Stomach aches are an unpleasant feeling many of us have experienced, and can be caused by anything from indigestion to food poisoning.
However, some stomach pain can be a result of food intolerance. If you regularly experience stomach pain during or after eating, it may be worth considering that you have an intolerance to a certain type of food.
Types of Stomach Pain
Stomach pain can be categorised in the following three ways:
- Progressive pain – when the pain worsens over time
- Acute pain – when the pain lasts a period of hours or days
- Chronic pain – long-term pain which may come and go
Each can be accompanied by other symptoms, or experienced on their own.
What Are Common Causes of Stomach Pain?
There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing stomach or abdominal pain. Common causes include:
- Indigestion
- Virus
- Gas
- Pulled muscle
- Food poisoning
- Food intolerance
Some rarer causes include:
- Blockage or obstruction
- Some types of cancer
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
It's also possible to confuse other abdominal pain, such as bowel-related pain, with stomach pain – including constipation, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), UTI (urinary tract infection), and Crohn's disease.
How to Ease Stomach Pain
There are a number of ways to ease stomach pain, with varying degrees of effectiveness:
Over-the-Counter Medication
Paracetamol is generally the safer first-choice painkiller specifically for stomach-related pain. It's worth being cautious with ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDs, since these can irritate the stomach lining and may worsen abdominal discomfort in some people, particularly if taken on an empty stomach.
Other over-the-counter options can help depending on the specific cause of your stomach pain:
- Heartburn – antacids or an acid reducer
- Gas – simeticone or another antiflatulent
- Constipation – a stool softener or laxative
- IBS or cramps – Buscopan or other IBS-specific medicines
If you're unsure which option is right for you, a pharmacist can offer quick, tailored advice.
Milk
Believe it or not, certain types of stomach pain can be helped by drinking milk. If you're experiencing heartburn-like symptoms, milk can help by neutralising stomach acid, which is what causes heartburn pain. Antacids are generally more effective, but milk can work as a helpful stopgap.
Speciality Teas
A number of teas are known to help settle an upset stomach and the pain that comes with it:
- Ginger tea
- Peppermint tea
- Chamomile tea
- Green tea
- Liquorice tea
- Holy basil tea
- Fennel tea
- Black tea
Apply Heat
Using a hot water bottle or heated blanket can be a quick way to ease stomach pain. It may not remove the pain completely, but it offers a warming distraction and helps relax your muscles.
A warm bath with Epsom salts can have a similar effect, and may support relaxation more broadly.
How to Help Prevent Stomach Pain
Avoid Spicy Foods
As delicious as spicy foods can be, they're a frequent cause of stomach discomfort. If you notice a pattern between spicy food and stomach ache, it may be worth cutting back and choosing milder options more often.
Eat Slowly
Eating quickly increases the chances of overeating before your stomach has a chance to signal fullness to your brain. Take it slow, and stop eating once you feel satisfied.
Eat More Fibre
Fibre supports regular bowel movements, and regular movements reduce the discomfort that comes with constipation and gas.
Exercise More
Staying active helps prevent constipation. The less we move, the more likely our natural digestive processes are to slow down.
Be Mindful of Gas-Producing Foods and Drinks
Certain foods and drinks can contribute to gas and bloating, which leads to stomach pain, including:
- Beans
- Beer
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Fizzy drinks
- Peas
- Lentils
- Mushrooms
- Onion
Don't Lie Down Too Soon After Eating
It can be tempting to head to bed after dinner, particularly if you've eaten late. However, lying down soon after a meal can allow stomach acid to rise into the oesophagus, which can be painful and leave a bitter taste in the mouth.
Should You See a Doctor About Your Stomach Pain?
If your stomach pain is severe, occurs consistently, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's worth speaking to your doctor. These other symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Constipation
- Pain when urinating
- A tender stomach
How Can Testing Help You Identify Issues?
If your stomach pain happens frequently during or after eating, it may be that you have an intolerance to something you regularly eat. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what's causing it, which is why a food intolerance test can help.
Your results will show which foods, if any, you may have an intolerance to – giving you a clear basis for adjusting your meals and avoiding unnecessary stomach pain going forward.
Order a Food Intolerance Test
Food intolerance tests can be taken at home and are quick and easy to do. Browse our tests to discover what might be causing your stomach pain.
