Are you prone to stomach cramps but don't know how to fix them? Do not panic ! First of all, know that almost all of us have already experienced stomach cramps. Most of the time temporary and harmless, they can nevertheless surprise us at any time, preventing us from fully enjoying our days. Especially since these stomach aches are generally accompanied by other equally unpleasant symptoms, thus aggravating the discomfort felt in the stomach. Luckily, there are natural solutions to help you get relief quickly.
Understanding Stomach Cramps
It is essential to understand what stomach cramps are and identify the causes of their occurrence in order to improve your daily well-being.
How to recognize stomach cramps?
Stomach cramps are abdominal pain characterized by involuntary and spasmodic muscle contractions located in the stomach region, that is, in the upper part of the abdomen above the navel. But then, how can you recognize if you are affected by stomach cramps? You should know that they manifest themselves as feelings of tightness, tightness or spasms, which may be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating , gas, nausea, vomiting or even intestinal transit disorders . However, it is important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other digestive disorders or conditions affecting different organs located in the abdomen area. This is why it is essential not to confuse stomach cramps with other abdominal pain lower in the abdomen to adopt the most suitable natural methods and get relief quickly. Here are 3 examples of conditions to differentiate from stomach cramps:
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Heartburn: This is usually caused by acid reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation behind the breastbone. Unlike stomach cramps, heartburn does not cause muscle contractions or cramping pain.
- Intestinal colic: This can cause similar abdominal pain but located lower in the abdomen and is usually associated with diarrhea or constipation . They are often caused by abnormal muscle contractions in the intestines and can be confused with stomach cramps.
- Menstrual pain: In women, stomach cramps can be confused with menstrual pain . However, period pain is specifically related to the menstrual cycle and is often felt in the pelvic area rather than the stomach.
What causes stomach cramps?
There are many causes that can cause stomach cramps to appear. For example, it could be:
- an unsuitable diet, rich in fatty, spicy or irritating foods
- chronic stress or anxiety
- gastrointestinal infections or conditions
- a food intolerance or allergy
- gastroesophageal reflux
- of a gastric ulcer
- taking medication(s)...
Our 6 natural tips to effectively relieve stomach cramps
1 - Optimize your diet and hydration to relieve stomach cramps
Ah, the stomach cramps! These intense pains that disrupt your daily life. But did you know that the key to relieving these inconveniences may be on your plate? Indeed, it is no longer surprising to say that what we eat impacts our digestion. So, how about incorporating beneficial foods into your menus and avoiding risky ones? First of all, know that it is important to adopt a healthy and balanced diet every day. To do this, you should remember to favor foods rich in fiber such as vegetables, fruits, legumes (lentils, chickpeas, etc.) or even certain cereals (oats, barley, rye, etc.). On the other hand, you will need to avoid fatty, spicy foods or carbonated drinks which are difficult to digest and which can thus trigger stomach cramps. Additionally, adequate hydration is also essential to prevent stomach cramps. You must make sure to drink at least 1.5 to 2L of water per day.
2 - Consider herbal medicine to alleviate stomach cramps
Know that there are natural remedies to effectively alleviate stomach cramps. In this sense, it can be very interesting to opt for herbal medicine, that is to say the use of medicinal plants, to help you relieve your stomach cramps naturally. Interesting plants include:
- Chamomile: Known for its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile is a great ally for relieving your stomach cramps. By reducing inflammation and relaxing your stomach muscles, it provides natural and effective relief. Consider your chamomile infusion after a heavy meal or when you feel the first sensations of cramps.
- Ginger: Like chamomile, it has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that will help soothe your stomach cramps. Indeed, ginger promotes digestion by soothing the muscles of your stomach. Whether in infusion, in the form of a food supplement or fresh, don't hesitate to add a touch of ginger to your daily life!
- Peppermint: This plant is also known for its antispasmodic properties, which will help you quickly relieve your stomach cramps.
Please note: It is advisable to seek advice from a health professional before using plants in order to check whether some of them do not interact with the joint intake of any medication(s).
3 – Opt for a course of probiotics to prevent and relieve stomach cramps
If you are looking for another natural solution to prevent and relieve your stomach cramps, consider natural probiotics ! These are living microorganisms, including the good bacteria colonizing our intestines, which play an essential role for the well-being of the stomach. In fact, when consumed in adequate quantities, they can provide many health benefits. By strengthening your immune system , they protect you against infections and inflammation that can cause stomach cramps. Additionally, probiotics also promote healthy digestion by improving the breakdown of food, facilitating the absorption of essential nutrients, and reducing bloating and gas. Creating an environment conducive to optimal digestion reduces the risk of stomach cramps.
Many foods naturally contain probiotics. Among these, we find in particular dairy products (yogurt, cottage cheese, kefir, etc.), soy derivatives (tempeh, miso) or even fermented cabbage (sauerkraut, etc.). But there are also probiotics in the form of food supplements. At DIJO, we were keen to create the Essential Probiotic , a course of quality probiotics to help you restore the balance of your microbiota and thus help you relieve your stomach cramps.
4 – Use relaxation and breathing techniques to soothe stomach cramps
When your brain is stressed, so is your digestive system! Most of the time, when we are stressed, we directly notice the effects in our stomach. This is why practicing relaxation or breathing exercises can be very beneficial to reduce your stress, promote better digestion and thus soothe your stomach cramps. Think about meditation, deep breathing or even yoga.
5 – Lean towards essential oils to ease stomach cramps
To relieve your stomach cramps, consider essential oils! Indeed, certain oils are recognized for their virtues against this type of abdominal pain. They will become real allies to help you soothe them and improve your daily life. Among these oils, we find for example:
- Lavender essential oil: This oil is known for its antispasmodic properties, which helps relax the stomach muscles to relax and therefore relieve stomach cramps.
- Ginger essential oil: It is renowned for its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help calm stomach cramps and promote healthy digestion.
- Spearmint essential oil: This oil is very useful for soothing your digestive system. It can help relax the stomach muscles, reduce spasms and thus relieve your stomach cramps.
- Roman Chamomile essential oil: Known for its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, this essential oil relaxes your stomach muscles and reduces inflammation. This makes her a valuable ally to effectively soothe you.
Essential oils are very concentrated, particularly powerful products that do not all have the same routes of administration (cutaneous, oral, inhalation, diffusion). So remember to find out before using them.
Please note: Certain essential oils are contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old and people with epilepsy. Seek advice from a healthcare professional.
6 – Apply heat and massage to relieve stomach cramps
What if you turned to the application of localized heat sources and massages to relieve your stomach cramps? These two techniques offer you comfort while calming you down quickly.
- Applying heat: Have you ever wondered why a hot bath or hot water bottle on your stomach can provide immediate relief? Heat dilates blood vessels, relaxes muscles and improves circulation in the abdominal area. So why not use a hot water bottle, a hot compress or even a simple heating pad? You will be amazed at the calming effect this can have on your stomach cramps.
- Abdominal massages: Have you ever tried gently massaging your stomach when you feel stomach cramps? Abdominal massages can help relax tense muscles, stimulate blood circulation and promote better functioning of your digestive system. So why not take a few moments to practice gentle circular motions on your stomach, using your fingers or even a soothing massage oil? You will be surprised at the soothing effect this gesture can have on your stomach cramps.
And that's it, it's your turn! You now have all the keys to taking control of your well-being. However, be aware that these natural solutions to relieve your stomach cramps do not in any way replace a medical consultation. So, if these symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek the advice of a health professional.
