Natural Remedies: Stomach Ache

When we’re talking “stomach aches,” we generally mean heartburn and indigestion, which are on top of the list. See a doctor if your stomach ache lasts more than a couple weeks or symptoms become severe, such as vomiting).

Home remedies for common stomach aches

1. Start to address stomach problems by eliminating alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. Especially watch the alcoholic beverages.
2. Drink lots of water. Stay well-hydrated. Sip water or other clear fluids such as low-sugar sports drinks that contain electrolytes. Avoid carbonated beverages. Don’t drink too quickly; sip slowly.
3. Drink chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas which have calming ingredients.
4. Ginger syrup can be added to hot or cold beverages.
5. Suck on a raw lemon.
6. Once you have a stomach ache, avoid milk and dairy products, citrus, high-fat foods, fried or greasy foods, tomato products, and carbonated beverages. 
7. Avoid late-night snacks. The peak time for acid secretion in your stomach is in the middle of the night. You can make an acid stomach worse if you eat a late-night snack, and will find yourself waking up with a stomachache.
8.  Slow down. Chew your food. If you eat too fast or talk while eating, you’ll swallow more air.
9. Avoid overeating. Consume smaller and more frequent meals (such as four meals a day instead of three meals a day). If it’s a big meal, take a break before dessert or take dessert to go.
10. Take a stroll after eating, and get your body moving.
11. Sit up straight in your chair, sofa, and bed.
12. Don’t eat for a few hours once you have a stomach ache. 
13. Remember to wash your hands frequently, especially after going to the bathroom. Use soap and warm water.

When it comes to medications:

• Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as well as other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which often make stomach aches worse. 
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fine, if you know your stomach ache is not related to your liver.
• If you have indigestion or heartburn, which is pain high up in your abdomen after meals, take an antacid, such as Tums.  
• If you have diarrhea, take an antidiarrheic, such as Pepto Bismol or Imodium.

If a stomach ache is not associated with other symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or weight loss, the most common underlying cause is anxiety. (But don’t worry! See some natural remedies for anxiety.)

Always remember, if your stomach ache persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is time to see your doctor.

Any tips you would like to share? We’d love to hear them! Comment below.