Stomach Ache, Symptoms and Best remedies

The terminology stomach pain generally refers to a set of disorders perceived at the level of the stomach, that is, localized in the upper part of the abdomen and below the breastbone. Stomach pain is usually closely linked to poor digestion which can in turn be due to several causes:

• introduction of an excessive amount of food
• presence of food allergies or intolerances
• having caught cold during digestion
• excessive speed in eating the meal
• consumption of too heavy food
• nervousness and stress
• It can also be connected with the burning and ‘ acidity of the stomach.

In addition to a feeling of discomfort and / or more or less acute pain in the stomach, there are many symptoms that can characterize stomach pain, including halitosis, acidity, burning, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, belching.
Most of the time, stomach pain, which is therefore not a disease, but a set of symptoms, is a transient disorder that regresses autonomously or through a few simple behavioral and / or pharmacological interventions. In a few and selected cases, however, it can be an indicator of more serious pathologies.

What diseases can be associated with stomach pain?

The pathologies that can be associated with stomach pain are the following:

• Perianal abscess
• Coccydynia
• Colitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Hiatal hernia
• Food intolerance
• Crohn’s disease
• Pre-eclampsia
• Anal fissures
• Syphilis
• Constipation
• Tumor of the anus

Remember that the list is not exhaustive and it is always good to ask your doctor for a consultation.

Stomach pain: symptoms

Generally short-lived, when stomach pain appears it involves a set of annoying symptoms that can impact the psycho-physical well-being of those who suffer from it.

It is commonly felt as a pain that grips the lower part of the sternum , with sudden spasms, cramps and sharp pains in the abdominal area that can be accompanied by swelling , nausea , belching, gastric hyperacidity, reflux, and headache.

Stomach pain: the causes

The attack of agents capable of undermining the structural and functional integrity of the gastric mucosa, on all bad eating habits (abuse of alcohol and coffee, too abundant meals, consumed quickly), an incorrect lifestyle and the use of drugs gastric lesions , small infections , psychosomatic conditions deriving from a strong accumulation of intense psycho-physical stress , which affect the muscles and consequently cause an increase in gastric acidity , hinder the natural repair processes of the mucosa, with the appearance of stomach pain , pangs of varying intensity with pain and heartburn .

Other possible causes commonly implicated in the onset of stomach pain are attributable to the presence of poor & slow digestion , meteorism , gastro oesophageal reflux , gastric hyper acidity and food intolerances..

Stomach pain and feeding: what to eat

If you have an upset stomach, choosing what to eat can be crucial. First of all it is necessary to prefer a diet based on an adequate daily intake of fruit (not acidic, preferably apples) and vegetables .

It is better to opt for the consumption of small meals based on fresh foods because they are more easily digestible; it is important to follow this good habit especially in the evening, during which digestive processes are physiologically slower and can predispose to stomach pain.

Another good habit is to prefer digestible foods (such as chicken, fish, rice), lightly seasoned and cooked with healthy cooking methods (steam, oven, grill, boiled), avoiding overly elaborate dishes, fried and fatty, spicy foods and too spicy, sugary or carbonated drinks, based on caffeine and citrus fruits, and tomatoes that weigh down digestion, slow down gastric emptying and cause stomach pain.

Drinking water at room temperature can prove beneficial as it facilitates detoxification. It is also recommended to use good quality extra virgin olive oil because it improves intestinal transit and is rich in antioxidant compounds that are beneficial for the gastric and intestinal mucosa. Even the plain yogurt with lactic acid bacteria can help in case of stomach pains, also improving gut health.

Maalox and stomach pain, remedies for stomach pain?

The causes of stomach pain are many and heterogeneous. The wide range of Maalox products responds to numerous and specific needs, proving to be an excellent remedy in many different contexts. In the event that stomach pain is, for example, also associated with reflux, hyperacidity, burning, swelling and indigestion, the combination of Magnesium hydroxide and Aluminum hydroxide (with high antacid power), and the antimeteorico dimethicone, contained in Maalox Plus , it acts on the five symptoms, effectively counteracting the annoying symptoms associated with stomach pain.

Stomach pain in children

Children often complain of stomach pain, with more or less intense pain felt in the upper abdomen (sometimes with vomiting, nausea and fever), due to multiple causes, including poor eating habits, various psycho-somatic conditions and para influenza symptoms.

Based on the different reason you trigger, the disorder will be treated differently. However, in general, the precautions valid in the adult population are also transferable to children: therefore opting for a healthy and correct diet , avoiding the classic risk factors and relying on natural herbal remedies with soothing and calming properties.

Natural remedies for stomach pain

When stomach pain and annoying gastric disorders occur occasionally and for short periods (for example when we are subjected to greater psycho-physical stress or in the event of a change of season), there are some specific natural remedies capable of making numerous benefits.

These remedies are to be used for the treatment of mild or moderate gastric diseases and also represent a valid ally with respect to the synthetic drug. In case of more frequent ailments, you can also use both the pharmacological remedy and the natural one.

Stomach pain: grandmother’s remedies

Herbs are the most powerful natural remedies for stomach aches.

Among all the soothing and calming properties of chamomile , lemon balm and valerian stand out , excellent allies in improving digestion and the functionality of the gastrointestinal system , in decongesting inflamed mucous membranes and relieving stomach pain (especially due to too heavy meals). You can make a delicious infusion with these herbs: to prepare it you use a handful of fresh or dried flower heads and leaves (about 2 grams), to be left to soak for about 10 minutes in a cup of boiling water. Once filtered, you can drink the infusion, strictly hot.

Also ginger , in addition to deflate the belly and tone the state of the digestive organs, helps to defeat the irritation of the mucous membranes and can be used to calm acute episodes of stomach pain . Even the decoction of fennel seeds and sage or bay leaves , as well as the infusions with licorice roots , are valid aids.

An excellent immediate home remedy, and at no cost, is hot water ; drinking a glass full of high temperature water in the morning as soon as you wake up and one in the evening before going to bed, dilates the stomach walls, helps digestive processes and rebalances our body.

Paradoxically, even apple or cider vinegar , to be consumed in small sips diluted in water during meals or in the morning in a little warm water, allows you to buffer and rebalance the pH of the body, bringing benefits in case of sore stomach due to reflux.

Lying down with the hot water bottle resting on your stomach , in order to relax the tense muscles, is another valid remedy at no cost.