When you’re dealing with tummy trouble, it can be difficult to leave the house or even get up off the couch. Stomach pain can be pretty debilitating, especially if it becomes an ongoing issue. But luckily you don’t have to deal with permanent discomfort. These 8 cost-effective remedies can help you manage your gastrointestinal symptoms.
1. Herbal Tea
As a chronic stomach pain sufferer, you’ll rarely find me without a cup of herbal tea in my hand! Drinking anti-inflammatory teas like ginger, turmeric, and fennel is one of my favorite ways to ease tummy trouble. The warmth of the liquid has a soothing effect on my sore stomach. Plus, the anti-inflammatory compounds in certain herbal teas provide a host of potential health benefits, from relieving pain to lowering blood sugar and cholesterol.
2. Ginger Chews
Eating ginger chews is another tried-and-true strategy for managing stomach pain. Ginger can help reduce nausea, cramping, bloating, and indigestion. Swirling the candy around in your mouth also gives you a different sensation to focus on, which can help distract you from your stomach pain. Plus, ginger chews taste delicious and help provide a little pick-me-up if you can’t stomach many other foods.
If you try this remedy, make sure you purchase ginger candies that contain real crystallized ginger. Some products are made with ginger flavoring, which probably won’t relieve your pain. I usually opt for the Ginger People’s products.
3. Heating Pad
When your stomach hurts and cramps, it can cause your muscles to get tight, worsening your pain. Using a heating pad or hot water bottle is a great way to relieve this tension. Applying heat to your abdomen can also help move excess gas through your intestines, helping you feel better. If you don’t have a heating pad, run yourself a warm bath or lay a heated towel on your stomach instead.
4. Over-The-Counter Medicines
Sometimes natural remedies like ginger tea and hot water bottles just don’t cut it. If your symptoms persist, over-the-counter medicines may help make you more comfortable. For heartburn, Pepcid is my go-to option. I also keep some GasX, Imodium, and Miralax on hand. However, it’s wise to speak to your doctor before taking any new medicines to prevent negative drug interactions.
5. Stomach Massage
If you’re looking for more natural remedies, giving yourself an abdominal massage is a great way to relieve pain without medication. Gently rubbing the sides of your stomach in a clockwise motion can help reduce cramping, gas, and bloating. Healthline also recommends massaging your abdomen in circular motions that match the shape of certain letters, including I, L, U, and O. This technique can help move stool through your colon, providing relief from tummy trouble.
6. Gentle Exercise
The last thing you want to do when you’re in pain is get off the couch. However, exercise can improve digestion, so gentle movement may reduce your symptoms. Consider going for a stroll or doing some light stretching. There are also certain yoga poses that are known for relieving gas and bloating, such as the spinal twist, child’s pose, downward-facing dog, and chair pose.
7. Eat Bland Foods
In the long run, eating more fiber can help keep you regular. But right now, you don’t want to make your stomach pain worse by consuming foods that are hard to digest like beans and broccoli. Instead, stick to bland foods that will be easy on your tummy, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. As you start feeling better, you can reincorporate dairy, meat, and fibrous fruits and veggies.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated, especially if you’re having bathroom troubles. Drinking sports drinks or broth can help you get more of the nutrients and electrolytes you need.
8. Take a Probiotic
The final strategy I use to manage my stomach pain is taking a probiotic. My doctor suggested that I start taking this dietary supplement every day to introduce healthy bacteria into my gut. I haven’t been taking my probiotic for very long, so I haven’t noticed a big difference yet. But over time, I should begin to see an improvement in my digestion.
You Don’t Have to Suffer Through Stomach Pain
Stomach pain is treatable, so you shouldn’t try to suffer through it. Speaking to your doctor about the tummy trouble you’re experiencing can help you narrow down the root cause of your discomfort. With the help of your healthcare team, you’ll likely be able to get your stomach pain under control through a combination of therapies. Remedies like herbal tea, gentle exercise, and probiotics can all help regulate your digestion and improve your symptoms, allowing you to enjoy a higher quality of life.