Are you worried about the severe pain in your stomach? Do you think that you could have a serious underlying disease? Then this article is important. Read it through before you make a self-diagnosis. Stomach cramps are not associated with a specific disease. It is therefore difficult to pinpoint a cause without making a formal diagnosis. Abdominal pain can be associated with the group of organs in your abdomen, such as the appendix, kidneys, spleen, and digestive organs. It is the body’s natural response to project pain when an affected area is inflamed or infected.
However, base your diagnosis not just on how much it hurts. The intensity of the pain is never a direct indication of the severity of the cause. Both men and women experience abdominal cramps in the course of their lives. You may experience discomfort and pain if you have eaten improperly processed food, or if the digestive system is not functioning properly. Women can also experience cramps when they are in their menstrual cycle. An active lifestyle and physical exercise can help you deal with the pain, but sometimes it becomes necessary to see a doctor, especially if the pain is caused by bowel cancer.
Here is a list of reasons why you might get stomach cramps, and how to get rid of them.
Heartburn And Indigestion
Indigestion occurs when you have undigested food in your stomach, which causes a feeling of fullness and bloatedness.
Heartburn is an independent disease or a consequence of indigestion. If you have heartburn, you will have pain and inflammation in the solar plexus (in the middle of your ribs). It occurs when stomach acid is returned to the esophagus through the channels of the digestive system with partially digested food.
Remedy
A good lifestyle is enough to prevent heartburn and indigestion. Changing your lifestyle can prevent things from getting worse further down the line when you may have to treat the condition medically.
- Limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
- Greasy foods and a healthy stomach do not go hand in hand. Avoid heavy food that burdens your digestive system when processing them.
- Manage your meal times efficiently by eating small meals frequently. Dividing meals into small packages allows the stomach to recover from the energy used to digest the meals.
- The best way to avoid heartburn at night is to rest the upper body at an inclined angle.
- Do not eat a meal (small or large) when preparing for bedtime. Do not hurry to finish your meal either. Eat your meal slowly and pack your stomach carefully. This will give you time to know if you are full or ready to eat more.
- Stress is one of many prominent factors for stomach problems; it causes your digestive system to perform poorly.
- Exercise is one of the best solutions to cope with cramps. Not only can you distract yourself, but you can also get your stomach to digest food more efficiently.
- Abstain from smoking. It is in no way good for your health and only makes things worse.
- Lose a few pounds if you are overweight; this puts less strain on your digestive system.
- Do not take NSAID drugs like aspirin on an empty stomach. Take them after a meal if you must.
- Take antacids if you have heartburn. They regulate the acidity in your stomach and immediately relieve you from the influx of stomach acid.
- But excessive consumption of antacids can be bad, as they can cause constipation and diarrhea. So ask your doctor or pharmacist for the best brand.
Herbal Remedy
There are home remedies that you can bank upon to relieve you from cramps.
Chamomile
With this super herb, you can make an herbal tea, and when used in combination with lemon and ginger, it can work wonders in healing your upset stomach. It removes toxins and reduces inflammation.
Peppermint
It has been around for ages and is one of the best herbs for treating stomach cramps. It tightens the bowel movements and eliminates the pressure points in the digestive tract. This herb contains menthol, which soothes the digestive tract due to its antispasmodic effect. It also has other benefits, such as keeping your breath fresh.
Licorice
Licorice is another herb that has good healing properties and is used to relieve cramps and heartburn. The chemical properties of this herb have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce flatulence. However, it increases blood pressure when consumed in large quantities.
Treating Gas
When heavy food is digested, it releases gas that accumulates in your colon and stomach cavities. When the pressure builds up, it causes muscles to stretch and causes pain in the abdomen. This pain is the result of the gas accumulation; you may also feel full and bloated and feel the temptation to pass wind. Frequent burping and belching are also indications of gas accumulation.
Remedy
- Avoid eating fat-rich and gassy food.
- Drink enough water to ensure your fluid supply. Avoid carbonated and caffeinated drinks.
- Eat slowly to prevent swallowing air.
- Get tested to see if you have an intolerance or allergy to a particular type of food such as milk and other dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant often complain of cramps and stomach pain.
- There are some over-the-counter digestive capsules that help you to relieve the pressure in the stomach by burping.
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps occur in women before and during the menstrual period. The pain subsides of its own accord after menstruation and lasts only for a short time. However, do not ignore if you experience pain at a higher frequency, as it may indicate serious conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
Remedy
You can control the pain, if not eliminate it, during periods by managing your lifestyle.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
- Taking vitamin supplements can reduce the intensity of pain. You can take vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium supplements.
- You can take ibuprofen in controlled amounts or as directed by your doctor. Remember that it does not completely suppress the pain, but reduces the intensity and makes the menstrual pain more manageable. (P.S. If the pain is severe, consult your doctor)
- Herbs like fennel are known to relieve the pain associated with menstrual cramps. Acupuncture is also a famous method for controlling pain.
