid further discomfort, it is ultimately your body that will make the decision of what feels right.

How can I settle my stomach in 5 minutes? ›

You can usually treat a stomachache yourself using a variety of home remedies, such as by using a heating pad or by consuming chamomile tea, peppermint, and apple cider vinegar. If natural remedies don't bring relief, OTC medicines can often help to ease an upset stomach pretty fast.

What is the best position to get rid of stomach pain? ›

The best position to minimize stomach pain is the fetal position. This is when the body is at rest lying on the side, the spine is curved, the head is bowed forward, and the arms and legs are bent and tucked in toward the chest.

How do I know if my stomach pain is gas? ›

If you've ever experienced waves of sharp pain in your belly along with the feeling that your waistline is inflating like a balloon, you might be experiencing bloating and cramps due to intestinal gas. Everyone gets gas on occasion.

What food makes your stomach feel better? ›

Foods and drinks like bananas, white rice, toast, crackers, and broth are gentle on your digestive system and can help you recover from an upset stomach. It's best to avoid foods and drinks that are difficult to digest and may worsen GI symptoms.

What kills the stomach virus? ›

There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses. Treatment first involves self-care measures, such as staying hydrated.

What drinks heal the stomach? ›

Healthy gut drinks have been used for centuries in many cultures and are now at the forefront of many research studies. Fermented drinks like kombucha and kefir may promote gut health. Green tea and ginger tea might also help ease gut symptoms.

What is the best over the counter medicine for stomach pain? ›

For cramping from diarrhea, medicines that have loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) might make you feel better. For other types of pain, acetaminophen (Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol) might be helpful.

Why is my stomach aching? ›

The most common causes of abdominal pain or upset stomach can be classified into three general categories: digestive problems, inflammation and female reproduction. Digestive problems: If you experience abdominal pain after you eat, you may have indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies or food poisoning.

How fast can a stomach ache go away? ›

“Most stomach aches are not anything serious and will go away after a few days.”.

Can salt and water stop stomach pain? ›

Commonly used for getting relief from a sore throat, drinking warm water with salt helps to treat stomach pain instantaneously. This is also known as saltwater flush. It cleanses the colon, treats chronic constipation, and thereby, detoxes the body.

Why is my stomach hurting? ›

The most common causes of abdominal pain or upset stomach can be classified into three general categories: digestive problems, inflammation and female reproduction. Digestive problems: If you experience abdominal pain after you eat, you may have indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies or food poisoning.

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