Stomach pain can occur for a variety of reasons. You may have an ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome or a virus. Ulcer and nonulcer pain, or signs of indigestion that have no obvious cause, may produce similar symptoms ranging from nausea and upper abdominal discomfort to bloating and gas. You should see your doctor if stomach pain persists because it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Dietary changes can help you cure the problem or at least reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Triggers
Foods that trigger abdominal pain vary from person to person. While you may become nauseous after eating fried and greasy foods, another person gobbles the fried dishes and experiences pain from onions or garlic. Keep track of those foods that cause you discomfort and remove them from your diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, foods that commonly produce stomach pain include chocolate and coffee that contain caffeine, spicy food, fat and carbonated drinks.
Portions
When you have an ulcer, an abdominal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease, large meals can cause stomach pain. At the same time, an empty stomach can produce uncomfortable stomach pain as well when acid is the only thing in it. Therefore, eat five or six small meals throughout the day to keep food in your stomach and reduce the effects that large portions have on your digestive system. Avoid skipping meals and overeating. Chew your food slowly as well to reduce the amount of air you ingest while eating to prevent gas and bloating.
Nutrients
Foods that contain flavonoids can reduce and prevent bacteria such as the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that causes ulcers from occurring. Cranberries and cranberry juice, apples, garlic, onions and celery are good sources of flavonoids, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants also promote healing. Bright colored foods such as cherries, blueberries, squash and tomatoes are effective sources of antioxidants.
Supplements
Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin supplements to make sure they don’t interfere with any other ongoing treatment. You may be able to increase your vitamin and nutritional intake through your diet or add a vitamin supplement to promote healing. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can effectively fight free radicals that cause stomach disorders. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that taking vitamin C supplements may reduce the amount of antibiotics you need to fight stomach infections. Probiotic supplements also may aid in healing and are available in supplement form or in foods such as yogurt and fortified cereals, milk and cheese.
