Health

7 Common Reasons Behind Stomach Twitching: What You Need to Know

We all feel various sensations in our bodies. These sensational occurrences may result in stomach twitching.

These unpleasant movements in the abdominal area result in stomach spasms, contraction of intestinal muscles, lack of stomach acid, colon pain, and more serious conditions.

And it could happen due to eating spoilt food or having an unhealthy diet. Did you know that over 84% of foods served by fast food restaurants and vendors are unhealthy? Yes, we are not making that up. You need to know what’s going on inside you.

1. What is Stomach Twitching?

This refers to the involuntary movements or contractions of the muscles in your abdomen.

You can feel a fluttering or pulsing sensation in your stomach area. The twitching can be visible or felt internally and may occur in different parts of the abdomen.

Stomach twitching is often harmless and temporary, but it can be caused by muscle fatigue, digestive issues, dehydration, stress, certain medications, or nerve problems.

But with neglect, it can also develop into a serious condition. If you’re concerned about stomach twitching or experiencing other worrisome symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate care.

2. The Muscle Spasms

Why is my stomach twitching
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Stomach twitching occurs often through muscle spasms. A spasm occurs by involuntary contractions of stomach muscles.

Spasms don’t occur due to any underlying cause in your intestines. Spasms mainly happen when you neglect your health.

These stomach spasms are caused by to following reasons:

2.1 When Stomach Muscles Get Tired

As you, your stomach muscles get tired as well. A very common symptom of tired stomach spasms is sleeplessness, constipation, jet lag, or ageing.

Your daily life or work schedule might also be the reason for your stomach twitching or spasms.

2.2 When Stress Causes Stomach Spasms

Stress is a reason for so many severe diseases. But stress causes insufficient digestion. This results in stomach twitching. Stomach spasms can occur highly due to stress.

Physical stress is responsible for your stomach spasms as well as mental stress.

Physical stress in your muscles is aroused by wearing tight bottoms or Dresses and sitting or sleeping in compressed and uncomfortable positions.

2.3 Not Enough Fluids

Your tummy twitchs when the stomach lacks fluid intake. With a lack of fluids, the abdominal area isn’t able to carry digestion correctly. This results in stomach twitching and pain in abdominal muscles.

2.4 Lack of Electrolytes

The muscles in the abdomen twitch when a lack of electrolytes like potassium or magnesium.

Electrolytes like potassium or magnesium also cure abdominal cramps during menstrual cycles.

Dehydration is the main cause of the lack of electrolytes.

2.5 Intense Physical Activity

Stomach spasms can also be a result of heavy exercise, intense workouts, or lifting a heavy object.

Intense physical activity puts stress on your muscles that can result in muscle strains, spasms, or some serious issues.

All of these activities make your muscles strain and painful muscle twitching.

2.6 Overexertion

Overexertion causes abdominal pain when you push your body too hard physically.

Due to heavy physical tension, inflammation occurs in the contractions of muscles in the abdomen.

This can result in severe painful abdominal cramps, muscle strain, and stomach spasms.

2.7 Lifestyle Changes

Colon spasms can occur with a sudden change in your daily routine. This results in bad digestive distress, abdominal cramping, and stomach spasms.

You can treat your spasms with the help of some home remedies. Home remedies may help to reduce spasms in your abdomen.

3. Digestive Issues

Why is my stomach twitching
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Do you know that stomach twitches can occur through your digestive system?

If your digestive system is good, you are free from almost bodily issues.

Improper digestive issues may result in stomach twitching, spasms, cramps, and bloating.

When you face the above issues persistently, take consultation from professional healthcare.

The following are some medical conditions due to improper digestion:

3.1 Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is an intestinal disorder. It causes pain in the stomach, stomach twitching, diarrhoea, and constipation.

It requires a diagnosis. Some symptoms are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal Pain

3.2 Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is caused by the inflammation in your intestines. It results in pain and swelling in the abdominal muscles.

Here are some symptoms:

  • Bloody diarrhoea
  • abdominal cramps
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue

3.3 Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks Contractions are also known as False Labor. It occurs during the third trimester or second trimester of pregnancy.

some symptoms are:

  • Dehydration
  • Tiredness
  • Tightening of Uterine muscles

3.4 Ischemic Enteritis(IE) and Ischemic Colitis(IC)

IE occurs when your arterial flow is reduced towards the small intestine. IE can be an underlying cause for your stomach spasms because there are low chances of IE diagnosis.

IC occurs due to reduced blood flow in the large intestine.

Some common symptoms of IC are:

  • Blood in your stool
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain in abdominal muscles
  • Forceful Bowel movements

4. Diet and Nutrition

Why is my stomach twitching
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What you eat impacts your digestive tract the most. Unhealthy eating and poor nutrition result in stomach twitches, stomach spasms, muscle contraction, and other conditions.

Excessive amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners are responsible for your muscle twitch in the colon. This also results in stomach spasms.

You can easily treat your stomach twitch by preparing a healthy diet. Here are some pointers you should keep in mind while preparing your diet:

  • Limiting fiber intake
  • No alcohol, caffeine, and other vital substances
  • Healthy sleep
  • Limited amount of spicy foods

For further treatments, contact your healthcare provider.

5. Stress and Anxiety

Why is my stomach twitching
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The mind and the body are interconnected. During stress, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol.

Stress is a cause of several mental conditions. It is also a reason for many physical issues.

This may result in stomach spasms, abdominal cramps, irregular sleep, and digestion, twitching, and impacts various bodily functions.

If you are facing stress and anxiety,

  • Clam yourself
  • Follow a Healthy sleep schedule
  • Eat healthy food
  • Talk to your close ones

For further treatments, never hesitate to seek professional help before it converts into something more serious condition.

6. Nervous System Disorders

Why is my stomach twitching
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As our body and mind are interconnected, if your nervous system gets affected, it can lead to some serious issues.

In some cases, stomach twitching can be associated with underlying nervous system disorders.

Some conditions can cause twitching and spasms in your abdominal muscles.

6.1 Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis is a condition in which your protective nerve coverings get eaten by your immune system.

In this, your body starts to face difficulty in communication between your body and nerves. This condition may also result in spasms or cramps.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis are:

  • Painful Muscles
  • Vision deficiency
  • Lack of coordination
  • Mental or physical tiredness

Other symptoms vary from person to person. There might be some additional symptoms or no symptoms at all.

6.2 Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that causes a drop in dopamine levels. It impacts bodily movements and causes stomach spasms, inflammation, and muscle twitching.

The major symptom of Parkinson’s disease is stiffness and loss of balance. later results in tremors.

7. Top Remedies

Why is my stonach twitching
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These are some basic habits that you can maintain to have a healthy stomach.

Don’t be too harsh on yourself and try to accompany these habits in your daily lifestyle.

Some healthy habits to cure your stomach twitching are:

7.1 Rest and Relaxationย 

You are aware that exercise and workouts are important for our health. Also, you must have a very busy schedule.

If your stomach twitching is a result of fatigue or overexertion, it is essential for your body to relax or rest.

If You don’t have to stop working for hours, then have small breaks between your schedule.

Take a break for 15-20 minutes after a heavy workout or exercise routine.

This will help in relaxing physically and mentally. Will also result in less stomach twitching.

7.2 Stay Hydrated

Ensure your well-being and always stay hydrated. Hydration can protect your health from many diseases.

It also helps with weight loss and unwanted bloating.

Proper hydration helps to maintain electrolyte balance and optimal muscle functions.

You don’t have to stay hydrated by only drinking water. Various fruits can also fulfil this role.

For hydration, you should consider fruits that are rich in potassium and magnesium such as bananas, leafy green vegetables, and much more.

7.3 Dietary adjustments

Dietary adjustments are important to cure your stomach twitching.

Here are some dietary factors that can help you to maintain a healthy diet and reduce your stomach twitching or spasms:

(a) Increase Fiber Intake: Consuming an adequate amount of dietary fiber is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing digestive issues that can contribute to stomach twitching.

Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts in your diet to boost your fiber intake.

(b) Avoid Trigger Food: There are a variety of foods that can cause stomach twitching.

You need to identify any trigger food that can worsen your symptoms. Consider avoiding spicy, fatty, or fried foods.

Also look out for processed food, alcohol, caffeine, or soft drinks.

Pay attention to your body’s reactions and eliminate any trigger food from your diet that causes harm to your health.

(c) Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Consuming small and frequent meals throughout the day, can help prevent overloading in your digestive system.

Eating your food slowly and in smaller portions can aid your digestion and reduce stomach switching.

7.4 Stress Management

Stress and anxiety cause various mental as well as physical illnesses. Incorporate stress management in your lifestyle. Look to do regular exercise, mindful practices, or activities you enjoy. It helps your body to stay healthy and reduces stomach twitching.

Furthermore, you can also prefer yoga to improve your overall health and promote relaxation in your body.

For severe issues, consult your psychiatrist for your well-being.

7.5 Warm Compress or Heat Therapy

Cramps and spasms give a painful sensation in your stomach. To relax your stomach muscles, you can apply heat therapy.

In heat therapy, you have to apply a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area.

The warmth helps in increasing blood flow in the stomach muscles. It provides relief from spasms and promotes relaxation.

8. When to Seek Medical Attention

Why is my stomach twitching
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While occasional stomach twitching is generally harmless, there are instances when medical treatment may be warranted.

Some conditions need a doctor’s diagnosis. You need to pay attention to the reactions of your stomach and keep track of them.

It is advisable to consult a Doctor if you experience the following:

  • Persistent or worsening abdominal twitching
  • Severe pain or cramping
  • Disrupted bowel movements or changes in bowel habits
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Presence of blood in stool or vomit
  • The severity of any other symptoms

Always adhere to medical treatment and a doctor. And never take medicine over the counter. Always have prescribed medication.

You can also rely on some home remedies such as heat therapy, chamomile tea, ginger, warm baths, and peppermint to find relief.

But for serve conditions, always listen to your doctor.

9. Conclusion

Stomach twitching can be a perplexing problem. It can make you concerned about your underlying condition regarding health.

Sometimes, stomach twitching occurs due to muscle spasms, digestive issues, stress, or anxiety.

You can easily reduce your spasms or twitch with some remedies such as stress management, diet adjustments, staying hydrated, heat therapy, and relaxing.

But it is crucial to monitor any symptoms like persistent or worsened spasms, and muscle strain.

You can always maintain your abdominal spasm or stomach twitching by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress levels, and adopting a balanced diet can contribute to the prevention of stomach twitching and overall well-being.

Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by soubhik92@gmail.com