Almost everyone has had the chance to make her unwanted acquaintance and women in particular regularly curse her: painful stomach cramps. They not only torment our pain receptors, but can also have a significant impact on our everyday lives. Regardless of whether it is caused by stress, an unhealthy diet or an underlying illness - they are a companion that we want to say goodbye to immediately. But what really helps against stomach cramps?
One thing in advance: It is usually not the chemical club that promises quick relief. There are a variety of natural methods that can help you relieve cramps and regain your well-being in a much more gentle way.
From relaxing herbal teas, probiotics, proven breathing techniques to the targeted use of hot water bottle belts - we'll show you how to reduce your pain naturally and what actually helps against stomach cramps.
Understanding causes of abdominal cramps: Identify the trigger for targeted relief
Cramps can be as different as our respective personalities. Some only appear for a short time and disappear as quickly as they came, others develop into an unloved, constant companion in our everyday lives - especially if they occur regularly with a woman's period.
Nutrition and digestion
The fact that a balanced diet has a positive impact on your overall well-being (and the number you see on the scale) is probably a truism. But it also has a direct effect on the occurrence and intensity of abdominal cramps through digestion.
Digestive disorders such as flatulence or constipation can directly trigger this. The body signals to you that something in your digestive system is not working properly - often after eating fatty or difficult-to-digest foods.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another common cause of abdominal cramps. This functional bowel disease can cause cramping pain in the abdominal area, accompanied by diarrhea or constipation.
cramps during periods
Many women will now nod painfully from experience: menstrual cramps can also be accompanied by acute abdominal cramps. During your period, the muscles of the uterus can contract and cause pain.
Identifying this connection is crucial in order to use targeted measures such as heat applications or specific pain-relieving herbal preparations.
But what can you do against stomach cramps? We have taken a closer look at some methods.
It's all about balance - a balanced diet
A balanced diet plays a crucial role in combating abdominal cramps. Avoid fatty, fried, and spicy or spicy foods as they can worsen symptoms. Instead, focus on fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Drink enough water to aid digestion and avoid constipation. Smaller, more frequent meals are better for digestion than large, heavy feasts.
Certain foods may provide additional benefits. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can noticeably calm the digestive system. Peppermint tea relieves and reduces cramps - even if it remains a matter of taste. Experiment with different herbs and foods to find what works best for you.
Abdominal strength lies in rest – relaxation techniques
When stomach cramps hit with full force, rest and relaxation are probably things that are far away in your mind. But it is precisely in such moments that the power of special relaxation techniques lies in relieving the symptoms and restoring your inner balance.
A proven method is deep abdominal breathing. By consciously breathing in deeply into your stomach and breathing out slowly through your mouth, you can release the tension in your body and have a calming effect on the digestive tract. Focus on your breathing and feel the stomach cramps gradually subside.
In addition to breathing, you can also try other relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. There are actually yoga poses that are specifically focused on the digestive tract. They can help relax the stomach and relieve cramps. Meditation additionally helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote a positive attitude, which can have a positive impact on abdominal health.
But even apart from acute abdominal emergencies: reducing stress always helps your health. So develop personal routines and rituals to integrate more relaxation and serenity into your everyday life - it's not just your intestines that will thank you.
Soothing warmth to tie around - hot water bottle belt
We are all familiar with the classic hot water bottle. Since childhood, she has been a loyal companion for us when we have stomach and back pain. But with hot water bottle belts , we take this concept to the next level at VintageSpirit - it provides warmth exactly where and in the way you want it in an acute emergency. The belt can be worn flexibly and individually adjusted to your needs.
Unlike traditional hot water bottles, which almost inevitably tie you to bed, with our hot water bottle belt you can take the pain-relieving feeling with you wherever you go.
Our hot water bottle belts made from sustainable upcycled materials offer you the freedom to continue your activities - if you actually want to in the event of acute pain. You can adjust it individually to achieve the desired intensity and positioning of the heat - with maximum comfort.
Little wonders of nature – home remedies for stomach cramps
In addition to the peppermint tea that has already been mentioned, nature and possibly your own pantry also have tried and tested helpers to relieve your stomach cramps in a particularly gentle way.
Ginger is a versatile plant with antispasmodic properties. Its natural ingredients can reduce inflammation in the digestive system and promote digestion. You can include fresh ginger in your meals or make ginger tea by pouring hot water over thin slices of ginger and letting them steep for a few minutes.
Chamomile tea can not only promote relaxation and stress relief, but also relieve cramps. Drink a cup of chamomile tea before bed or during acute abdominal cramps to reduce discomfort and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
In addition to these antispasmodic herbs, there are also other home remedies that reliably help. A warm towel on the abdominal area can promote blood circulation and relax muscles, thereby relieving cramps. A gentle abdominal massage with essential oils such as lavender or marjoram is also proven to relieve tension and cramps.
The right intestinal balance with probiotics
Probiotics are living microorganisms that promote the balance of your intestinal flora. They improve digestion, generally strengthen the immune system and support general well-being.
You can find them in supplements and fermented foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut. They fight harmful bacteria in the intestines and relieve abdominal cramps.
Taking high-quality probiotics can improve your gut health and relieve abdominal cramps. Please speak to a doctor or nutritionist to find the right dosage and type of probiotics for you.
Exercise and activity for a belly that feels good
Even though physical exertion is probably the last thing on your mind when you have acute abdominal cramps, in the right dosage it can definitely help relieve your symptoms. Especially in the long term.
Physical activity stimulates blood circulation, which leads to a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to the intestinal tract. This, in turn, promotes efficient digestion and helps combat possible causes of abdominal cramps such as constipation.
There are many ways to integrate exercise into your everyday life. Whether it's regular walks, jogging, yoga or other forms of physical activity - find what you enjoy and motivate you in the long term. The goal is to develop an active routine that fits your lifestyle and allows for regular exercise.
When should you go to the doctor?
Your health should always be a priority. Although the methods and remedies presented reliably help against abdominal cramps, there are symptoms and signs for which you should definitely seek medical advice:
- Persistent severe pain : If your abdominal cramps are unbearable or last longer than usual, you should seek medical attention. It could indicate a serious medical condition that requires professional attention. The same applies to accompanying symptoms that occur.
- Chronic abdominal cramps : If you suffer from abdominal cramps regularly and for a long period of time, it is advisable to get a medical examination. They can indicate various diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Severe menstrual cramps : If you experience severe and recurring abdominal cramps during your period, you should speak to your gynecologist. It could indicate an underlying gynecological condition such as endometriosis.
Conclusion: What helps naturally against stomach pain?
Abdominal cramps are not only extremely restrictive but also painful in everyday life. Fortunately, there are some proven methods to reliably regain quality of life and permanently relieve your pain.
From a balanced diet to relaxation techniques to tried-and-tested home remedies or a soothing hot water bottle belt - you now have a range of tools at hand to permanently strengthen your abdominal health. Every body is unique - so try different methods to find the ones that best suit you and your everyday life.
You now know what helps against abdominal cramps, but always keep in mind: There are situations in which a visit to the doctor is essential. If you have severe or persistent abdominal pain accompanied by other symptoms or chronic conditions, you should consult a doctor.
