Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help lower fever and help ease pain. Although they aren’t narcotics, OTC pain medicines have certain risks and possible side effects if they aren’t used safely.
Regular use of OTC pain medicines for chronic pain, such as pain from stomach disorders, can cause serious side effects, even if you take the medicine at the correct dose. If you are taking OTC medicine for chronic pain, it’s important to talk with your doctor to come up with the safest possible treatment plan for you.
A good plan for pain and discomfort from stomach disorders might combine some OTC medicines with a healthy diet, exercise, better sleep, and stress management techniques. These lifestyle changes can help lower the frequency and intensity of pain. In some cases, you might not need to take as many OTC medicines. For example, quitting smoking can lower the frequency and intensity of acid reflux.
Here are some ways of complementing OTC medicines so you can get relief from pain and improve your quality of life.
Choose Healthy Foods
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is good for everybody’s overall health and well-being, especially if you have digestive issues. A healthy diet:
- Gives your body the fuel it needs to work properly
- Lets your body heal itself when you are sick or injured
- Helps ease pain and inflammation
If you have digestive issues, it’s important to avoid foods that make your symptoms worse. Pick fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. If you need help, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can either help you come up with a plan or recommend a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can help.
Fiber is very good for you because it:
- Feeds bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy
- Helps control blood sugar levels
- Lowers cholesterol
- Makes you feel fuller for longer
Tips for a healthier approach to eating. Don’t eat fast. Chew each bite slowly. Eat smaller portions. You can either eat five small portions or three large portions during the day. Avoid eating fried foods and processed foods, and lower the amount of caffeine you have. If you drink alcohol, try drinking less.
Stay Hydrated
The body needs to be hydrated to work well. Good hydration:
- Helps to regulate body temperature
- Keeps joints well-lubricated
- Helps to prevent infections
- Carries essential nutrients to your cells
Good hydration is especially important for the digestive system because it helps the body break down and process food. This allows the body to absorb nutrients. Water also helps digest fiber from food and eases constipation.
Tips to stay well hydrated. Experts recommend having 11 glasses of water a day to help your body get rid of toxins.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise has many benefits. Mild to moderate physical activity can help you prevent or manage several chronic diseases affecting the digestive system, such as constipation and even colon cancer.
Moderate exercise can also make it easier for you to poop, eases symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and helps your body better absorb nutrients in food.
Tips for you to stay active. Start with low-intensity exercises and then increase the intensity as your body adjusts without going over a moderate level. Exercising for 30 minutes a day is more than enough for you to start enjoying the benefits.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Good quality sleep restores and refreshes the body and mind. When you don’t sleep well, it can lead to stomach issues. In turn, having stomach issues can keep you from enjoying a good night’s sleep.
Tips for getting a better night’s sleep. Adults should sleep for a minimum of 7 hours of sleep a night. Once you’re in bed, don’t use your cell phone or tablet, and don’t keep the TV on. You should also avoid having caffeine after noon.
Control Your Stress Levels
Stress can worsen symptoms of digestive conditions, such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. In turn, having digestive conditions can make you feel more stressed out and anxious. It’s important to control your stress levels to help ease any symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Tips for managing your stress levels. Psychotherapy sessions can help lower stress levels.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, can help people change negative thoughts and behavior. You learn practical ways of managing stress and anxiety, which can ease stomach discomfort or pain.
There are also techniques designed to help people relax, such as listening to soothing music or doing meditation.
Show Sources
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SOURCES:
Alcohol Health and Research World: “Alcohol’s Role in Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders.”
CDC: “Healthy Eating Tips.”
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care: “The impact of physical exercise on the gastrointestinal tract.”
Diabetes Care: “Fried Foods, Gut Microbiota, and Glucose Metabolism.”
Gastroenterology of Greater Orlando: “How Does Exercise Influence Gastroenterology Health?”
Harvard Health Publishing: “Stress and the sensitive gut.”
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “The importance of hydration.”
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Medicines and the Digestive System.”
Mayo Clinic: “Nutrition and healthy eating.”
NHS: “5 lifestyle tips for a healthy tummy.”
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): “Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.”