Your stomach pain can originate from a variety of reasons. You may be suffering from gastritis, ulcer, lactose intolerance, stressful stomach or side effects of medications, such as chemotherapy. Stomach pain can present as sharp, dull, stabbing or cramping. You may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea with your pain, depending upon what illness or disease produces the pain. You and your physician will work closely in order to determine the medications and foods that may help or hinder your recovery.
Caffeine
Caffeine and caffeinated drinks can irritate the stomach lining, causing an increase in symptoms of stomach pain, FamilyDoctor.org reports. If you suffer from an ulcer, caffeine can be an irritant. However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, caffeine can affect your stomach even if you don't have an underlying medical condition. Caffeine will increase the secretion of stomach acid and is a common trigger for heartburn.
Dairy
People who suffer from lactose intolerance don't produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down milk proteins in the stomach, TeensHealth states. This results in the breakdown by bacteria in the stomach leading to gas, cramps, diarrhea and bloating. This is a common condition that seems to affect men and women equally. People of Asian, African, Hispanic or Native American backgrounds are more likely to suffer from this condition, as are individuals taking certain medications or the elderly who may have naturally stopped producing lactase.
Fatty Foods and Trans Fatty Acids
If you suffer from stomach pain related to a peptic ulcer, you'll find that reducing your fatty foods, saturated fats and trans fatty acids will help reduce your pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eat reduced amounts of red meat and fried foods. Reduce or eliminate foods that are commercially baked, such as cookies, crackers, donuts, processed foods and margarine, all high in trans fats.
Gas-Producing Foods
Gas-producing foods may increase the amount of bloating you experience with stomach pain. These include baked beans, Brussels sprouts, carbonated drinks, cauliflower, hard candy, lettuce, broccoli and cabbage. By avoiding these foods, you can reduce the risk of increasing your stomach pain.
Alcohol
Alcohol isn't digested or absorbed like other foods, according to Oregon Counseling. After entering the body, 20 percent is absorbed by the stomach and goes directly to the blood stream. Alcohol increases stomach-acid production and can trigger gastritis or ulcers in the stomach and intestines. If you already have stomach pain, alcohol can increase your symptoms and create more discomfort.
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