Cure Stomach Cramps

Yes, we all know that stomach cramps are painful, but here are some easy (and effective) ways to ease the pain. Certainly, women in the menstrual cycle often experience some discomfort, but exercises can help. You can do these easy exercises -- for all kinds of stomach cramps -- any place where you may relax a little.

Exercise/Breathing

 * 1) Concentrate on something else to take your mind off mild cramps.  Think about something pleasant, get in a comfortable chair like a recliner and focus on your breathing, using a fast, shallow, 1-2 rhythm.
 * 2) Walk around the house a bit if sitting or lying down is not comfortable.  Be careful not to be caught too far from the toilet in case the cramps are signaling the onset of diarrhea.
 * 3) Do some light curls to loosen up your abdominal muscles if the cramps are in your abdominal muscles rather than your digestive tract.
 * 4)  Exercise. Easy exercise can aid in cramp relief.
 * 5) If you are familiar with yoga, consider some poses that open up the abdominal region. Depending where the cramps are - consider fish pose or reclining hero. Downward facing dog can also be helpful.

Home Remedies

 * 1) Place a heating pad on your back to give temporary relief. (Don't apply heating pad to your abdomen, as this can cause nausea.)
 * 2) Lie down for a few minutes and relax.
 * 3) *Close your eyes.
 * 4) *Place a cool moist washcloth over your forehead.
 * 5) *Breath slowly and evenly, trying to keep your mind off of the pain.

Over-The-Counter Medications
 * 1) Take over-the-counter medications like Gas-ex to relieve the pressure from gas build up.
 * 2) Allow yourself to pass gas, even if you are in polite company. It may be somewhat embarrassing, but you do not want to allow yourself to become bloated or let the cramps become more serious and painful.
 * 3) Take a mild laxative to encourage a bowel movement for relief.
 * 4) Try Emitrol or Imodium to relieve cramps associated with diarrhea. Pepto-Bismol may help some stomach related pains, along with other OTC products. Check labels in the drug store or ask the pharmacist for their advice.

Prevention

 * 1) Notice any food that may disagree with your digestion. Some people are not tolerant of different foods, so if you often suffer from cramps, keep a food diary and try to determine if there is an association with a certain food or group of foods and your stomach cramps.
 * 2) *Milk and milk products may cause cramps and stomach pain in persons who are lactose intolerant.
 * 3) *Failing to drink sufficient liquids may cause stomach and muscle cramps.
 * 4) *Eating an excessive amount of non-soluble fibre may cause cramps associated with constipation.
 * 5) *Some people are sensitive to uncooked vegetables and fruits, particularly if the peels are not removed.
 * 6) Look into the possibility you suffer from Crohn's Syndrome, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and seek medical treatment if this is the case.
 * 7) Consider stress as a possible cause of stomach pain or cramps. If the condition coincides with stressful situations, try to avoid stress as much as possible, and look at learning stress management techniques.

Tips

 * Concentrate on something else, and don't think about the pain!
 * If you are not on your menstrual cycle then you may wish to see your doctor.
 * Try herb teas like chamomile, peppermint, and fennel.
 * If you have time then go take a nap.
 * Try drinking water to ease the pain.

Warnings

 * Stomach cramps may be a symptom of a serious medical condition like food poisoning or allergies. If you experience fever, severe nausea, or sweating, seek medical help. This is especially true if someone else suffers the same symptoms after a shared meal.
 * Don't go over board with exercises. Only do it one to three times, and quit if the pain increases.
 * Prolonged or frequent cramps, especially associated with loose stools or diarrhea may indicate a serious medical condition.
 * Diarrhea associated with stomach cramps may cause dehydration, which can lead to shock or even death. Drink an electrolyte solution like Pedialyte, or a clear, low carbohydrate sports drink frequently if you experience diarrhea for an extended period of time.