Stomach Ache: How to Help in 10 Ways
Stomach aches can show up as dull achey pain, burning-like pain, or a more nausea type of feeling. Minor stomach aches can happen when you eat something upsetting, possibly ate too much, or the lining of the stomach can be irritated for a number of reasons. Stress is a big contributor to stomach pain and can bring on stomach inflammation/irritation called gastritis. Acid reflux, heartburn, or indigestion, is another common stomach ailment when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus causing a burning sensation.
1. DGL – Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract
This stuff is a miracle worker. Particularly for gastritis and stomach pain. These licorice tablets are easy to chew, and they go right down and get to work. Relief comes within a few moments. This special type of licorice coats and protects the stomach lining giving it a chance to heal and also encourages the stomach to make more natural barrier mucus. This is my favorite go-to tummy treatment because it doesn’t just block acids or treat symptoms, it actually helps the body to heal. Buy this in the chewable tablet form and see for yourself. Also, do not take more that the recommended dosage on the bottle.
2. Slippery Elm
This herb/supplement is a bit similar to the DGL because it also coats the lining of the stomach, as well as esophagus. The slippery elm creates a gel-like “slippery” barrier coating that calms the stomach from acid or inflammation (gastritis). Slippery elm is also helpful for general stomach upset and bloating. It comes in capsules which can also be opened and taken like a tea.
3. Pepcid
Also known as famotidine in the generic form, Pepcid is a gold standard in the hospital. This is an antacid medicine that reduces how much acid the stomach produces. It also works fairly quickly and brings relief especially related to burning and indigestion. In the hospital, we often give Pepcid each morning and evening to keep the stomach calm. Just the stress of being in the hospital can put stress on your stomach and bring irritation or risk of gastritis. In life outside the hospital, it can also protect the stomach from stress-induced acid irritation.
4. Prilosec – also Nexium, Protonix
Prilosec, or omeprazole, is another kind of acid reducer. Similar drugs from the same class are Nexium and Protonix. Prilosec is helpful for more long-term and long-lasting relief from acid reflux or prolonged stomach upset from acid and gastritis. Prilosec does not work as quickly as Pepcid and it takes a few days to notice improvement. However, it has value in that it lasts longer with a stronger acid reducing effect.
5. Pepto Bismol
This OTC medicine works on the GI system in multiple ways. It neutralizes stomach acid, reduces inflammation, coats the stomach lining, and even helps reduce bacteria. I remember having a temporary black tongue before when I used Pepto Bismol, and that is a normal side effects. It can also turn your poop black too, again temporarily.
6. Tea – Peppermint, Ginger, Fennel, Licorice Root
Ah, a soothing cup of tea. Herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, fennel, or licorice hydrate the body and also calm stomach issues. Peppermint settles the stomach, but if you don’t want that minty feeling, go for Licorice. I like the Traditional Medicinals brand. It has no weird ingredients and is very clean. You can find it in most grocery stores like Walmart and Kroger.
7. Digestive Enzymes
Did you overeat? Or does it seem like the food just won’t go down, leaving you feel bloated? Digestive enzymes, I like the one called Digest Extra from Vitamin Shoppe, contain specific enzymes that help you break down food. They help the system break down protein, gluten, starches, carbs, grains, lactose, and fat. This might help settle your stomach and help your body digest the food. This also keeps things moving in your digestive tract.
8. Peppermint Gels
Peppermint calms the digestive system. These little peppermint gel supplements can soothe an upset stomach especially related to nausea, gas, and crampy belly pain. Peppermint is not helpful for acid reflux, so don’t take it for burning belly pain or dull stomach ache. Peppermint is also helpful for diarrhea.
9. Diet
When you have a stomach ache or are struggling with digestive episodes, avoid all spicy and acidic food. This includes coffee, tomatoes, peppers, alcohol, soda, and citrus foods. Also stay away from greasy and fried foods. Be gentle on the tummy and eat a simple diet like the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. Adding in boiled chicken, chicken noodle soup, simple cooked vegetable soup, oatmeal, potatoes, crackers, and plain yogurt are also great remedies. Electrolyte drinks and tea can also be gentle and nourishing.
10. Heating Pad
For minor, crampy, stomach aches a heating pad can bring much needed relief. Heat relaxes muscles. Applying heat to the belly relaxes the abdominal muscles and also provides a pain relieving sensation. Similar to how heat helps menstrual cramps, it is a simple, safe go-to remedy for relief from a stomach ache.
