How To Fix Stomach Pain And Diarrhea

Home Remedies For Stomach Pain

Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.

Stabbing, throbbing, pulsing, or burning abdominal pains may be the sign of either minor or serious health conditions.

In most cases, relief can be found with all-natural home remedies for stomach pain.

The powerful yet nontoxic properties of many common kitchen products may help to alleviate the pain and other symptoms caused by gas, constipation, irritating foods, indigestion, food allergies, or viral infections.

Identifying the cause is the first step in knowing how to get relief from stomach pain.

In this article:

• Home Remedies for Stomach Pain May Work for You

Remedies And Treatments For Upset Stomach And Diarrhea

Upset Stomach Remedies

Most stomach ailments can be treated at home. As soon as you start feeling sick, begin limiting your diet to clear liquids in frequent, small amounts. Make sure to drink enough fluids to keep your urine clear or a pale yellow.

If youâre not able to keep liquids down and begin to vomit, start with sips of water or sucking on ice chips. Once you are able to keep that down, try other fluids like:

• Clear soup broth or bouillon
• Clear soft-drinks like 7-Up, Sprite, or Ginger Ale
• Juices like apple, grape, cherry, or cranberry

Once you are able to keep all liquids down, try some solid foods along with the liquids. Good foods to try are:

• Applesauce
• White rice
• White toast

It may take several days to one week to regain your appetite, energy level, and for your bowels to regain normalcy.

Diarrhea TreatmentsMost cases of diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for an upset stomach and diarrhea without success, your doctor might recommend the following:

Antibiotics might help treat diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won’t help. Alternatively, if your doctor determines that antibiotics are whatâs causing your diarrhea, they will likely lower the dose or switch to another medication.

Treatment to Replace Fluids

Treating underlying conditions

Upset Stomach and Diarrhea Prevention

Peppermint Tea To Relieve Stomach Pain

For more generalized pain relief, try peppermint tea, or even sucking on a candy cane if youre feeling festive. Peppermint leaves contain menthol, a natural analgesic known to help nausea and upset stomachs. Whether you get it from a candy, tea, chewing on the leaves, or sniffing some extract, peppermint can alleviate stomach pain and any accompanying nausea.

• Add one teaspoon of dried peppermint to one cup of boiling water.
• Steep for five to 10 minutes before straining.
• Add a dab of honey for taste.
• Or, chew on one fresh peppermint leaf throughout the day.

Don’t Miss: Is Probiotic Yogurt Good For You

What Are The Symptoms

• An immediate feeling that you have to have a defecation
• Thin or loose stools

More major symptoms consist of:

• Blood, mucus, or undigested food in the stool
• Weight reduction

If you have watery stools more than three times a day and you dont consume sufficient fluids, you could end up being dehydrated. That can be harmful if its not treated.

How Do Doctors Find The Cause Of A Stomachache

To find the cause of a stomachache, doctors ask about:

• your symptoms
• illnesses you’ve had in the past
• health conditions that other family members have

Be honest with your doctor, even if a symptom seems embarrassing.

The doctor will do an exam and sometimes might order tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or blood test. It all depends on what the doctor thinks is causing the problem.

Recommended Reading: What’s The Cure For Leaky Gut

Could It Be Cancer

Colon cancer symptoms, including unexplained weight loss, vomiting, chronic bloating of the abdomen and blood in the stool, mimic many common stomach problems. If you haven’t already, schedule a baseline colonoscopy. “The chance of colon cancer increases with age, but if caught early, it can often be cured,” says Maged Rizk, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland.

“The medications we need to treat them also take a toll,” says gastroenterologist Brijen J. Shah, assistant professor of gastroenterology, geriatrics and palliative medicine at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Antidepressants, pain relievers, drugs for insomnia, high blood pressure, incontinence, asthma and allergies, and even calcium and iron supplements can trigger or aggravate digestive problems. We also tend to be less active as we age, and exercise is essential for keeping the gut and the rest of us healthy.

Thanks to new treatments and smart lifestyle choices, there’s a lot you can do to keep everything moving. Here’s what you need to know:

How To Get Rid Of Mild Diarrhea Without Medication

Using home remedies for diarrhea can help you naturally stop a mild case fast. This may include eating bland foods, drinking plenty of fluids, taking probiotics, as well as avoiding certain foods and drinks.

Keep in mind that diarrhea caused by a virus or bacteria usually goes away on its own in two to three days.

This article goes over how to get rid of diarrhea naturally without turning to medicine.

Some people reach for Imodium the moment they have loose stool. But, the drugs are meant for frequent or severe diarrhea rather than an occasional episode.

Also Check: When Does Bloating Go Away

Using Hot Water Bottles To Relieve Stomachache

Hot compresses can help soothe stomach pain. The word hot is used loosely here, since the desired level of heat will depend on both the level of pain and personal preference.

Fill the bottle or similar object with warm or hot water, place a cloth between it and your skin, and find a comfortable place to lie down.

• Place the hot water bottle, or a cloth soaked in hot water, on stomach for a five- to 10-minute treatment throughout the day.
• Take a warm shower or bath twice a day for 15- to 20-minute intervals.

List Of Natural And Home Remedies For Adults And Children For Diarrhea

Treatments for Adults

• Adults should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Replenishing water loss is important. Avoid milk as it can make diarrhea worse. Sports beverages can be beneficial because they replenish electrolytes in addition to providing hydration.
• If the patient is able to eat, avoid greasy or fatty foods. Adults, infants, toddlers, and children should be encouraged to follow the “BRAT” diet . The BRAT diet is a combination of foods to eat to treat diarrhea. If diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, have the person suck on ice chips until the nausea stops. After the diarrhea subsides, avoid alcoholic beverages and spicy foods for two additional days.
• Individuals may be able to continue their usual activities if they are mildly ill with diarrhea however, strenuous exercise should be avoided because exercise increases the risk of dehydration.
• If you are pregnant women and have diarrhea make sure to rehydrate to avoid dehydration, and consult your doctor.

Treatments for Toddlers and Children

Dehydration in children and toddlers can be a great concern. Loose stools are more common in breastfed newborns than in formula-fed babies, so check with your doctor about to expect for your child.

Are herbs safe to take for diarrhea?

Read Also: Can Ibs Make You Gain Weight

How Is The Cause Of Abdominal Pain Diagnosed

Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms seen by GPs .

Information about your symptoms and the location of the abdominal pain can help a doctor diagnose the cause of your pain. They will want to know how long you have had the pain and may want to do a physical examination. If you are female, this may include a pelvic examination. If you are male, it may include checking your penis and scrotum.

They may suggest you have some blood tests or other diagnostic procedures done, especially if you have had the symptoms for some time.

Tests and procedures that may help in diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain include:

Other procedures that may be suggested, depending on your gender, include:

• pregnancy test and/or pelvic ultrasound
• ultrasound of the scrotum

When Should You Seek Medical Care For Diarrhea

Diarrhea can usually be treated with home care. In some cases, it may become more severe. A person should go to a hospital emergency department in the following situations:

• If the person has the condition along with high fever, moderate-to-severe abdominal pain, or dehydration that cannot be managed by drinking fluids
• If diarrhea appears to contain blood
• If the person is sleepy and is not acting like their usual selves

• Vomiting and inability to tolerate any food or to keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration
• High fever, significant abdominal pain, frequent loose bowel movements, or bloody diarrhea
• If he or she is elderly or has serious underlying medical problems, particularly diabetes, heart, kidney, or liver disease, or HIV/AIDS
• A parent or caregiver needs advice about preventing dehydration in newborns and infants
• Symptoms do not improve in two to three days or appear to become worse
• If he or she develops diarrhea after travel within their home country or foreign travel or if a woman is pregnant

For cases of chronic diarrhea, your primary care provider may consult with a gastroenterologist .

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Also Check: How Long For Bloating To Go Away

When To Seek Professional Help For Upset Stomach

If your stomach ache is persistent with no signs of improvement and lasts for more than several days, it is time to get professional help as this may be a sign of a more serious ailment that requires immediate medical attention.

Sudden and severe stomach aches can be the root cause of serious problems that may worsen if medical help is not sought immediately. You should see your doctor immediately, especially if the pain has been concentrated in a single area. Some of the reasons for stomach ache are as follows:

Read more about: Best Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add In Your Diet

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the readers situation.

What Procedures And Tests Diagnose Diarrhea

In healthy people with diarrhea, and who appear well otherwise, the doctor may elect to do no tests at all. Stool cultures are not usually necessary unless there is a high fever, blood in the stool, recent travel, or prolonged disease.

• Stool sample: In some cases, the healthcare professional may send a sample of the stool to the laboratory to evaluate if the cause of diarrhea can be determined . It usually takes approximately 1-2 days for the results of these tests.
• Blood test: Blood tests are sometimes necessary for patients with other medical problems or with severe disease.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is an endoscope procedure that allows the physician to view the entire colon to evaluate for infections or structural abnormalities that could cause the condition.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are performed to rule out structural abnormalities as the cause of diarrhea, particularly when pain is a prominent symptom.

Read Also: Can Calcium Supplements Cause Constipation

Using Probiotics To Get Rid Of Diarrhea

Taking probiotics in food or or as supplements might help naturally shorten a mild bout of diarrhea. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are beneficial to your digestive system.

Diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of the healthy bacteria in your stomach and intestines.

Probiotics can quickly replace these protective microorganisms and help restore normal bowel function. Some helpful probiotics include:

• Lactobacillus bacteria
• Saccharomyces boulardii yeast

In particular, S. boulardii has powerful antidiarrheal effects.

It may be best to avoid some dairy products during diarrhea, but not all. Certain dairy foods, like yogurt or kefir with live probiotic bacteria, are extremely beneficial.

Other natural probiotic sources are fermented foods like:

• Sourdough bread

Kimchi is another popular fermented food. Some people even call it a “super-probiotic.” But kimchi has hot spices that might make your diarrhea worse.

Side effects of probiotics, whether in food or supplement form, tend to be mild and may include an upset stomach, bloating, and gas.

How Do I Know If My Stomach Pain Is Serious

According to the National Health Service, a person should seek immediate medical attention if their stomach ache is very severe or has a sudden onset.

People should contact a healthcare professional immediately if they notice other symptoms, such as vomiting blood, having difficulty passing urine or feces, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and jaundice.

Read Also: Is It Ok To Take Probiotics With Antibiotics

When To Seek Help

A person should seek help if they notice that they or someone they love has symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Seeking help can be challenging for the person who is struggling with addiction. Loved ones and friends can help by letting the person know that they are not alone in their struggle.

If a person is unsure whether they need help, Recovery Worldwide suggest that they use a tool called CAGE, which is a short questionnaire that healthcare professionals may use to help screen people for treatment.

If a person can answer yes to two or more of the CAGE questions, they should consider seeking treatment.

The CAGE questions are as follows:

• Have you ever felt that you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get over a hangover?

What Causes An Upset Stomach

Many different things can cause pain or discomfort in the stomach. Some causes are more severe than others, and the treatment for stomach pain varies accordingly. Gas or bloating after a meal can be managed at home. However, drinking contaminated water while traveling requires care from a medical professional. Chronic health problems that cause stomach pain must be managed long term with the help of a healthcare professional.

Common causes of stomach pain include

• greasy or fatty foods
• bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli.
• chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohns disease

Read Also: Does Coffee Make Heartburn Worse

Common Causes Of Stomach Pain

Harmless abdominal pain usually subsides or goes away within two hours. Some of the common causes for stomach pain are from:

• Gas: Formed in the stomach and intestines as your body breaks down food, gas can cause general stomach pain and cramps. This often can be indicated by belching or flatulence.
• Bloating: Related to gas, bloating occurs when excess gas builds up in your digestive tract. Your stomach usually will feel full, and you may experience cramps.
• Constipation: This occurs when you are having difficulty making bowel movements. If you are having two or fewer bowel movements a week, constipation is the likely cause. In addition to feeling bloated and uncomfortable, you may experience cramping and pain in your rectum.
• Indigestion: This is typically experienced as an upset stomach, burning, or belly pain after eating.
• Stomach flu: Your stomach may hurt before each episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

Home Remedies For An Upset Stomach

An upset stomach is a nonmedical term describing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

Next time youre feeling any of these symptoms, try these home remedies from Nebraska Medicine gastroenterologist Sarah Malik, MBBS, to feel better.

Peppermint oil

For centuries, peppermint oil has been used to treat gastrointestinal ailments. Peppermint oil possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating and anesthetic activities, all of which may help gut disorders. Peppermint oil can relax painful muscle contractions along your food pipe.

Eucalyptus oil, found in vapor rub

Vapor rub contains ingredients that can provide a soothing effect if rubbed on the belly. It contains eucalyptus oil, which fights against bacteria, improves your immune system and reduces inflammation. It also contains menthol, camphor oil and nutmeg oil, which have been used to relieve pain.

Ginger

Herbal medicines are also effective for nausea. People have used ginger root to soothe troubled stomachs for the past 2,000 years. Various preclinical and clinical studies also support ginger’s helpful properties. Try ginger tea with lemon for a relaxing, comforting drink.

Sports drinks and noncaffeinated sodas

Certain foods make an upset stomach worse

Some people with chronic stomach discomfort are more sensitive to certain foods:

Don’t Miss: Is Oatmeal Bad For Leaky Gut

What Is Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is pain felt anywhere in the area between the bottom of the ribs and the pelvis. Most Australians will experience abdominal pain at some point in their lives.

Abdominal pain can be serious, but most abdominal pain gets better on its own without needing any special treatment.

People sometimes refer to abdominal pain as stomach pain, stomach ache, stomach cramps, tummy pain, sore stomach, wind pain or belly ache.

Pain or discomfort in the abdomen can be mild or severe. It may come on suddenly it could be something that you experience from time to time or it could be an ongoing symptom that lasts for more than 3 months . It can also start off mild and steadily worsen . Pain that comes and goes in waves is referred to as colicky pain.

This page is about abdominal pain in adults, or anyone over the age of 12. Go to this page for information on abdominal pain in children.