Don’t try to force a bowel movement by straining or pushing. Undue force can cause serious complications such as hemorrhoids. If you have blood in your stool or your vomit you should seek medical attention immediately; this is called hematochezia and hematemesis, respectively.
If you don’t have any of the items listed above, fill a pillowcase or clean sock with some rice and microwave it for a minute or two. For example, lie on your back with your legs and feet elevated, or crunch your knees to your chest while rocking gently. Elevating your feet will reduce pressure on the abdominal region, release pent-up gas, and relieve discomfort. [3] X Research source
If you’re nauseated but can’t vomit, try nibbling on some soda crackers. Vomiting can cause dehydration quickly, so drink electrolyte-supplemented sports drinks if you’re purging more than once. These replenish the sodium and potassium in your body which it needs in order to fight illness.
While massaging, focus on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Deep breathing can help relax your muscles and distract you from the pain.
For indigestion, look for medications containing calcium carbonate, which will coat the stomach lining and reduce pain and nausea with little to no side effects. [7] X Expert Source David Schechter, MDFamily Medicine Practitioner Expert Interview. 15 July 2020. If pain persists after taking bismuth, try a medication with a low dose of acetaminophen rather than aspirin or ibuprofen. Just be sure not to overuse this drug, as it can eventually lead to liver damage. [8] X Research source
If constipation persists after consuming fiber-rich foods and drinks, try a mild laxative such as a water-soluble powder or sennoside-containing tea. A cup of coffee can also stimulate your digestive tract muscles and cause a bowel movement. Don’t gulp it down all day long, though. Coffee is a natural diuretic, so too much of it can cause dehydration and exacerbate constipation. [10] X Research source Prune juice is well known to help stimulate the bowels and get them moving. Drink a small glass in the AM, and a small glass in the PM to help with constipation.
You can also chew on boiled mint leaves or drink ginger water rather than drinking teas made from these herbs. To make ginger water, toss a few chunks of ginger in hot water, steep, and strain.
Once you’ve noticed your bad mealtime habits, correct them by eating smaller meals over a longer period of time. Eating slowly allows your stomach more time to digest and smaller portions lessen its workload. Problems with the stomach after eating is called non-ulcer dyspepsia, which is also known as indigestion.
Opt for water or milk rather than soda, coffee, or alcohol, as these can be abrasive to your stomach lining and make you more uncomfortable. [13] X Research source
Instead, opt for bland foods such as oatmeal, broths, toast, applesauce, crackers, and rice. These items are easy to digest and thus won’t put undue stress on your digestive system.
This doesn’t mean you have to ditch your favorite skinny jeans entirely. Just make sure you slip into some looser fitting clothing before digging into a big meal. Although many times indigestion is thought to be the cause of overactive stomach acid, it can also be the result of insufficient stomach acid. Ask your doctor if you think this could be your issue, and try a hydrochloric acid supplement if they recommend it. No matter which supplement you decide to try, be sure to follow the dosage directions and consult a doctor if you experience any side effects.
Nitrates are often used for heart disease as they widen blood vessels, and common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen are typically used for addressing pain.
If you’ve just eaten a large meal with a lot of fat in it, you may need to wait two to three hours before vigorous exercise. [19] X Research source
For example, your doctor might decide to put you on a proton pump inhibitor or an H2-receptor antagonist. These medications work to lower acid production in the stomach or reduce existing acid levels. [21] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Recent studies suggest that deep breathing can also alleviate mild heartburn. Unlike most preventative medications, breathing exercises carry no unwanted side-effects, so there’s no downside to trying it out next time you experience a bit of heartburn![23] X Research source
If you take up long-distance running, you might find yourself more prone to bouts of diarrhea due to the sustained jarring impact and decreased blood flow to your bowels. You can limit these adverse side-effects by avoiding caffeine and sugar substitutes before setting off on a run. [25] X Research source
For example, don’t just write, “Pizza. Stomach ache afterward. " Instead, say something like, “Two slices of pepperoni pizza. Half hour later experienced sharp heartburn for about an hour. "
To shed some unwanted pounds, get regular aerobic exercise, cook healthy meals, hydrate frequently, and do resistance-based strength training.
Be sure to drink water at room temperature. Cold water can present a shock to your system, slow digestion, and even cause mild stomach aches.
If your stomach ache is keeping you up at night, ask your doctor what kind of medication you can take to promote sleep.
