Quick Remedies for an Upset Stomach
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Quick Remedies for an Upset Stomach
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Elena
Updated on June 25, 2024
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Wellness
5 min read
An upset stomach can strike at the most inconvenient times, leaving you in discomfort and seeking quick relief.
Whether it's caused by indigestion, overeating, stress, or a mild infection, there are several effective remedies to help soothe your stomach quickly.
Are you facing similar trouble and wondering what could be the ways to give you quick relief?
Kareline is here to help you with just that
This blog will explore natural solutions, dietary adjustments, and over-the-counter options to settle an upset stomach promptly.
Natural Remedies
Ginger
Ginger is a well-known remedy for various gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and upset stomach. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help relax the stomach muscles and reduce nausea. You can consume ginger in various forms:
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Fresh ginger tea: Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in water, let it steep for 10 minutes, then drink.
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Ginger ale: Ensure it contains real ginger.
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Ginger supplements: Available in capsules, but consult a healthcare provider before use.
Peppermint
Peppermint has a soothing effect on the stomach muscles and can improve the flow of bile, which helps digestion. It's particularly effective for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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Peppermint tea: Steep peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
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Peppermint oil: Add a few drops to a glass of water or inhale it.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea can reduce stomach discomfort by relaxing the digestive tract muscles and reducing inflammation. It also helps with sleep, which can be beneficial if your upset stomach is stress-related.
Brew a cup of chamomile tea and drink it slowly.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can balance stomach acid levels and improve digestion. However, it should be used cautiously.
Mix one tablespoon of ACV with a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of honey. Drink this mixture slowly.
Lemon Water
Lemon water can stimulate the digestive system and is a good source of vitamin C. It can help with bloating and indigestion.
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of warm water and drink it.
Dietary Adjustments
BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is gentle on the stomach and can help solidify stools if you have diarrhea.
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Bananas: Easy to digest and high in potassium, which is essential if you're dehydrated.
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Rice: Provides energy without straining the stomach.
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Applesauce: Contains pectin, which can help with diarrhea.
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Toast: Bland and easy to digest.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial when dealing with an upset stomach, especially if you have been vomiting or have diarrhea. Drink clear fluids like water, broth, or herbal teas. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages.
Avoiding Trigger Foods
Some foods can exacerbate an upset stomach, so it's best to avoid:
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Dairy products: Can be hard to digest, especially if you are lactose intolerant.
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Fatty and fried foods: Slow down digestion and can increase stomach discomfort.
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Spicy foods: Can irritate the stomach lining.
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Caffeine and alcohol: Both can dehydrate you and irritate your stomach.
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Over-the-Counter Remedies
Antacids
Antacids can neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from heartburn and indigestion. Popular antacids include Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox.
H2 Blockers
H2 blockers, such as ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid), reduce stomach acid production and can be effective for indigestion and acid reflux.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs like omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium) are more potent than H2 blockers and can be used for more severe cases of acid reflux and indigestion.
Bismuth Subsalicylate
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can relieve various stomach issues, including nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. It works by coating the stomach lining and reducing inflammation.
Lifestyle Changes
Eating Habits
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Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals to avoid overloading your stomach.
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Chew your food thoroughly to aid digestion.
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Avoid lying down immediately after eating to prevent acid reflux.
Stress Management
Stress can significantly impact your digestive system. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress levels and improve digestive health.
Regular Exercise
Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.
Adequate Sleep
Ensure you get enough sleep, as lack of rest can worsen stomach problems.
When to See a Doctor
While most cases of an upset stomach are mild and can be treated with the above remedies, certain symptoms require medical attention:
- Severe or persistent pain
- High fever
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Unintentional weight loss
- Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider promptly.
An upset stomach can be uncomfortable, but with the right remedies and lifestyle adjustments, you can often find quick relief.
Natural solutions like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile tea, dietary adjustments, over-the-counter medications, and stress management techniques can all play a role in soothing stomach discomfort.
However, always pay attention to your body and seek medical advice if your symptoms are severe or persistent. By taking a holistic approach, you can manage and prevent future episodes of an upset stomach, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable life.
Ginger: Anti-inflammatory properties help relax stomach muscles and reduce nausea.
Peppermint: Soothes stomach muscles and improves bile flow, useful for indigestion and IBS.
Chamomile Tea: Relaxes digestive tract muscles, reduces inflammation, and aids in sleep.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances stomach acid, improves digestion, and should be diluted with water and honey.
Lemon Water: Stimulates digestion, provides vitamin C, and helps with bloating and indigestion.
BRAT Diet: Gentle on the stomach and helps solidify stools.
Hydration: Crucial for replenishing fluids, especially if vomiting or having diarrhea.
Avoiding Trigger Foods: Dairy, fatty and fried foods, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can exacerbate symptoms.
Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn and indigestion.
H2 Blockers: Reduce stomach acid production, effective for indigestion and acid reflux.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): More potent, used for severe acid reflux and indigestion.
Bismuth Subsalicylate: Relieves nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea by coating the stomach lining.
Eating Habits: Smaller, frequent meals, thorough chewing, and avoiding lying down after eating.
Stress Management: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
Regular Exercise: Gentle exercise like walking to stimulate digestion.
Adequate Sleep: Essential for overall digestive health.
When to See a Doctor: Severe or persistent pain, high fever, blood in vomit or stool, unintentional weight loss, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea.
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