But it can also be a sign of more serious illnesses such as ulcers, which can be defined as lesions that develop on the lining of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. And in more severe cases, it can also be stomach or gastric cancer .
The doctor (a) appointed to analyze what is the cause of stomach pain is the gastroenterologist. During the consultation, the specialist performs specific tests, such as endoscopy, and is able to indicate what is the appropriate treatment, as well as what changes in the diet are indicated to control stomach pain.
Even with the pain in the stomach decreasing appetite, it is essential to eat small and frequent meals to avoid going too long without eating. This behavior causes the stomach to release gastric acid and worsens the pain.
A balanced diet with fresh and natural food is recommended for all people, especially for those who have stomach pains.
Some foods can relieve stomach pains.
Below are details of some food groups that may be beneficial in controlling the problem.
Vegetables in general Cooked vegetables help to reduce stomach upset. Cooked foods are recommended because they facilitate chewing and digestion, relieving the functions of the organ.
So invest in zucchini, eggplant , cabbage, carrots, chayote and spinach, for example. Avoid overdoing the seasoning and whenever possible prepare only with water and salt in small quantities.
Non-acidic fruits When choosing the fruit, choose those that do not hurt the stomach and are less acidic. Among them are: banana , apple, guava, pear and papaya.
Teas Some herbal infusions are excellent options for good digestion, as they decrease stomach acidity, decrease heartburn and cramps. Among the options, we can mention: mint, chamomile, melissa, espinheira-santa, rosemary , fennel and ginger .
Lean and low-fat meats The ideal is to choose meats with little fat when you feel stomach pain. Therefore, the consumption of roasted, boiled, braised or grilled chicken is a healthy option. Grilled and roasted fish, as well as less fatty red meats, are also recommended.
Enough liquids It is important to keep your body hydrated during an upset stomach. Therefore, it is necessary to drink plenty of water, natural juices, coconut water and teas.
Cracker or toast The stomach should not be completely empty between meals to avoid burning. Therefore, toast and crackers are excellent options.
Carbohydrates Foods that are sources of carbohydrates such as white rice, pasta, sweet potatoes and potatoes are easy to digest foods and can be eaten by those with stomach pains.
Skimmed milk and derivatives Consuming low- fat yogurt and white cheese like ricotta helps to reduce stomach burning symptoms.
Fiber-rich foods Vegetables, low-acid fruits like beans and lentils are good options for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing stomach pains.
Which fruits relieve stomach pains? Some fruits can relieve stomach pain. Below, see details of some fruits that are beneficial for those with burning or stomach discomfort.
Banana The fruit contains fibers, vitamins and minerals that aid digestion and relieve symptoms of gastritis. In addition, it is light and contains nutrients such as potassium and magnesium that protect the stomach lining and help control stomach inflammation.
Papaya Because it has a large amount of fiber and digestive enzymes, regular consumption of the fruit helps in the digestion process and relieves stomach pains.
Apple The fruit has a fiber called pectin that forms a type of gel in the stomach that protects the organ’s mucosa against the excessive production of acidic juices. Therefore, regular consumption contributes to the relief of burning.
What to avoid eating when you have stomach pain? It is very important to choose the right foods when stomach pain arises. This is because some items can further irritate the organ or hinder digestion, causing pain and discomfort in the region.
Next, see what foods should be avoided when there is an upset stomach.
Coffee, despite being delicious, can be a villain for more sensitive stomachs.
Coffee Who can resist a cup of coffee? However, anyone who has gastritis or stomach pains should often avoid drinking. That’s because it contains caffeine that causes stomach irritation. The ideal is to stop drinking coffee or at least reduce the amount to avoid stomach attacks.
Soft drinks These carbonated drinks are acidic and irritate the stomach wall. And some sodas also contain caffeine, which makes burning and stomach pain even worse.
Acidic juices Drinking a juice is very refreshing and contains important nutrients for the body. But those who suffer from stomach pain should avoid those with acidic fruits such as pineapple or lemon, which cause discomfort in the organ.
Embedded Foods such as sausage, sausage, turkey breast, salami and bologna have large amounts of sodium, fat and chemical additives that cause inflammation in the body, especially in the stomach. It is best to stay away from these foods.
Alcohol Consuming alcoholic beverages can irritate the gastric mucosa, as alcohol increases gastric emptying time. Thus, the food consumed spends more time in the stomach and causes pain and discomfort.
Matte, green and black teas These drinks have caffeine and therefore should be avoided by those who suffer from gastritis, for example.
Greasy food Fat takes longer to digest and overloads the stomach, which is already more sensitive. Therefore, the recommendation is to avoid fatty foods such as red meat, liver, salmon and chicken skin.
Spice Anyone with stomach pain should avoid ready-made spices, spicy foods and sauces such as mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard or barbecue, as these cause stomach irritations. Whenever possible, replace it with natural herbs and homemade sauces.
Tomato Sauce Because it is very acidic, tomato sauce can bother those with gastritis, especially industrialized ones.
Citrus or acidic fruits Orange, lemon, pineapple, tangerine can worsen gastritis due to acidity. The ideal is to consume in moderation or eliminate these fruits from the diet.
Candy Any food with a high fat and sugar content should be avoided in the diet of those suffering from stomach pain. Therefore, sweets with refined sugar such as ice cream, chocolates and puddings can irritate the stomach and increase discomfort. Sugar is quickly digested, so it increases intestinal fermentation and causes gastric discomfort.
Fried food Fried foods such as potatoes, drumsticks, steaks, pasties, dumplings and kibbehs, for example, cause great gastric irritation and aggravate the symptoms of gastritis. This is because they produce oxidizing substances that aggravate gastric irritation and increase inflammation of the stomach.
Bubble gum Also known as chewing gum, these foods are harmful to the stomach because they stimulate stomach acid. As the organ does not receive food, the amount of gastric juice increases and can hurt you.
Fat dairy products Foods like whole milk, whole yogurt, cream, butter, margarine, oil and yellow cheeses increase the symptoms of stomach pain. So it is better to substitute skim and white cheeses.