Digestive discomfort may range from stomach aches to more severe gas; it can be uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating to live with daily. On the bright side, there are many simple home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help. Being hydrated helps, along with drinking peppermint or ginger herbal tea, eating smaller meals, and avoiding those foods that trigger the problem. Here's a guide to natural ways to relieve those uncomfortable issues with your digestive system.

Causes of Stomach Pain and Gas

The causes of stomach pain and gas include numerous factors, and understanding these will help you manage them effectively.

Dietary Choices

Some foods are known to cause gas, such as beans, lentils, carbonated drinks, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. Overeating or eating a heavy meal can also cause discomfort? These dietary choices can lead to fermentation during digestion, producing excess gas that can cause bloating and pain.

Food Intolerances

Food intolerance includes lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity, both of which can cause gas and belly pain. The body does not properly digest certain foods, allowing these foods to sit and ferment in the gut, producing gas. Those who have these intolerances must find and avoid their trigger foods to avoid discomfort.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

The stomach pain and gas can be caused by such conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Most gastrointestinal disorders present chronic symptoms that necessitate the use of medical therapy to properly manage the condition. Professional help can assist an individual in tailoring their personal treatment plan.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress can stress the gut system, which means that there is increased gas and discomforts. The studies are then based on the link of the gut with the brain, in relation to how psychological and mental disorders affect physical conditions. Stress reduction activities such as mindfulness and relaxation training can improve digestion and symptoms.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of exercise of the body slows digestion and causes gas to form within the body and lead to discomfort. General exercises are very important in the maintenance of healthy digestive functions since the stimulation of movement within the intestines makes it less likely to amass gas. Even lighter exercise, such as walking, can have a great effect on digestive health.

Home Remedies for Stomach Pain and Gas

There are many home remedies that can help with stomach pain and gas. These remedies are easy, natural, and commonly found.

Ginger Tea

To take digestive benefits, ginger is applied to reduce gas and help the stomach. You may boil fresh slices of ginger in some water for about 10 minutes, strain it, and drink and add honey or lemon juice for flavoring and to ease the stomach.

Peppermint

Peppermint can relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and can ease the muscles. This helps reduce the discomfort from gas and bloating in people who drink peppermint tea or suck on peppermint candies to ease their discomfort.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps in digestion and preventing gas formation. Mixing one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water before meals could encourage digestive juices to help alleviate the problem and let the body digest it more efficiently.

Warm Compress

Applying warmth to the abdomen in the form of a warm compress or heating pad can help relax abdominal muscles and ease pain. Increased blood flow to the area from the heat reduces cramping and generally eases discomfort much more easily.

Fennel Seeds

The carminative effect of fennel seeds is realized through the reduction of gas and bloating. One should chew a teaspoonful of fennel seeds after every meal for relief or else use fennel tea where the seeds are steeped in hot water.

Dietary Changes to Help Improve Symptoms

Dietary changes can significantly help the frequency and severity of stomach aches and gas. The following are dietary changes one can make.

Identify Trigger Foods

One can keep a food diary to identify the foods that trigger gas and stomach aches. These include dairy products (for people with lactose intolerance), gluten-containing foods (for people with gluten sensitivity), and high-fiber foods that are introduced too quickly.

Have Little Meals More Often

While one eats, one may eat smaller and more often in a day rather than having large three meals; it may reduce digestion's taxing pressure since gas in the intestines may find no time to accumulate between eating.

Chew Your Food Well

Proper chewing tends to break food into smaller, easily digested particles. In addition, it helps prevent excessive swallowing of air during meals, which forms another gas source.

Hydrate yourself

Drink plenty of water to help improve digestion and prevent constipation, one of the leading causes of discomfort in the abdominal area. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day and you can also add herbal teas for better hydration and easier digestion.

Reduce Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated drinks can cause excessive gas in the digestive system and contribute to bloating and discomfort. The elimination or reduction of carbonated drinks can help alleviate the symptoms caused by gas.

Gradually Increase Fiber

While fiber is an essential component of healthy digestion, an abrupt increase in fiber intake can lead to gas and bloating. Gradually introduce foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, into your diet and allow your digestive system to adjust.

When to see a doctor

Stomach pain and gas usually can be treated with home remedies, but some symptoms are best addressed by your healthcare provider. You should seek your healthcare provider if you have severe or persistent abdominal pain or any of the following signs:

• Abdominal pain that lasts longer than several days
• Dehydration, which is defined by excessive thirst or dark urine
• Blood in the stool or vomit
• Unintended weight loss
• Recurring vomiting or diarrhea
• Fever higher than 101F (38.3C)

Conclusion

Stomach aches and gas can often be treated with simple at-home remedies and lifestyle changes. After learning about these strategies, relief and a healthier digestive system may be achieved.