Different Ways To Prevent Abdominal Pain
By Catherine M, Staff Editor
Last Updated on March 6th, 2023 / Published on February 20, 2018
Abdominal pain is of various range right from being a dull ache to a sharp pain. Whether a mild stomach ache or a severe one, pain in the abdomen can make one feel bloated, nauseous, or feverish. Abdominal pain can also be due to a number of reasons. One needs to first figure out the exact cause of the stomach ache to get the treatment right. But as the cliché phrase goes – prevention is better than cure, why not prevent belly pain effectively so as to avoid any further ailments. One might experience constipation, diarrhea, or even gas and these would give rise to mild to severe abdominal pain. Therefore, it is essential to prevent the pain to occur in the future.
As there are a number of reasons for abdominal pain, it is not unknown to us that sometimes it might be out of our hands to control the pain. For instance, appendicitis does give severe abdominal pain, but we cannot prevent it to occur. On the other hand, there are a few basic lifestyle changes and precautions, one can avoid abdominal pain in many instances. Read on to find out!
Take time to chew your food
We often tend to swallow food faster without chewing it well. This habit should be avoided as improper chewing of food can add to the formation of stomach gas, which will lead to abdominal pain. Busy lifestyle does not allow many of us to have proper meals and therefore we end up eating faster and swallowing in a hurry. It is always recommended to chew the food properly and eat slowly, which helps in the digestion process and would not lead to gas and abdominal pain.
Avoid spicy food
Spicy food might be delicious, but too much of it should be avoided. Abdominal pain is also caused due to inflammation of the abdomen, and spicy food would aggravate the condition and worsen the pain. Also, some people might develop gas from spicy food, and this would lead to abdominal pain. Therefore, it is always better to avoid spicy food.
Eat smaller meals
It so happens that insufficient buffer time between meals gives rise to abdominal pain. Therefore, some people might experience abdominal pain in between meals. If this is the case with you as well, try switching to the intake of smaller meals. These meals can be spaced out throughout the day and also make sure that you do not starve or keep the stomach empty for a longer duration.
Similarly, eating too much can also cause abdominal pain. One might overeat and feel full, which can give rise to bellyache. So, make sure to plan your meals according to your daily routine and do not forget to eat smaller meals in every couple of hours.
Avoid gas-generating food
There is a variety of fruits and vegetables that are known to generate stomach gas. One should avoid excessive consumption of the same. Here are some of the gas-generating foods,
- Dried beans, soybeans, peas, and baked beans
- Vegetables such as cucumbers, asparagus, potatoes, cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, and turnips
- Bread and pastries
- Carbonated drinks
- Apples, raisins, and apricots
- Eat right and avoid overeating
Pain in the abdomen can also be caused by overeating. However, it is mostly observed that abdominal pain is a symptom of any kind of stomach infection or other ailments in the abdomen. But overeating can affect your bowel movements, and this can give you severe abdominal pain. Therefore, instead of overeating, try switching to nutritious food such as veggies and fiber. These healthier options would help you to digest the food effectively.
Watch your food
Notice which food item or dairy product gives you abdominal pain. It might be a possibility that your intestine is allergic to a certain type of food item. If you get stomach cramps after drinking milk, for instance, it is advisable to see a doctor immediately. In order to avoid belly pain, it is also crucial that you follow your hunches to avoid belly pain.
Drink more water
Water helps to keep the body hydrated and also keeps the food items in your gut moving. It is advisable to drink water when one is thirsty but not soda. Carbonated beverages cause pain in the stomach as it can lead to gas.
Caffeinated beverages and alcohol can be troublesome for some people. So, if these bother your stomach, steer clear of them.
Don’t forget to wash your hands
It is true that one of the main causes of abdominal pain is gastroenteritis. It is also known as a stomach bug and can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and nausea. The best way to prevent the stomach virus is to regularly wash the hands, especially before eating at a public place.