Gut Instincts: Managing Different Types of Stomach Pain

Most of us have experienced stomach pain at one time or another. Whether it’s gas and bloating, heartburn and indigestion, anxiety-induced stomach pain, constipation, or nausea, any tummy trouble is uncomfortable and has the potential to disrupt your daily activities.

In this article, we’ll go over some different types of stomach pain and share a few tips and Haleon products for prioritizing your digestive health and managing stomach pain so you can take back your life.

Gas and Bloating

Increased or unintentional flatulence, stomach pressure, cramping, and abdominal distension are common symptoms of gas and bloating. Gas or bloating is often caused by foods high in indigestible fiber, sugar, and starches, such as beans, broccoli, cauliflower, fruit, and dairy.

Understanding how your body reacts to these foods and avoiding your trigger foods are significant steps you can take toward easing discomfort. You can also minimize gas and bloating by eating smaller, more frequent meals, incorporating digestive enzymes and probiotics into your diet, and using over-the-counter medication. Bounce back quickly with Gas-X, the #1 Doctor Recommended OTC Anti-Gas product.

Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn and indigestion are common symptoms that can occur after eating when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (also known as acid reflux) and causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Some types of food can trigger heartburn, particularly spicy, fried, acidic, and high-fat foods. Recognizing which foods trigger your heartburn and indigestion can help you reduce symptoms. Other triggers include eating too quickly, caffeine, alcohol, and exercises that put pressure on the abdomen.

In addition to avoiding trigger foods, you can minimize acid reflux by altering your diet to include foods that are lower in fat and higher in protein, eating smaller meals, chewing gum to lower acid levels, avoiding tight clothing that compresses your stomach, and standing up after eating. For quicker relief, supplement lifestyle changes with an over-the-counter antacid like TUMS, the #1 doctor-recommended antacid brand.

Constipation

Constipation can cause stomach pain in the lower abdomen, making it difficult to pass stools. It can be caused by diets low in fiber, lack of exercise, dehydration, and certain medications. To reduce discomfort, pack your diet with fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole-grain foods, drink plenty of fluids to ensure hydration, and stay active with regular exercise. Over-the-counter products, including stool softeners, laxatives, and dietary supplements, can provide additional support and quick relief.

Adding fiber to your diet is easy with Benefiber, a range of prebiotic and probiotic supplements that support a healthy gut. In easy-to-take formats such as pre-measured stick-packs, caplets, and gummies, Benefiber supports everyday wellness.

If you experience constipation symptoms such as hemorrhoids, Preparation H, the #1 doctor-recommended brand*, offers a range of solutions, including wipes, sprays, creams, and suppositories.

Nausea

Feeling sick to your stomach is one of the worst feelings. From the stomach flu to overeating, food poisoning, motion sickness, pregnancy, migraines, and more, many conditions can cause nausea. Control nausea by eating bland food slowly in small amounts and gradually drinking large amounts of clear liquids to avoid dehydration.

To find relief, try over-the-counter medications like antiemetics and consider TUMS+ Upset Stomach & Nausea Support, which includes ginger for enhanced anti-nausea support. Seek medical attention if nausea persists, you have symptoms of dehydration, or if nausea is accompanied by abdominal pain.

Improving Digestive Health

Improving your digestive health can help you avoid stomach pain and take back your routine. Take control of your well-being by making lifestyle changes that strengthen your gut health: focus on a healthy diet that’s rich in fiber, drink plenty of water, and add regular exercise to your daily activities. Keep products on hand like Gas-X, TUMS, and Benefiber prebiotics and probiotics that support short-term and long-term gut health. If you experience chronic digestive issues, consult your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Anxiety and Stomach Pain

There's a strong connection between your gut and brain. Stomach pain, nausea, and other digestive problems can be your body’s way of signaling anxiety and stress. Practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques is as vital to your gut health as healthy eating habits, exercise, and dietary supplements.

To help relieve anxiety that may be associated with occasional stomach discomfort, pair mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and meditation or relaxation exercises such as yoga with Benefiber Dual Action Biotic + Stress Relief. This supplement nourishes and strengthens the good bacteria in your gut and helps calm and de-stress the body with L-Theanine. This amino acid provides extra support for anxiety-induced stomach issues. If anxiety and stomach pain persist or impact your quality of life, you should speak to a mental health or medical professional.

Stomach pain can be caused by various factors such as gas and bloating, heartburn and indigestion, constipation, nausea, and anxiety. To manage these types of stomach pain, one can make lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods, incorporating digestive enzymes and probiotics into the diet, and using over-the-counter medication. Incorporating these things can hopefully manage pain so that you can enjoy your favorite foods while enjoying your life.

*among OTC hemorrhoid treatment products