Stomach aches

• What is a stomach ache?

• Common causes

• Symptoms

• Natural remedies

• Other ways to help

What is a stomach ache?

A stomach ache is a broad, all-encompassing term that can be a minor discomfort caused by over-eating, for example. However, it can also be a symptom of something more serious and, if it lasts a long time or worsens, you should consult your doctor

Quite literally an ache in the stomach, stomach ache can be accompanied by heartburn, indigestion, excess gas and wind. There are two kinds of stomach problems. Temporary stomach aches are usually not serious and tend to be caused by food or by a common virus such as the flu. The other type is a chronic, long-term upset stomach and can be a symptom of a more serious condition.
 

Common causes

Short term stomach aches are normally caused by the following:

• Eating too quickly
• Over-eating
• A high-fat diet
• Excess alcohol
• Excess caffeine
• High levels of stomach acid
• Stress and anxiety

Symptoms ^†

• Upper abdominal pain (above the navel)
• Gas
• Nausea (with or without vomiting)
• Abdominal bloating (the sensation of abdominal fullness without objective distention)
• Early satiety (the sensation of fullness after a very small amount of food)
• Abdominal swelling.
• Irregular bowel movements
• Constipation

Natural remedies

• Homeopathy has been traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of stomach aches. The homeopathic remedy Arsen alb treats anxiety that results in stomach upsets as well as symptoms of food poisoning including vomiting and diarrhoea (in these cases, see your doctor as it could be more serious). The remedies Nux vom and Carbo veg help relieve heartburn, discomfort and excess gas and Lycopodium helps with tiredness and bloating after eating.^∏

• Food sensitivity testing can help you identify foods that you are sensitive to that may cause stomach aches.

• Heat therapy such as putting a hot water bottle over your stomach whilst breathing deeply in and out can soothe the discomfort.

• Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for frequent sufferers.

• The Alexander Technique and meditation could be beneficial if you find that your stomach aches are stress related.

• Aromatherapy can help relieve an upset stomach. Simply drop four drops of peppermint oil into an ounce of almond or olive oil and massage it into the abdomen.

Other ways to help

• Avoid foods and other things that you know give you indigestion such as spicy, fatty and citrus foods. If you don’t know what causes it, try keeping a food diary.

• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks
• Try to eat at least two or three hours before lying down or going to bed.
• Stop smoking as this will improve your indigestion and overall health.
• Eat your food slowly and chew thoroughly to aid your digestion.
• Manage your stress level.
• If you’re carrying a few extra pounds, try and lose some weight.
• Watch the portion sizes of your meals as the more you eat, the more stomach acid you produce.
• Peppermint in tea or tablet form contains menthol and has an antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract, helping relieve gas and stomach cramps.
• Chamomile in tea or tablet form has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gas relieving effects.
• Ginger in tea or tablet form relieves gas and reduces bloating and pain.
• If applied to the stomach, Aloe Vera gel can help soothe the discomfort.

Please see our babies and children section for information on tummy aches in babies and children. 

† Medical referral is advisable if symptoms worsen or persist.

^∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.