How to Get Over a Stomach Ache

Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: February 6, 2024 Fact Checked

Stomach aches can be unpleasant, but there are many ways to ease the pain. Over-the-counter medications and natural remedies like ginger and peppermint can ease pain and cramping right away. You can prevent stomach aches with a few dietary changes, such as eating healing foods and avoiding spicy or stomach-irritating dishes. If you have recurring stomach aches, consult your doctor about possible causes and solutions. Activities like yoga, meditation, and aerobic exercise may provide you relief and prevent future pain.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Treating a Stomach Ache Quickly

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1
Take an over-the-counter antacid if you have acid indigestion. Stomach aches may be beat by neutralizing the acid in the stomach with different medicines. Antacids like Pepto-Bismol, Maalox, Tums, or Rolaids help to coat the stomach and counteract the negative effects of stomach acids. Take these treatments in tablet or liquid form, as directed by a pharmacist or physician.^{[1]
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- To prevent stomach aches, take a stomach-acid blocker like Pepcid Complete about 30 minutes before eating.
- Stomach aches caused by indigestion may be accompanied by heartburn, another symptom of indigestion.
- Antacids can help manage indigestion, but they don't treat the root cause. Work with your doctor to manage the causes of your indigestion and keep stomach aches away long-term.
2
Take a laxative to ease pain caused by constipation. If constipation is causing your stomach ache, ask your pharmacist or doctor about taking a laxative to stimulate bowel movement. Mild over-the-counter laxatives may take 2-3 days to work, while stimulant laxatives will work faster with possible side effects like cramping. Take the medication exactly as directed and do not exceed the approved dose.^{[2]
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- Do not use laxatives for more than 2 weeks at a time as your body may become dependant on them.
- Your stomach ache is likely to be caused by constipation if you are also experiencing bloating, fatigue, or loss of appetite.
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3
Take an over-the-counter gas relief medication to ease gas pains. Overeating, consuming high-fiber foods, and eating too fast can all cause gas. Ease stomach pain caused by excess gas by taking an over-the-counter medication that contains simethicone. This ingredient will help to break up the bubbles in gas allowing it to pass through your digestive tract more easily.^{[3]
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- Your stomach ache is likely caused by excess gas if you are burping, passing gas, and have a bloated and distended stomach.
- For gas-related stomach aches, you can also get digestive enzymes. These help reduce symptoms such as pain, indigestion, bloating, and gas.
4
Consume ginger to ease indigestion. Ginger is know for being a digestive aid and easing upset stomachs. Drink ginger tea or water infused with natural ginger to ease your stomach ache. Avoid commercial ginger ales, as most do not contain much actual ginger and are very high in sugar.^{[4]
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- To make ginger water, peel and chop a ginger root that is approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) long and add it to 8 cups (1,900 ml) of filtered water. Add lemon if desired to round out the ginger taste. Let it sit overnight in the fridge and enjoy.
- Not everyone gets relief with ginger. Although it is a fairly safe and tasty way to treat stomach aches, for reasons not entirely understood some people simply get little effect from ginger.
5
Drink chamomile tea to relax stomach muscles. It can help to relax the muscle contractions of the upper digestive tract to possibly help relieve stomach aches and mild constipation. Add 1 chamomile teabag to 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water and steep for 3-4 minutes before drinking it.^{[5]
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- Chamomile also has sedative properties that can help ease digestive problems.
Peppermint helps to improve the flow of bile in the body, which helps digestion and prevents stomach issues. For a potent dose of peppermint, drink a cup of peppermint tea. Alternatively, opt for peppermint candy, which is less potent but may still benefit your stomach.^{[6]
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7
Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your stomach for additional relief. Heat can increase blood flow to the surface of your skin. When applied to your abdomen, a heat source may make your stomach ache more bearable and relax your muscles. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen for 10-20 minutes to see if your pain improves.^{[7]
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- Avoid placing the heat source directly on your skin to prevent damage.
- If your skin gets red or sore, remove the heat source immediately.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Eating to Prevent Stomach Aches

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1
Eat fermented foods to aid digestion. Fermented foods and drinks contain beneficial bacteria that help your body digest food easily. Aim to introduce 2-3 servings of these products to your diet per week to benefit your digestive system. They include:^{[8]
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- Kefir, a fermented milk product
- Kombucha, a fermented tea
- Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage mixture
- Miso, a paste made from fermented soy
2
Choose simple, complex carbohydrates that are easy for the body to digest. Eating foods that your body has to work hard to digest may result in a worsened stomach ache when you are trying to recover. Stick to simple, complex carbohydrates like bread and rice. Bananas and applesauce are also known to be easy on your stomach.^{[9]
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- For instance, steer clear of hearty foods like whole grain bread and spinach while your stomach recovers.
3
Avoid spicy foods that may irritate your stomach lining. Stomach aches are usually caused by an inflamed stomach lining so its important to be gentle to your digestive system as you recover. Choose mild foods that are relatively free of spice and seasonings. To avoid any unwanted ingredients in your food, opt to cook your own meals while you get over a stomach ache.^{[10]
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- Bland meal options like a plain turkey sandwich or an unseasoned chicken breast with rice are good examples.
4
Eat yogurt to improve digestion and soothe your stomach. Yogurt that is labeled as having "active cultures" will increase the number of healthy bacteria in your stomach, which will improve your digestion. It can also soothe a sore stomach and help reduce bloating. Opt for plain yogurt, as certain fruits or additives may irritate your stomach further. ^{[11]
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- If possible, choose organic yogurt to avoid additives.
5
Eat enough fiber. Many people on a typical Western diet get insufficient fiber, and then experience issues like constipation. Foods rich in fiber include such foods as:
- - Whole grain breads
  - High fiber cereals
  - Fruit
  - Vegetables
  - Fiber enriched foods: These include items such as fiber enriched bars, yogurts, cookies and the like.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Dealing With Recurring Stomach Aches

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See your doctor if you experience recurring stomach aches. If you regularly experience stomach aches, see your doctor as soon as possible. Abdominal pain can be a symptom of numerous medical issues that may require immediate treatment, medication, or surgery. Tell your doctor about any other symptoms you may be experiencing to help narrow down the cause of your pain.^{[12]
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- Inform your doctor about any recent changes in diet or lifestyle that may be playing a part in your stomach trouble.
- Your doctor will likely do a physical examination, and may do laboratory, radiological, or endoscopic testing.
2
Try meditation to ease stomach pain due to stress. Doing meditation every day can lower your overall stress level and curb the physical symptoms associated with it. Regular meditation may also reduce stomach issues caused by inflammation and gut disorders. For at least 15-20 minutes each day, meditate by sitting quietly and focusing on breathing in slow, purposeful intervals.^{[13]
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- Choose a place and time to meditate where you will not be interrupted.
3
Exercise in 30-minute sessions to improve your metabolism. Exercise can help ease and prevent stomach aches by reducing stress and improving your metabolism. To get the full benefit of moderate exercise, do at least 30 minutes of cardio 4-5 times a week. Try activities like:^{[14]
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- Jogging
- Biking
- Swimming
- Rollerblading
- Speed walking
- Rowing
- Dancing
4
Do yoga to improve digestion. Doing yoga has many benefits, including stress relief and better digestion. Take a beginner's yoga class in your area to learn the basics and practice different poses. Alternatively, attempt a few basic poses on your own such as:^{[15]
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- "Apanasana", where you lie on your back and hug your knees to your chest for 5-10 counts.
- The "bridge pose," where you lie on the floor, bend your knees, and move your hips up to stretch your body.
- The "child's pose," where you sit on your knees, lean forward, and stretch your arms out in front of you.

Expert Q&A

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Question

I get a stomach ache at the same time every day. What can I do to stop this?

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

Analyze what triggers your stomach ache besides being at the same time. Is it a certain food, drink, stress? Keep a log of your symptoms and precipitating factors. If lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain foods, or drink, minimizing stress won’t help, discuss the issue with your healthcare provider.

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My stomach feels hot, what should I do?

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

You may be experiencing a heartburn. Risk factors include ingestion of caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, mint, chocolate and some over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. For a quick fix of reflux related issues, you may take an antacid medication. You may want to change your diet and adjust your lifestyle to support digestive health. If the hot sensation in your stomach does not resolve with dietary and lifestyle modifications talk to your doctor.

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Stomach aches can be caused by a number of conditions from indigestion, stress, and menstrual cramps to complex issues that require medical intervention. If your stomach ache is severe or does not have a conspicuous cause, you may need medical attention.

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While there is little research to back up the claims, many people report that bone broth has helped manage their stomach aches.

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