How to Avoid Stomach Aches
Stomach aches signal anything from minor gastric glitches to more serious health problems, such as ulcers. Most of the time, a stomach ache is simply caused by poor eating habits. Poor eating habits are not just about what we eat, but also when and how we eat. When life gets very busy, it is easy to gulp down quick, fatty foods, forgetting about the price we may pay later in the form of a bad stomach ache. If you want to avoid these stomach aches, a few simple lifestyle and dietary changes can help in a big way.
Instructions
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Schedule five to six specific times for eating small meals throughout the day. Eating smaller meals prevents the stomach from feeling overloaded and over-stretched. Eating too much food at one sitting easily leads to stomach ache in most people.
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Chew your food well at each of these meals. Swallowing larger pieces of food makes your stomach work harder to break down the food. Chewing your food well will also force you to slow down and not eat so fast. Filling the stomach too quickly can also cause a stomach ache.
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Drink water during or after the meals. Water aids digestion by helping liquefy some foods, such as breads. This reduces your stomach's workload.
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Rest after each meal. This doesn't mean you have to lie down or cannot walk. However, to avoid a stomach ache, do not do strenuous activities (such as sports) right after eating. During digestion, the stomach requires blood flow to the digestive muscles in order to work properly. When you run, jump or do other athletic activities, blood flow is diverted to other muscles and the result is stomach aches or cramps.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do get a stomach ache and do not have medicine available, try gently massaging your abdomen. This may help the muscles relax and bring some relief.
Stress can also cause stomach ache. Try relaxation exercises before eating.
Some over-the-counter antacids can prevent stomach ache (if taken before or after a meal) if the ache is caused by excess acid.
A very small amount--approximately 1/4 of a teaspoon--of baking soda dissolved in 2 to 4 ounces of water can provide relief of stomach ache if it is caused by gas in the stomach or excess acid. Don't use this remedy if you are on a sodium restricted diet, however, or have other health conditions.
Dairy products, fatty foods and spicy foods trigger stomach aches in many people. Eliminate some of these and see if you have fewer stomach aches.
If you have frequent or severe stomach aches, despite lifestyle and dietary changes, you should see your doctor. An ulcer, viruses, bacteria or other illnesses may be causing the ache.
