Stomach cramps are painful pains like squeezing from the tip of the stomach due to abnormal and excessive contractions of the stomach. When the stomach is stimulated for various reasons, it is known that the parasympathetic nerve of the autonomic nervous system is stimulated and a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine is secreted, which causes irregular contraction of the smooth muscle, which is the visceral muscle.
It is known that stomach cramps have a significant influence on the occurrence of various causative diseases such as cholelithiasis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, pancreatitis, and acute gastritis. It is said to be caused by various environmental factors and lifestyle habits such as prolonged irregular and unbalanced eating habits, overwork, stress, and lack of sleep. Now, let’s learn about the main symptoms of stomach cramps and various food information that works to improve them one by one.
Main symptoms of stomach cramps
When stomach cramps occur, a sudden squeezing pain occurs at the tip of the stomach, and at the same time, symptoms such as cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, paleness of the face, and dizziness due to stimulation of the sympathetic nerve may appear. In addition, various symptoms such as dysphagia, weight loss, and hematemesis, in which it is difficult for food to pass from the mouth to the stomach, are also symptoms that appear when stomach cramps occur. It can occur and lead to fainting.
In order to treat such stomach cramps, it is possible to accurately diagnose the cause of the stomach cramps and proceed with treatment such as antispasmodics, sedatives, and fluid therapy. In addition, it is important to properly implement your own stress-relief methods to reduce excessive mental stress, to stop smoking, to control the amount of alcohol consumed, and to maintain a regular and balanced diet. Among them, healthy eating habits are known to be the most important management habit for symptom improvement and prevention of stomach cramps.
Good food for stomach cramps
1. Cabbage
Cabbage, a representative cruciferous vegetable, is well-known as an excellent vegetable that works well for the stomach. Cabbage contains a large amount of vitamin U, which is effective in treating peptic ulcer, and protects the stomach wall from gastric acid and other stimuli, and at the same time promotes the production of prostaglandins, a physiologically active substance secreted from the gastric mucosa, causing stomach cramps. It works exceptionally well in improving symptoms and helping to promote overall health of the stomach. It is also said to be effective in preventing and relieving symptoms of various stomach-related diseases, such as gastritis and gastric ulcer, which are the causes of stomach cramps.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli, well-known as a superfood with excellent efficacy, is also rich in vitamin U, which was mentioned above, which protects the gastric mucosa and at the same time helps to suppress gastric inflammation, thereby helping to relieve symptoms of stomach cramps. In addition, sulforaphane, which is abundantly contained in broccoli, is known to have a good effect in inhibiting the growth of Helicobacter pylori, which is known to be the main cause of gastric diseases such as gastric ulcer.
3. Chinese yam
Chinese yam, which is called mountain eel for its excellent energy recovery and nourishing tonic effect, is also said to help relieve and prevent symptoms of stomach cramps. Chinese yam contains a lot of mucin, a sticky mucin, and this mucin ingredient is excellent in protecting the mucous membrane of the stomach. . In addition, Chinese yam is rich in digestive enzymes such as amylase and catalase, so it not only protects the gastric mucosa but also helps smooth digestion. Chinese yam is also a food that has a good effect on improving symptoms such as heartburn caused by excessive secretion of gastric acid.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes, which are widely used as a main ingredient in various dishes and processed foods, are also one of the good foods above. Potatoes are said to be of great help in preventing the symptoms of stomach cramps caused by the occurrence of various stomach-related diseases and suppressing the excessive secretion of gastric acid because potatoes have a more alkaline action than apples, which are known as excellent alkaline foods.
5. Radish
Radish, which is widely used as an ingredient in various dishes such as kimchi, kkakdugi, greens, and soup, is also known as a vegetable good for stomach health.
Various digestive enzymes such as amylase and diastase help smooth digestion of fat and protein, helping to promote overall health of the stomach as well as reducing the occurrence of various stomach-related diseases.
Other foods
In addition to the foods mentioned above, other foods such as quince, aloe, lotus root, banana, papaya, and mastic are also known to help relieve symptoms of stomach cramps. In addition, drinking warm water in case of sudden stomach cramps can help relieve stomach pain and relieve symptoms. In the case of stomach cramps due to constipation, drinking enough water a day can help to normalize gastrointestinal motility and help relieve symptoms.