Discover 10 Simple Ways to Treat Stomach Cramps Fast
Treating stomach cramps fast and effective doesn't have to include a trip to the market. These 10 simple ways to relieve stomach cramps will help give you relief so you can get on with your day.
10 Simple Ways to Relive Stomach Cramps
- Apply Heat
- Light Physical Activity
- Drink Tea
- Warm Bath
- Stay Hydrated
- Avoid Certain Foods
- Massage With Essential Oils
- Rest
- Take Vitamins
- TENS Unit
This list consists of effective ways to help aid you in relieving stomach cramps. Cramps associated with menstruation can be bothersome and interfere with our day to day activities. Or you may have intermittent stomach cramps outside of menstruation. Lets take an in depth look at each option on the list for a better understanding of how you can relieve cramps with these methods.
Have you used any of these 10 cramp relief methods before?
1. Apply Heat
Applying heat to your stomach is a long time remedy for stomach cramps. You have many options today that people did not have in the past for applying heat.
3 Ways to Apply Heat for Cramps
- Heating Pad
- Hot Water Bottle
- Hot Therapy Patches
Heating Pad
Using a heating pad is an effective way to target your stomach or areas that are experiencing cramping. Many are available relatively cheap these days, and you can find them at most retailers. You may even find you have one stashed in a cabinet or closet at home already.
Hot Water Bottle
A hot water bottle is a less common method these days, and be aware you need to know how to properly use one. Not understanding how to use a hot water bottle can result in burns. Safety first, skip this method if you are unfamiliar with how to use a hot water bottle.
Hot Therapy Patches
Stomach craps do not care if we have to work, or what we have to do in our lives each day. A hot therapy patch is useful when you have to be at work at stomach cramps start.
I keep CrampCareH hot patches in my purse so I am covered when I am on the go since cramps hit whenever they want. They are very budget friendly and usually low cost for a pack of 5. These are the best option I have found as far as heat patches go.
They have wide wings unlike many over the counter heat patches. So these are a great way to cover the effected area even for those of you who maybe like me and are plus size. I find these are much more cost effective, and I can use 1 patch to cover the area instead of needing 2 of many other heat patches.
2. Light Physical Activity
Light exercise is effective for reliving cramps because it will help your body release your own pain killers. That's right the human body has in house pain killers called beta-endorphins that are released when you exercise.
Light Exercise Options
- Walking
- Yoga
- Light Cardio
- Short Aerobic Sessions
Whatever you choose any light exercise will naturally help you relieve the pain associated with cramps. From a simple to walk to small sessions of Aerobics or a good cardio workout. All options can help your body produce a natural pain killer to provide fast relief for cramping.
Just be sure not to overdo your exercises, you don't want to add muscle strains to stomach cramps.
3. Drinking Tea
Many herbal teas contain natural anti inflammatory properties. Something as simple as sipping herbal tea can help relieve cramps. Teas provide effective pain relief for cramping by relaxing the nerves reducing spasms and inflammation.
Herbal Teas for Cramp Relief
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
These 4 teas all area easily found at any market and will help you get fast relief. Chamomile I find has a light flavor, and perhaps the best option for those who may not be avid tea drinkers. You can expect a stronger flavor profile to peppermint, ginger and cinnamon teas.
4. Warm Bath
A warm bath is probably self explanatory, they are relaxing and an enjoyable escape to distress. There is no fancy way to facilitate a warm bath for cramps, run warm water and get in the tub. Make sure the water covers the stomach so you can get relief.
How long to stay in the bath is up to you and what you have time for in your routine. I find a warm bath for cramps to be very effective, and also allows me to enjoy some 'me time' too.
If you happen to have a jacuzzi or a friend with one, these are next level 'hot baths' for cramping. They are extremely effective at relieving cramps and helping you to relax over all.
5. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is not likely to completely eliminate pain associated with cramping alone. But staying hydrated is key to limit bloating, as bloating aids in discomfort associated with stomach cramping.
Be sure to stay hydrated along with other options on the list for effective relief. Water consumption for women should be around 2.7 liters for minimum hydration. Keeping a reusable water bottle with you is a good way to remember to drink water and keep hydrated.
6. Avoid Certain Foods
These days it seems like there are always certain foods to avoid for different ailments, cramping is no exception. There are many foods that you should avoid that have the potential to worsen your symptoms.
Foods to Avoid
- Bread
- Pasta
- Baked Goods
- Soda
- Candy
- Chips
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- High Sodium foods
- Fried Foods
- Processed foods
This list may seem like your 'go to' foods when you have cramping, but they should be avoided. Most of these food options can contribute to inflammation causing cramps and should be avoided.
Once your cramping issues and pain have subsided you can slowly begin to intake your favorite foods from the list. Just use caution and don't overdo it. Prepackaged processed foods or 'heat and eat' options generally contain a high carbohydrate count and sodium. These are not the best options as they tend to contribute to bloating causing more discomfort.
What are your go to snacking choices when you have cramps?
7. Massage With Essential Oils
Did you know you can relieve cramps with essential oil massages? This is an easy effective way to provide relief. Essential oils have many uses and are effective as many have anti inflammatory properties.
Essential Oils for Stomach Cramps
- Lemon
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Fennel
- Ginger
- Marjoram
- Lavender
- Clary Sage
There are no shortage of options when it comes to essential oils effective for stomach cramp relief. Combine 5-8 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. You are not limited to using a single oil, you can mix a few drops of each to reach the above ratio for dilution.
Apply the diluted essential oil to the effected area and massage into skin using a circular motion. Use your essential oil to massage the area as needed to help provide pain relief.
Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin! In some cases people do have contact dermatitis reactions to 'neat' or undiluted oils. Always dilute in a carrier oil, even olive oil will work if you have it on hand.
I find a mix of clary sage, peppermint and lavender to do the trick during my monthly cycle and give relief for cramps. You can create your own blends in larger batches by following the dilute ratio above and increasing it as needed. Be sure to use a airtight dark glass container to store your cramp massage blend in. I often store mine in cosmetic grade amber glass containers. This ensures that it will remain potent and not degrade over time.
8. Rest
Rest is something we all need and a lot of us never get enough of. Resting allows the body and muscles to recover. Consider taking a short nap if time allows and ensure you are getting enough rest at night. If you can find a full day to rest, or as much as you can while dealing with stomach cramps.
Rest is effective for many issues you may have especially sore muscles and stomach cramps. Our body needs that level of shut down to help repair itself, and the lack of movement aids in muscles recovering.
Resting and intermittent napping help us to recoup energy and aids our overall well being and health. Taking a full day of rest will help your body repair have the time for fibroblasts to repair muscle proteins.
9. Take Vitamins
Many of us can often be slightly vitamin deficient, it is fairly common. Due to our busy lifestyles and our dietary choices we may have lower levels of certain vitamins.
Vitamin deficiency is not always drastic and easily diagnosed. Some vitamins aid in eliminating stomach cramps. By adding a daily B vitamin regimen you can help eliminate the pain of cramps caused by bloating.
Sometimes an unhealthy gut can make our stomach cramps and bloating worse. Finding vitamins that aid in digestion and overall gut health can help. Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6 can help aid in stomach cramps related to food digestion.
The entire 'B' vitamin family is often a great supplement to take when looking for stomach relief. Taking iron can increase the level of good bacteria in our stomachs helping to reduce the amount of bloating we experience. Vitamin D aids the immune systems and nerve and muscular functions while aiding the body in absorbing calcium.
Taking a multi vitamin is an easy way to ensure you are getting enough of each effective vitamin. I take a 1 a day multi vitamin, it saves me from juggling multiple individual vitamins. I find that I am much better at remembering to take it daily versus trying to remember to take 5-10 others.
Eating foods rich in these vitamins will help aid stomach discomfort as well. Taking a vitamin is just an easy way to cover all the helpful vitamins.
10. TENS Unit
Using a TENS unit maybe an effective option for dealing with cramps. Electrotherapy through using a TENS unit can limit the pain signal impulses that travel to the bran, and limit the amount of pain we experience.
This is a useful method for relieving nerve muscle pain and reducing pain singles. The electrical impulses help the body to produce endorphins and encephalins, your built in natural pain killers.
This is a pricier option for dealing with pain and stomach cramping. I do have a NURSAL EMS TENS unit I frequently use for menstrual cramping as well as other muscle aches and pains. These can be expensive, I chose a mid range option that was rechargeable and had a wide range of settings.
This is a at home treatment, not likely something you want to use when at work. Or even on the go, it takes time to set up, and is best used in the comfort of your own home.
Stomach Cramps Final Thoughts
Sometimes stomach cramping has an easy to identify cause. Be it muscle strains, digestion, constipation or monthly cycle. Determining what is the cause is your first step.
If you cannot determine what is the cause of your cramping please don't put off contacting a medical professional. There maybe underlying health concerns causing painful stomach cramps.
I do prefer self treating at home when I can, but I always seek medical diagnosis if I cannot determine what is the root cause for an illness or causing pain.
These 10 ways to treat stomach cramps at home have all been beneficial for me over the years. Do you have any ways to treat cramping not listed?
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2020 Cynthia Hoover