Among all age groups, one of the most common symptoms that people feel is abdominal discomfort. The muscles and organs in the abdominal area can cramp up between the chest and groin for many different reasons, which is why it’s important to understand what is causing your cramps and how to ease the pain.
Here are some of the most common causes of abdominal cramps and how to ease them naturally without prescriptions or over-the-counter medication.
Common Causes of Abdominal Cramps
Many abdominal cramps are minor and go away on their own without extensive home treatment. For example, you could experience stomach cramps if you are constipated and not having regular bowel movements. A food allergy or intolerance to a certain type of food, such as dairy products, could also cause abdominal cramps. Women who are menstruating or getting ready to start their monthly menstrual cycle often have cramps in the abdominal area. Food poisoning and stomach flu are other reasons why you may feel cramping and discomfort in your belly. Meanwhile, heartburn and indigestion can cause abdominal cramps, but these typically go away within a few hours.
However, abdominal cramps can also be an early warning sign of a more serious medical condition that does require professional attention. Cramping could be the result of appendicitis, an inflamed gallbladder, bowel obstruction, or kidney stones. Ulcers also cause cramping in this region of the body. A medical issue that you are having in another part of the body may result in pain and cramping in the abdomen, such as in the case of urinary tract infections.
How to Ease Abdominal Cramps
Fortunately, most abdominal cramps can be treated at home with natural methods that don’t put your body at risk of side effects. For mild abdominal cramping, try drinking water but avoid solid foods for a couple hours. Later, eat small portions of food and mild foods, especially if your abdominal cramping is accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Avoid gas-producing foods, such as beans and dairy products, while you are having stomach cramps.
Try using a heating pad on your abdomen to reduce stomach cramps or giving your abdominal muscles a gentle massage. Chamomile and mint tea are useful for easing stomach discomfort, as well as lying down on your back to rest your stomach muscles and stop them from having spasms.
However, there are certain circumstances when it is strongly advised to see a doctor when having abdominal cramps. If your cramps are very severe and accompanied by chest pain, see a doctor right away. Other signs that medical attention may be warranted include shortness of breath, prolonged vomiting, and blood in bowel movements.
PS – People are also reporting some success lightly rubbing CBD cream over the lower abdominal area.