Stomach pain is one of the most common health complaints, and there are many possible causes of stomach pain. According to KidsHealth.org, pain in your stomach may be caused by a stomach problem or a problem with one of the other structures in your abdomen, such as your intestines, bladder, kidneys, liver, spleen, appendix or other organs. Nutritional supplements may help treat your stomach pain, but you should avoid using supplements until you have talked with your doctor.
Stomach Pain
Stomach pain varies significantly in intensity. Some types of stomach pain may be mild and short-lived, while other types of stomach pain may be severe and chronic. However, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia states that the intensity of your pain is not always indicative of the seriousness of the cause: mild stomach pain may be caused by life-threatening abdominal problems. Stomach pain has been described as gnawing, burning, sharp, dull and achy, and it may be localized or diffuse.
Nutritional Supplements
The use of nutritional supplements for stomach pain depends on the cause of your abdominal discomfort. According to nutrition expert Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," stomach pain caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, may respond to papaya tablets, MSM, and pancreatin plus bromelain. If your stomach pain is caused by peptic ulcers, you may benefit from pectin, vitamin E, bromelain, grape seed extract and curcumin. Helpful nutritional supplements for irritable bowel syndrome include proteolytic enzymes, essential fatty acids and fiber. Don't take any of these supplements without your doctor's approval.
A Special Supplement
A special supplement for stomach pain is slippery elm. Slippery elm, reports the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, is a dietary supplement that may effectively treat numerous gastrointestinal conditions that cause stomach or abdominal pain, including diarrhea, peptic ulcers and inflammatory bowel conditions. The inner bark of the slippery elm tree is soothing for inflamed mucus membranes in your bowel and stomach. Important plant chemicals in this supplement include mucilage, starch, tannin and beta-carotene.
Caution
Exercise great caution when using nutritional supplements for your stomach pain. Some supplements may not be appropriate for your specific condition or should only be used under the guidance of a health-care specialist. Stomach pain should always be diagnosed by a health-care provider with advanced knowledge of gastrointestinal pathology. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist, should the need exist. Always discuss supplements with your doctor before using these substances.
References
- KidsHealth.org: Belly Pain
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Abdominal Pain
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Slippery Elm
