If your stomach hurts, there are several home remedies and self-care steps you can try to ease the discomfort:
- Drink clear fluids like water, chamomile, ginger, or peppermint tea to soothe the stomach.
- Avoid solid foods for a few hours, then try bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
- Use a heating pad or warm compress on the stomach area for muscle relaxation and pain relief.
- Avoid fatty, spicy, and acidic foods as well as alcohol and smoking.
- Rest and avoid lying down immediately after eating to prevent heartburn.
- Manage pain with paracetamol if needed, but avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs unless advised by a doctor.
- Monitor symptoms, and seek medical attention if pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by symptoms like vomiting blood, inability to pass stool, fever, or abdominal rigidity.
These steps can help with mild or common stomach pain and upset, but persistent or severe pain requires professional medical evaluation.
