Stomach pain is a disorder that affects the gastric system and can depend on emotional factors but also on food allergies . 

• Stomach pain symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Pathologies associated with stomach pain
• What to eat for stomach pain?
• Stomach Pain Treatment
• Bach flowers
• Chinese medicine
• Exercises for stomach pain
• Stomach pain in children
• When to seek medical attention

The stomach is divided into:

• Cardias (just below the passage between the lower esophagus and the stomach);
• bottom ;
• body ;
• antrum (the lowest region);
• pyloric canal , which puts it in communication with the duodenum which is already part of the intestine. Digestion does not take place only in the stomach but starts from the cephalic area, managed by the nervous system and stimulated in terms of sight, smell, taste and, sometimes, in terms of the idea of ​​food itself, in addition to the muscular activity of the chewing.

The gastric phase occurs when the products of protein digestion reach the pyloric part of the stomach, the gastric cavity is flooded with mucus to avoid self-digestion. The acidic environment converts pepsinogen into its active form, pepsin, which can initiate the attack of polypeptide chains (proteins). The intestinal phase follows . Stomach pain can also be linked to the first moment of digestion, not only to the gastric phase. 

Stomach pain symptoms

The symptoms are localized in the upper part of the abdomen and manifest themselves in the form of swelling , burning , belching , cramps , nausea , headache . The symptoms are however different depending on the contributing causes and the general state of the individual. 

Causes

Alongside factors of emotional origin , possible food allergies can be investigated . Smoking and alcohol make the situation worse. If the stomach pain continues over time it can generate dyspepsia, gastritis, gastric ulcer. The source can also be bacterial and Helicobacter pylori is usually the bacterium involved.

Among other causes :

• Excessive nutrition;
• meals eaten too quickly;
• abuse of caffeine;
• alcohol abuse;
• excessive intake of carbonated drinks;
• taking medications such as antibiotics, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
• stomach inflammation (gastritis);
• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis);
• peptic ulcer;
• gallstones;
• stomach cancer. 

Stomach Pain Diagnosis

In addition to blood, amylase and gastric tests , the most used diagnostic form so far has been the one involving the first tract of the stomach through a physiological investigation with barium sulphate.  

In some cases, at one time he also resorted to the more classical diagnostic imaging (x-ray) to observe the tract of the liquid that first descends into the esophagus, then fills the stomach, reaches the duodenum and further down. 

Today we also resort to the ” double contrast ” technique, which consists in taking, in addition to barium, also tablets that produce gas and highlight any damage to the stomach mucosa.

Since the seventies the most used diagnostic method has been the endoscopic examination with optical fibers, gastroscopy , especially useful in suspected ulcers, although somewhat annoying due to the introduction of the tube. 

Pathologies associated with stomach pain

Stomach pain can be the alarm bell of some associated pathologies such as:

• Perianal abscess.
• Coccigodynia.
• Colitis.
• Hiatal hernia.
• Food intolerance.
• Crohn’s disease.
• Anal fissures.
• Constipation.

As you can see, some pathologies may not be intuitively associated with stomach pain , so it is important to investigate with a gastroenterologist to diagnose the cause of this symptom, which is often underestimated.

What to eat for stomach pain

When you suffer from severe stomach pain, it is often difficult to eat and also to select the right foods so as not to worsen the condition and maybe being able to improve it is not easy.

In case of heartburn it is advisable to avoid acidifying foods such as:

• Tomatoes _
• eggplant ;
• oranges ;
• carbonated drinks;
• coffee ;
• alcohol.

In case of abdominal cramps it is necessary to eat little and often , especially solid food, at room temperature or lukewarm , nothing hot or cold.

Don’t associate nutrients with different digestion times, so avoid protein-associated carbohydrates. Pasta seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, rice rinsed from starch , cooked vegetables can be general food indications, in any case simple dishes, without fried , without elaborate sauces or spicy condiments.

An important precaution : do not overload the digestive system.

It is good to have small meals distributed throughout the day in all cases. When the main meal is eaten at dinner, digestion is slower and more difficult, which in turn can cause pain, burning and a feeling of heaviness. 

• Ginger is a great ally of the stomach and can support a lot of species in the case of associated nausea. This important food helps stimulate digestion and protect the digestive system from inflammation.
• Yes to cinnamon, a marvelous spice that lowers blood sugar, regulates blood sugar levels and solves problems of indigestion.
• Lemon neutralizes gastric hyperacidity and has a strongly alkalizing power .

To soothe ailments, herbal teas with specific herbs for the stomach are also useful . 

You can learn more about the properties and benefits of cinnamon

Herbal remedies for stomach pain

Herbal teas based on chamomile , lemon balm , valerian are a panacea for stomach pain. 

Yes to herbal preparations based on mint and cumin . 

Bach flowers for stomach pain

Bach flowers that support and facilitate digestion are different depending on the emotional state associated with stomach pain.

• For example, Pine is useful when digestion is slowed or freezes easily even if you eat little.
• Gentian is used when digestion does not start smoothly.
• Holly is ideal for pangs, cramps, nausea and sour mouth upon waking. Impatiens is valuable in acid gastritis with premature secretion that is only calmed by ingesting small pieces of bread or other absorbent foods.
• If there is anxiety, Chicory is the right remedy. 

There is also an Australian flower indicated in the case of stomach pain and it is Chamomile. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In acupuncture the stomach meridian is a Yang meridian, it has the Earth as its energy element and the Spleen as its corresponding organ . The Chinese bioenergy system considers it the main player in the movement of energy to the entire system through the digestion of food.

The well-being of the organ influences the psychological state of the individual and vice versa. If there is anxiety , confusion, hyperactivity and agitation, the stomach suffers and, on the other hand, if a stomach does not work well, these manifestations can be generated.

The points most commonly used in acupuncture to treat these ailments are found in the stomach, navel, lower abdomen and abdomen.

An important point for the stomach is located about four toes below the kneecap on the outside of the leg. Here the Qi enters a deeper level in the meridian to communicate with its corresponding stomach organ, which has direct effects on appetite and digestion.

This point is connected to the digestive and gastrointestinal systems, and by treating it, abdominal pain, hypertension, fever, allergies, asthma and dizziness are also treated. Stimulating this point means invigorating and strengthening the Qi, harmonizing the stomach and spleen, relieving pain and swelling. 

Exercises and movement for stomach pain

The most delicate moment is the one following dinner. Do not go to bed immediately after the meal. The ideal would be to go out for a walk and go to bed only 2 or 3 hours after the end of the meal.

Green light to relaxation methods such as yoga and qi gong . In some cases, hypnotherapy has also given good results. 

Exercise regularly.

Warning: do not get massaged by inexperienced hands as the abdominal area is very delicate and there is the risk of stimulating the gastric juices in the opposite direction

Stomach pain in children

Unless diagnosed associated with stomach pain, stomach pain in children is usually associated with stress . Many children exposed to conditions that put them under pressure manifest such discomfort in the stomach, with fixed pains in the stomach.

It becomes difficult to investigate if we limit ourselves to physical discomfort and it can often happen that a definitive cure is not identified if we limit ourselves to the symptom and not the cause. The stomach is in fact a target organ of psychosomatic discomforts.

When to seek medical attention

When the pains become very strong and persist for several days, it is good to contact the doctor to start a series of diagnostic tests to investigate not only the stomach, but also the liver , gall bladder , intestine .

It is not always just about digestive difficulties, and stomach pain and diarrhea, nausea and epigastric pains can be the sounding board of even serious pathologies.