Stomach pain is a common occurrence many people experience in daily life. When it strikes, discomfort sets in—so what should we do? Certain foods can help alleviate stomach pain. What should we eat? Various factors can trigger stomach pain; let's explore them in detail below.
What to Do for Stomach Pain
1. Mental Victory Method
Mental state plays a crucial role. When stomach pain occurs, regulating your emotions can speed recovery. Try to endure the pain while sitting in a chair. Slowly regulate your breathing: inhale deeply, then exhale gradually. Repeat this for 10 to 20 minutes until the pain subsides or stops.
2. Relax Your Abdomen
When stomach pain occurs, promptly relax your body. Loosen your belt to ensure smooth stomach qi flow, promoting comfort in the stomach and abdomen. Wear loose-fitting clothing—tight garments can compress the abdomen and exacerbate discomfort.
3. Eat something
Hunger is a common cause of stomach pain. If this is the reason, eat a small amount of food promptly. Soft foods like bread or crackers are effective for relieving stomach pain at this time. Avoid milk and hard foods.
Keep some soda crackers in your desk drawer for emergencies.
4. Apply warmth
Cold stomach symptoms often flare up after consuming chilled foods.
Patients with cold stomachs can drink warm water, place a hot water bottle on their abdomen, or eat warm foods to relieve discomfort.
5. Acupoint Therapy
Massage Neiguan
The Neiguan point is located at the center of the wrist, approximately three finger-widths (width of three fingers placed side by side) above the wrist crease, between the two tendons. Use your thumb to massage and rotate in circles 36 times, alternating hands. Increase to 200 times during pain episodes.
Pressing Zusanli
Zusanli is located three cun (equivalent to the width of four fingers placed side by side) below the lateral edge of the knee, between the tibia and fibula.
Use the tips of both thumbs to press Zusanli. Perform 36 times during normal periods; when pain occurs, massage approximately 200 times using slightly firmer pressure.
Causes of Stomach Pain
Poor Dietary Habits
The primary cause of stomach pain stems from poor eating habits. Many people today neglect their health, drinking only ice-cold water.
They consume raw, cold, or irritating foods indiscriminately, eating whatever they desire without restraint. They gorge on favorite foods while refusing to touch disliked items.
Such eating habits easily inflict significant damage on our stomachs, ultimately leading to stomach pain.
Existing Gastric Conditions
If you already have a gastric condition, stomach pain may be a symptom of its flare-up. What exactly is a gastric condition? It's actually a collective term for many diseases related to the stomach.
Common conditions include acute gastritis, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, combined gastric-duodenal ulcers, gastric polyps, gastric stones, benign or malignant tumors of the stomach, as well as gastric mucosal prolapse, acute gastric dilatation, and pyloric obstruction.
To determine the specific condition, a formal medical examination at a hospital is necessary.
What to Eat for Stomach Pain
1. Pineapple
Pineapple is a stomach-nourishing fruit. Individuals with weaker digestive systems may simmer pineapple in sugar water and drink it daily to alleviate gastric discomfort. Avoid consuming large amounts on an empty stomach; pineapple is best eaten after meals and should be soaked in salt water beforehand.This helps prevent its protease enzymes from irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa. 2. Tomatoes Tomatoes' acidity comes from organic acids like citric, malic, and succinic acids, which help eliminate stomach discomfort, relieve stomach pain, and alleviate gastritis. Consistently drinking 200ml of tomato juice daily provides excellent protection for the gastric mucosa.If you experience stomach pain on an empty stomach or heartburn after eating greasy foods, drinking a glass of fresh tomato juice can alleviate these symptoms. 3. Cilantro The Compendium of Materia Medica states that cilantro is "pungent, warm, and aromatic, penetrating inward to the heart and spleen, and outward to the limbs," with the ability to harmonize the stomach and regulate the middle burner.With its aromatic scent and pungent, dispersing properties, cilantro promotes gastrointestinal motility, stimulates appetite, and invigorates the spleen—significantly benefiting digestive function regulation.
4. Pumpkin
Rich in pectin, pumpkin protects the stomach lining and reduces ulcer risk. Its skin is indigestible, so those with poor digestion should peel it before consumption.It's simple to prepare—steamed, in porridge, or in soup. For example, millet pumpkin porridge: soak 100g millet in water for 20 minutes. Peel and dice 300g pumpkin. Boil millet for 30 minutes, then add pumpkin. Stir well and simmer for another 15 minutes.
5. Carrots
Rich in beta-carotene, carrots protect the stomach lining and prevent pain caused by damage. All mucous membranes in the body require beta-carotene; deficiency leads to mucosal issues, including in the stomach. Therefore, those with gastric discomfort are advised to regularly consume carrots, preferably cooked for better absorption.