Stomach cramps can happen for a multitude of reasons, but they can be debilitating no matter the cause. According to Healthline, the pain often revolves around a muscle strain, indigestion, gas retention, or dehydration. While they can be incredibly uncomfortable, most cramps aren’t cause for alarm. It helps to diagnose the source of your discomfort before you aim to treat it.
If you’ve been hitting it really hard at the gym lately, your crunches could be to blame for your cramping muscles. The outlet cites too much core work as one of the main reasons people experience these cramps and spasms. Take it slow, make sure to breathe and, if you’re feeling stomach pains, take a few days off and consider updating your routine to a more manageable one. Plus, if you’re low on water, muscles cramp more frequently. Feeling light-headed or noticing dark urine are other signs of this issue.
Furthermore, other sources of inflammation can make way for tightening muscles in the stomach region. Digestive issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis or gastritis also count cramping as one of their symptoms. If you notice these sensations happening more and more frequently, or after you eat certain foods, it may be time to see your doctor to get a closer look at what’s going on.
Decrease inflammation to help eliminate stomach cramps
Since inflammation contributes to most pain in the body, it makes sense that stomach cramping often centers on this issue. Bustle suggests general eating hygiene that involves lowering your intake of processed foods, getting enough fiber, adding fermented foods and getting tested for any food sensitivities. General tips include taking supplements and adding inflammation-busting foods like turmeric to your diet.
Of course, drinking enough water is also imperative to overall health and that of your gut. Since your system needs this liquid in order to digest, without enough water, things can grind to a halt. Medical News Today also suggests reaching for a heating pad or warm compress to place over your abdomen. The definition of a cramp is a muscle contracting, so anything that will help soothe muscle soreness can help reduce pain. The heat from the pad relaxes the tendons in the affected area, helping you feel better faster.
Adding in coconut water, spearmint or aloe vera juice to your diet can help alleviate these cramps as well. Each of these aids in preventing inflammation, while providing the nutrients your body needs to feel hydrated and soothed, the outlet notes.
Overall, a cramping stomach may denote other issues within your system but is likely a result of your recent lifestyle. Do what you can to keep inflammation at bay and see a doctor if your cramps don’t go away.
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