How to Settle an Upset Stomach?

It’s normal to want quick relief when you have a stomach upset. Consider using natural cures instead of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Sometimes, they take minutes to relieve stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, and nausea. An over-the-counter medication may help ease a stomach upset if natural therapies are unsuccessful.

Everyone has stomach upsets from time to time because they are so prevalent. There are countless possible causes of stomach upset. The majority of causes are not significant, and the symptoms subside fast.

Causes

Stomach pain and discomfort are referred to as “upset stomach” (sometimes called indigestion or dyspepsia). If you have indigestion, you can prevent it by knowing what causes it, but if it does happen, you can treat an upset stomach naturally.

Many things can contribute to an upset stomach. Some of the common causes contributing to an upset stomach are:

• Overeating
• Eating too quickly
• Smoking
• Consuming fatty and greasy foods
• Eating too much chocolate, wine, or caffeine
• Using antibiotics, painkillers, and vitamins
• During pregnancy-morning sickness
• Motion sickness
• Food poisoning
• Allergic responses
• Stress

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of an upset stomach are as follows:

• Upper abdominal burning and belching
• Anxiety radiating throughout the belly
• Feelings of being bloated in the abdomen
• Throwing up and nausea
• Gas
• Heartburn, or acid reflux
• Foul-smelling or sour breath
• Hiccupping or coughing
• Belching, occasionally bringing up bitter or foul-tasting fluid or food

Home Remedies

Depending on the underlying cause, there are many therapy options. By avoiding spicy foods and quitting alcohol, one can modify one’s lifestyle and relieve indigestion and an upset stomach. In case your stomach upset doesn’t go away, your doctor might recommend various drugs.

Some natural remedies to settle an upset stomach are as follows:

• Drinking Water: The best remedy for upset stomachs, including vomiting and diarrhea, is water. Adequate hydration helps the body absorb nutrients and flush out harmful substances, preventing dehydration-related discomfort such as stomach burning caused by increased stomach acid. Drinking plenty of water can serve as a simple home remedy, soothing the digestive system and alleviating discomfort.
• Lemon Water: A great remedy for an upset stomach is lemon water. When we have stomach pain, we always choose lemon water. Lemons have an alkaline quality that helps to reduce stomach acidity. Thus, it’s one of the tried-and-true home cures for an upset stomach.
• Baking Soda and Lemon Solution: When it comes to an upset stomach, it’s the easiest and greatest choice. For gastrointestinal symptoms, you can dilute lemon juice in water with a small teaspoon of baking soda. Acid reflux and gas are reduced by the drink’s production of carbonic acid in the stomach. Lemon juice’s acid also lessens your stomach’s acid production.
• Mint: Menthol, which is present in mint leaves, calms the stomach and settles an upset stomach. It also aids in pain relief and the reduction of intestinal muscular spasms.
• Ginger: Ginger is an effective home cure for an upset stomach because these compounds can accelerate stomach contractions, which in turn reduces abdominal pain. One can peel and mince it to make it chewable. They can also be added to food or drinks.
• Cinnamon: Several antioxidants, including camphor, cinnamaldehyde, linalool, and eugenol, are abundant in cinnamon sticks. It facilitates easier food digestion in your stomach. It is useful in treating symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and abdominal fullness.
• Cumin: If you want relief right away, cumin seeds are among the greatest remedies for upset stomachs. Pain and abdominal distention from gas are lessened, as well as hyperacidity.
• Bananas: Bananas are rich in potassium, folate, and various essential vitamins. It might provide you with calming relief from hyperacidity and aid in lowering the amount of acids in your stomach. Additionally, bananas might lessen diarrhea by giving loose stools more volume.
• Probiotic-Rich Diet: Diets high in probiotics help control bowel movements. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the kind or quantity of bacteria in your gut, can occasionally cause an unsettled stomach. To restore balance and reduce symptoms like gas, bloating, or irregular bowel movements, consume probiotic-rich foods that support gut health.
• Figs: Figs, along with several other fruits, contain natural compounds that act as laxatives, aiding in relieving constipation and promoting healthy bowel movements. Additionally, figs may help alleviate indigestion. However, individuals experiencing diarrhea should avoid figs due to their laxative properties.
• Basil: Basil contains compounds that may help reduce gas, and its leaves are rich in linoleic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly available in grocery and gardening stores, as well as online. However, individuals in food deserts may need to rely on online sources for fresh basil.
• Rice: Plain rice can be helpful for individuals with stomach pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome or frequent diarrhea, as it is a low-FODMAP food. It is also a key component of the BRAT diet, often recommended by doctors. However, some studies indicate that regularly consuming white rice may raise the risk of metabolic syndrome, while occasional intake for digestive relief may not have the same impact.

Foods to Avoid

Steer clear of foods that are tough for the stomach to digest, as this may help lessen pain and discomfort. Some of the foods that a person should avoid during an episode of an upset stomach are:

• Products made with wheat
• Spicy meals
• Fruit and fruit juices, such as watermelon
• Oily meals

Time to Visit the Doctor

Natural treatments for stomach upset can usually relieve the condition. Nevertheless, if you continue to experience stomach problems, especially if they are accompanied by any of the following symptoms or other alarming ones, you should consult your doctor:

• Frequent or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Chronic constipation
• Difficulty passing gas
• Blood in the vomit or stool
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Unexpected weight loss
• Dizziness
• A lump in the stomach or abdomen
• Unexplained arm pain
• Painful urination
• A history of iron-deficiency anemia

Conclusion

Despite the fact that we can treat the many signs of an upset stomach at home, verifying the intensity and underlying causes is also crucial. These elements will determine if you should seek medical advice or use home treatments. If your symptoms are moderate, you’ll almost definitely get well by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and consuming less alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions