Sufficient drinking quantities
Especially in the case of constipation-related abdominal pain, in addition to plenty of physical exercise, it is important to ensure that you drink enough. If too little fluid is supplied to the body, the stool thickens even more, becomes firmer and even more difficult for the intestines to transport away. Water and unsweetened tea should be drunk preferably.
If these measures are not sufficient to combat constipation, linseed can be mixed into the yoghurt to stimulate digestion. Alternatively, mild laxatives can be taken to soften the stool again. As a result, the stomach aches will also improve.
Nutrition
In the case of abdominal pain, it is important to eat mainly easily digestible foods. Food intolerance should be clarified in advance, as this could be the cause of the symptoms. If you have a sensitive gastrointestinal tract, it is advisable to avoid alcohol, coffee and cigarettes, as these can cause irritation.
The same applies to very acidic foods, such as citrus fruits. They also irritate the stomach mucosa and should therefore be avoided. Even very spicy food attacks the stomach mucosa.
It is better to eat different types of vegetables, which provide a rather alkaline environment. In the case of acute complaints, a kind of light diet can also be used temporarily, for example rusks or dry potatoes, which are generally well tolerated even in the case of acute gastrointestinal complaints. Ginger has also proven to be effective for people with stomach aches.
A piece of fresh ginger can be cut into small pieces and infused with hot water. This has an antispasmodic and calming effect on the stomach. People who suffer from flatulence should also avoid highly flatulent foods. These include pulses, various types of cabbage, fresh yeast products, onions and (alcohol-free) wheat beer. For people with persistent pain without an organic correlate, nutritional advice may be useful.
Abstention from alcohol and nicotine
If the abdominal pain comes more from the stomach area, it is important to protect the stomach and its mucous membrane. Especially alcohol, nicotine and coffee irritate the stomach lining very strongly and should be avoided in such a case.
Abdominal massages
A light massage of the abdomen can have a pain-relieving effect, especially in the case of digestive problems. Do not press too hard, but follow the natural course of the colon with gentle, circular movements. This natural course begins in the right lower abdomen, moves upwards to the right in the direction of the costal arch, then across the abdomen to the left side and from there into the left lower abdomen, where it flows into the sigmoid colon and finally into the rectum. The gentle massage can be repeated as often as it is comfortable. It can help to stimulate intestinal activity and mobilise any constipation.
