How To Get Rid Of Stomach Pains: What Most People Get Wrong About Gut Health

You’re doubled over. It feels like a literal knot is tightening inside your abdomen, or maybe it's that sharp, stabbing sensation that makes you wonder if you should be heading to the ER. We’ve all been there. Whether it’s the result of a questionable street taco or a high-stress week at work, figuring out how to get rid of stomach pains is usually a frantic race against the clock. But here’s the thing: most of the "hacks" you see on social media are kind of useless. Or worse, they actually irritate your lining even more.

Stomach pain isn't a single condition. It’s a symptom. It’s your body’s way of screaming that something—gas, acidity, inflammation, or even your nervous system—is out of sync. If you want to fix it, you have to stop treating your gut like a generic container and start understanding the specific mechanics of what’s happening in there.

The First Rule of Gut Relief: Identify the "Type"

Not all belly aches are created equal. Honestly, if you try to treat gas-related bloating with the same stuff you use for acid reflux, you might end up feeling a whole lot worse. If the pain is high up, near your ribs, it’s often related to the stomach or gallbladder. If it’s lower, down by your hips, you’re likely looking at an intestinal issue or maybe something related to your reproductive system if you're a woman.

Cramping that comes in waves usually suggests your muscles are spasming. This is where something like peppermint oil actually shines. A meta-analysis published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that enteric-coated peppermint oil is significantly more effective than a placebo for IBS-type pain. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the GI tract. But—and this is a big "but"—if you have heartburn, peppermint can actually relax the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus, making that burning sensation way more intense.

Why Your "Healthy" Diet Might Be the Culprit

It’s ironic, really. You start eating more kale, beans, and broccoli because you want to be healthy, and suddenly you feel like a balloon about to pop. This is often due to FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols). These are short-chain carbohydrates that the small intestine doesn't absorb well. Instead, they sit there, fermenting and producing gas.

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If your stomach pain is accompanied by massive bloating, you might want to look at the Monash University guidelines. They are the gold standard for understanding how specific sugars in foods trigger distension. Sometimes, getting rid of the pain means temporarily cutting back on "healthy" stuff like garlic, onions, and apples until your gut biome stabilizes.

How to Get Rid of Stomach Pains Right Now

If you’re in the middle of a flare-up, you want immediate relief. You aren't looking for a long-term lifestyle shift; you just want to stop the hurting.

First, heat. It sounds basic, but a heating pad or a hot water bottle is scientifically sound. Heat increases blood flow to the area and can help relax the external muscles, which in turn reduces the perception of internal pain. Keep it on for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Second, the "Wind-Relieving Pose" (Pawanmuktasana). It’s a yoga move, but honestly, it’s just physics. Lay on your back and pull your knees to your chest. This creates a gentle pressure that helps move gas through the various bends in your colon.

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• Ginger tea: Real ginger contains gingerols and shogaols. These compounds speed up gastric emptying. If the pain is caused by food sitting too long in your stomach, ginger is your best friend.
• The BRAT Diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. It's boring. It's bland. But it's low-fiber and easy to digest, which gives your GI tract a much-needed break.
• Sipping, not gulping: Drinking a huge glass of water at once can distend the stomach further. Small sips of lukewarm water are better.

The Magnesium Connection

We don't talk enough about magnesium. A lot of stomach pain is actually constipation in disguise. If things aren't moving, the pressure builds up. Magnesium citrate acts as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestines to soften things up. Dr. Mark Hyman, a well-known functional medicine expert, often points out that a huge portion of the population is magnesium deficient. If your "stomach pain" is actually a chronic "I haven't gone in three days" situation, a little magnesium might be the missing link.

When the Pain is "In Your Head" (But Still Very Real)

There is a massive nerve called the Vagus Nerve that connects your brain directly to your gut. This is the gut-brain axis. When you're stressed, your body enters "fight or flight" mode. Digestion isn't a priority when you're running from a metaphorical tiger. So, your body slows down digestion, which can lead to cramping and that "heavy" feeling.

Diaphragmatic breathing isn't just for meditation. It physically stimulates the vagus nerve. By taking slow, deep breaths into your belly rather than your chest, you send a signal to your nervous system that you are safe. This can literally "switch on" digestion again and ease the pain. It's wild how often people overlook this because it seems too simple to work.

Warning Signs You Can't Ignore

I’m a writer, not your doctor. While most stomach pains are just your body being grumpy about dinner, some things require a professional. If you have a fever, if your abdomen feels "board-stiff" to the touch, or if you see blood where it shouldn't be—stop reading this and go to a clinic.

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Specific conditions like Appendicitis usually start as a dull ache around the belly button and then migrate to the lower right side. If the pain is so sharp you can't walk, or if you're vomiting uncontrollably, don't try to "ginger tea" your way out of it.

Medications: Use With Caution

Most people reach for NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Aspirin for pain. Don't do that for stomach pain. NSAIDs are notorious for irritating the stomach lining and can even cause ulcers if used frequently. If you absolutely need a painkiller, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safer for the stomach, but even then, it doesn't address the root cause of the cramp. Antacids like Tums or Rolaids work well if the pain is "burning" and high up, but they won't do much for lower intestinal cramping.

Actionable Steps for Lasting Relief

To truly understand how to get rid of stomach pains, you have to look at the pattern. Is it happening every day at 3 PM? Is it only after you drink milk?

1. Keep a 48-hour symptom log. Write down everything you eat and exactly when the pain starts. You’ll be surprised at the patterns that emerge. Often, it's a cumulative effect—you can handle a little dairy, but dairy plus coffee plus a stressful meeting is the tipping point.
2. Standardize your fiber. Don't go from 5g of fiber to 30g in one day. Your gut bacteria need time to adjust to the new workload. Slowly increase your intake over several weeks.
3. Move your body. A simple 10-minute walk after a meal helps stimulate peristalsis—the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through your system.
4. Hydrate, but strategically. Stop drinking ice-cold water with meals. It can "clench" the stomach muscles. Room temperature is much gentler on a sensitive system.
5. Check your meds. Some supplements, like iron or certain antibiotics, are brutal on the stomach. If you started a new pill recently, that's your prime suspect.

The goal isn't just to make the pain go away once. It’s to build a gut environment where those pains don't happen in the first place. Listen to the cues. If your stomach is cramping, it’s asking for a change—whether that’s better food, more water, or just a moment to breathe.