Does Dehydration Cause Stomachaches? Let’s Break It Down

You’re doubled over in pain, clutching your stomach. Again. It’s the third time this week, and you’re fed up. You’ve tried everything—changing your diet, popping antacids such as candy, even cutting out your morning coffee. But have you considered something as simple as water?

At Foothills Functional Medicine, we’ve seen countless patients with health complaints that are linked to underhydration/dehydration, and stomach pain may be one of those issues. It’s a sneaky problem that can wreak havoc on your gut without you even realizing it. So, does dehydration cause stomachaches? The short answer is yes, and it’s more common than you might think. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the nitty-gritty of how this happens and, more importantly, how you can fix it.

Before we dive in… what exactly do we mean by “stomach ache?” In medicine, this refers to pain localized to the actual stomach. Abdominal pain specifically refers to other areas nearby, such as the gall bladder, pancreas, or intestines. This article will explore these connected areas and the potential discomfort there. 

How Dehydration Causes Stomachaches 

When you’re not drinking enough water, your body starts to feel it. This can mess with your digestion and lead to some serious discomfort as your dehydration causes a stomachache. Here’s what’s going on:

1. Your Digestion Slows Down

Without enough water, your body can’t make the juices it needs to break down food properly. This slowdown can leave you feeling uncomfortable and bloated.

2. You Might Get Backed Up

Water keeps things moving in your gut. When you’re low on fluids, your stools can get hard and tough to pass. Cue the stomach pain.

3. Your Stomach Gets Too Acidic

Dehydration can throw off the acid balance in your stomach. With less water to dilute it, that acid can irritate your stomach lining, causing pain and even ulcers if it gets bad enough.

4. Your Electrolytes Get Out of Whack

Water helps keep your electrolytes balanced. When you’re dehydrated, this balance gets disrupted, which can lead to muscle cramps in your digestive tract.

How to Spot Dehydration-Related Stomachaches

Keep an eye out for these signs that dehydration is causing your stomachache:

• You’re thirsty all the time

• Your mouth feels like a desert

• Your pee looks dark

• You feel wiped out

• Your head hurts

• You’re dizzy

• You’re not peeing as much as usual

If you’re dealing with these symptoms and your stomach’s acting up, dehydration might be the culprit. So, does dehydration cause stomachaches? In many cases, you bet it does.

Keeping Yourself Hydrated and Your Stomach Happy

Want to avoid dehydration causing stomachaches? Try these strategies:

1. Drink Water throughout the Day

Aim to sip water regularly. The old “eight glasses a day” rule is a good starting point, but you might need more or less depending on your lifestyle and environment.

2. Keep Your Electrolytes in Check

If you’ve been sweating a lot or you’re seriously dehydrated, you might need more than just water. Consider drinks with electrolytes to help restore balance.

3. Eat Water-Rich Foods

Snack on foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens. They’ll help keep you hydrated and give you some extra nutrients to boot.

4. Check Your Pee

It might sound gross, but your urine color can tell you a lot. Light yellow? You’re doing great. Dark yellow or amber? Time to drink up.

The Bigger Picture: Your Gut Health and Stomachaches

While dehydration can definitely cause stomachaches, it’s not the only player in the game. At Foothills Functional Medicine, we look at the whole picture of your gut health.

Keeping Your Gut Bugs Happy

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, and when they’re out of balance, you can end up with stomachaches. Things that can throw off this balance include the following:

• Eating junk food

• Stressing out

• Taking certain meds

• Being exposed to toxins

Eating a varied diet rich in nutrients and taking probiotics can help keep your gut bacteria happy and your stomach ache-free.

Fighting Gut Inflammation

Chronic inflammation in your gut can lead to persistent stomachaches. Common triggers include the following:

• Food sensitivities

• Autoimmune conditions

• Chronic stress

• Too much alcohol

Identifying and addressing these root causes is key to long-term relief from stomachaches.

Managing Stress for a Happy Gut

Your brain and gut are connected in more ways than you might think. When you’re stressed, it can wreak havoc on your digestion. Try stress-busting techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to keep both your mind and gut in check.

How We Tackle Stomachaches and abdominal discomfort issues at Foothills Functional Medicine

At Foothills Functional Medicine, we know stomachaches caused by dehydration and other conditions can impact your quality of life. Our telehealth services offer a comprehensive approach to get to the bottom of your digestive issues:

1. We Get to Know You

We do a deep dive into what’s causing your stomachaches, whether dehydration or something else, looking at everything related to your overall gut health and lifestyle.

2. We Create a Plan Just for You

Based on what we find, we’ll put together a personalized plan. This might include tweaks to your diet, stress management techniques, or targeted supplements.

3. We’re with You Every Step of the Way

Our telehealth setup means we can check in with you regularly and adjust your plan as needed, making sure you’re on the right track to feeling better.

Wrapping It Up: Hydration and Beyond

So, does dehydration cause stomachaches? It sure can, but it’s often just one piece of the puzzle. Staying hydrated is crucial for keeping your gut happy, but taking a broader approach that looks at your overall gut health, inflammation levels, and stress management is key to long-term relief from stomach discomfort.

At Foothills Functional Medicine, we’re all about helping you achieve optimal digestive health through our tailored functional medicine approach. If stomachaches are cramping your style, our telehealth services might be just what you need. Reach out for a free discovery call today. Together, we can work toward a healthier, happier you, tackling not just the question of whether dehydration causes stomachaches but all the other factors that contribute to your digestive health. Let’s get you feeling better, one sip at a time.