STOMACHACHES

Perhaps you had a few too many helpings at that buffet. Or may be you haven’t eaten all day and your stomach is letting you know it isn’t happy. Regardless of the cause – eating too much, not enough, or even being too stressed – a stomachache can make you feel as though there’s a vise closing on your midsection.

The best “remedy” for most stomachaches is to simply wait until they get better on their own. When you need quicker relief, here are some tips that should help.

Reach for a light, snack. When your stomach is hurting and you haven’t been eating, having a snack is often the quickest way to ease the pain. Food in your stomach will absorb excess stomach acid, which can cause stomachaches. Good snacks include toasted wheat bread with a little honey or some unsalted crackers. Bland snacks are best. This isn’t the time to be eating four-alarm chili or acidic foods like citrus fruits or tomatoes.

Have a piece of fruit. With the exception of citrus, fresh fruits are often very soothing for a stomachache. They help absorb stomach acid while also putting more dietary fiber in your system. Experts have found that fiber-rich snacks are more effective at stopping stomachaches that those that don’t contain fiber.

Try an herbal remedy. Herbal teas made from chamomile (babunah), catnip, or fennel have been used for centuries for soothing digestive complaints, and many doctors believe they really are very helpful.

Take an antacid. Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize stomach acids that may cause stomach pain. It doesn’t really matter which kind you purchase. Antacids that are high in magnesium are often recommended if you also have diarrhea because they’re slightly constipation. Those containing sodium bicarbonate won’t cause constipation, but may cause gas in some people.

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WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR

When you have a stomachache as well as other symptoms, like vomiting,
diarrhea, fever, or a rash, see your doctor right away. There could be a more
serious underlying problem, such as appendicitis, that’s causing the pain, and
you need to get it checked out right away.
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Use bubbles for stomach troubles. Stomachaches may be caused by trapped gas in the stomach. To get it out, some doctors recommend having a glass of cola or another soda – or any commonly available over-the-counter antacid. Carbonated drinks will often make you burp – and when you do, the gas is out.

Move around a little. Studies have shown that exercise can help make your digestive system work more efficiently, which if often all it takes to help ease stomach pain. Exercise is an excellent strategy for relieving stress, which is a common cause of midsection misery.