Stomach pain in the morning after drinking coffee is normal for people with hyperacidity. Coffee’s bad for you but you can’t take it off your diet, right? From time to time, we experience stomach ache because of our lifestyles and the food we take. In most cases, it should not demand medical attention. There’s no reason for you to run to the emergency room because of stomach pain. Unless, of course, it has been going on for some time now and it’s coupled with other symptoms.
Home remedies are not going to treat serious disorders of the digestive system. For that, you will need to see a specialist in gastroenterology. You should see a doctor when the stomach ache is regular, sharp, severe, and sudden. When it is coupled with pain in the back, chest, and neck, that’s also a cause for serious concern. Doctors advise that you should seek medical attention when pain in your stomach is present with vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and high fever.
But for tummy ache that’s usually caused by indigestion, gas, acid reflux, constipation, and stress, you can use some natural remedies you can do at home. Instead of reaching for that over-the-counter pain medication, try some home-made remedies first. These can make your digestive problems go away as quickly as medicine.
Hydration
How many glasses of water do you drink in a day? Less than eight glasses? That’s not too good, right? The body needs water to function well. One of its most important functions is to digest the food that you eat. Without water, it is harder for your digestive system to break down the contents of your stomach. That leads to indigestion and stomachache. Experts suggest that women should drink 2.7 liters of water every day while men should take 3.7 liters of water each day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A shot of apple cider vinegar one to three times daily can help balance the acid in your stomach. A lot of people think that stomach pain is caused by too much acid in the stomach. It can actually be the opposite. Lack of acid in the stomach will cause pain, too. Apple cider vinegar can increase the production of acid in the stomach. And more, some said it can help you lose weight, too.
Ginger
Don’t worry, you don’t have to munch on grated ginger. You can mix it with your water or drink ginger tea as an alternative. Ginger has gingerols and shogaols that speed up stomach contraction. This allows the food in your stomach that’s causing indigestion to move quicker. The chemicals in ginger can also reduce vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.
BRAT Diet
Are you always suffering from stomach pain? Perhaps, you need to follow the BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, and toast) diet in the meantime. Every parent knows this is the go-to bland diet for kids with an upset stomach. Adults can follow this diet, too. BRAT is a low-fiber but high-binding diet. These foods don’t contain salt and spice that usually aggravate an upset stomach.
Chamomile Tea
East Asians have been using chamomile tea for centuries to calm their stomachs. There’s no reason why the rest of the world shouldn’t follow their lead. Chamomile tea is not only relaxing, but it also reduces cramps and spasms in the stomach. It helps the stomach muscles relax because of the anti-inflammatory properties it contains.
Lying Down
Never lie down after eating or when you have an upset stomach. It’s the rule. Lying down will make the acid in your stomach travel upward, causing heartburns. Coupled with an upset stomach, this will make you feel more uncomfortable. Stand or walk around for a few hours until the pain subsides. If you need to lie down, prop your body up at a 30-degree angle.
Heating Pad
It may sound outdated, but heating pads are great for relieving stomach pain. Place the heating pad on your stomach provided that there’s a blanket or piece of cloth between the pad and your skin. The heat from the pad will distract you from the pain. It will also help relax your muscles and reduce your nausea. Don’t leave it longer than you should because the heat can burn your skin.
These soothing home remedies should not take the place of medical opinion. If you are suffering from stomach pain for more than half a day, seek medical attention. Go to the nearest emergency room. Always remember what the elderly and your doctors say: an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.
