Treat And Prevent Stomach Pain

By Raymond Lee - 2007-11-19 - Viewed 1338 times. Find more articles like this in our Pain and Pain Management category.

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What we usually describe as stomach pain may have absolutely nothing to do with the stomach.

The abdominal cavity houses a number of organs, including the liver, appendix, intestines, and pancreas as well as an array of muscles and ducts. Any one of these parts could be causing problems. Of course, mistaking the onset of appendicitis for a little tummy trouble could have serious consequences. That is why it is so important to be certain of the source of your distress.

Fortunately, most stomach pain is minor. Often, you can trace it to something you ate or something you did not eat. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to manage your stomach pain effectively.

1. Keep A Diary

To help you to identify what precipitates your stomachache, you may want to try writing down everything you eat as well as all of the stress-producing situations you face. When you get pain, review what you have eaten and what has been going on in your life during the previous 12 hours. But do not assume from one isolated incident that a particular food or stressor is responsible for your discomfort. Something has to happen two or three times so there is consistency. If you notice such pattern, then avoid the offender to see if your symptoms subside.

2. Admit Your Anger

Stomachaches can also result from unexpressed anger. Cramping pain is often prescribed as a fist in the stomach. Psychologically, there is probably someone that you are mad at or irritated with, someone you wish you could hit. If you feel a fist in your stomach, ask yourself "Whom would I like to punch and why?" It may be another person, or it may be yourself.

3. Don't Overeat

It may seem obvious, but it is worth emphasizing. When you are nursing a stomachache, the last thing that you want to do is overeat, especially rich, heavy foods. Meals should be as light, simple, and easily digested as possible.

4. Don't Feed Your Pain

Sometimes, a temperamental tummy just needs a break from its digestive duties. If you have cramping pain, do not test it with food. You wan to avoid stimulating the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea is another symptom that is better left unfed, which might be a good thing. If you are nauseated, you won't want to eat or drink anyway.

5. Stop Milking It

If drinking milk or eating ice cream seems to fuel your digestive distress, you may be lactose intolerant. This means that your body isn't producing enough of the enzyme needed to process lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. Try giving up dairy foods to see if it makes a difference. You will need to do some detective work, though, if you want to dispel all of the lactose from your diet.

6. Get Rid Of The Grumblies

Of course, if you have hunger pangs, by all means eat. When your stomach is empty, all of that unemployed acid, which is normally digesting food, may be playing havoc with your stomach lining. Eating temporarily neutralizes the acid that is in the stomach at the time.

7. Reach For An Old Standby

Folks have long relied on antacids to ease their digestive distress. These products work well for short-term aches caused by eating or drinking too much. Bear in mind not to use an antacid if you are vomiting a lot.

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit bodyfixes.com for more information.

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