How to Settle an Upset Stomach

An upset stomach is a very common ailment, but it can completely throw you off and leave you feeling exhausted. In this article, we will talk about some home remedies that can relieve upset stomach symptoms (also called indigestion or dyspepsia). We will also list certain foods to eat and foods to avoid as well as some over-the-counter medications that can help with gastrointestinal symptoms.

What are the symptoms of upset stomach?

An upset stomach is associated with common symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, acid reflux, burping, bloating, and gas. You can also have vomiting, diarrhea with or without stomach pain, and loss of appetite.

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What causes abdominal pain and upset stomach?

Various things can cause an upset stomach, such as:

• Gastroenteritis (stomach bug or stomach flu)
• Food poisoning
• Food allergies
• Reflux
• Eating meals too quickly or overeating
• Eating too much spicy food or greasy food
• Consuming excess amounts of caffeine or alcohol
• Side effects of medications (for example, antibiotic-associated diarrhea)
• Motion sickness
• Morning sickness during pregnancy
• Migraine
• Stress

Less common but more serious conditions that can cause symptoms of stomach ache, stomach cramps, upset stomach, and diarrhea include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Stomach ulcers and intestinal ulcers
• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Celiac disease
• Diverticulitis
• Appendicitis
• Pancreatitis
• Peritonitis
• Strangulated hernia

How to treat stomach pain and upset stomach naturally at home?

Stay hydrated

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The digestive system needs water to digest the food we eat. Drinking plenty of water (6-8 cups per day) is necessary to prevent dehydration. Staying well hydrated can help you recover more quickly from stomach upset. The goal should be to drink enough clear liquids so that your urine is pale yellow.

If you find it hard to keep down fluids, start by sucking on ice chips, followed by small sips of water. You can also try other fluids like clear soup broth (make sure you wash raw vegetables well), ginger tea, ginger ale, sports drinks, clear soft drinks (carbonated beverages like 7Up and Sprite), non-caffeinated sodas, and other clear liquids.

Avoid lying down

If you have acid reflux and heartburn symptoms, avoid lying down for a few hours after you eat. Also, avoid spicy foods, avoid large meals, and eat slowly.

Eat a BRAT diet

If you have diarrhea as a symptom of an upset stomach, doctors recommend eating a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). These bland solid foods do not irritate the stomach lining and can help reduce the number of bowel movements you have. The BRAT diet also contains essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium that are lost in diarrhea.

Eat certain foods

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The following foods may help with stomach aches and other symptoms of upset stomach such as gas, heartburn, and constipation: Ginger root, baking soda, lime or lemon juice, figs, aloe vera juice, basil, and licorice. Some of these foods are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, but there is no solid scientific evidence that they can help treat digestive issues.

Avoid other foods that are difficult to digest

Some foods are more difficult for the digestive tract to process than others. If you have an upset stomach, it may help to follow an elimination diet. Avoid citrus juices, spicy, acidic, greasy, and fatty foods. Also avoid milk, non-cultured dairy products, uncooked meat, and egg-based foods.

What over-the-counter medications can be used to treat upset stomach?

If you’re feeling ill, it is often possible to treat your symptoms of upset stomach with home remedies. However, it may occasionally be necessary to take medications. Some of the OTC medicines that can help relieve upset stomach include:

For heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion

• Antacids like Maalox, Tums, Mylanta, Alka-Seltzer
• H2 blockers like Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, and Axid AR

For nausea and vomiting

• Bismuth subsalicylate like Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol
• Antihistamines like meclizine and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)

For diarrhea

• Electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte or sports drinks like Gatorade
• Anti-diarrheal medicines like loperamide (Imodium)

For gas and bloating

• Pepto-Bismol
• Simethicone
• Activated charcoal
• Beano
• Lactase enzyme (Dairy Ease or Lactaid) (also useful for lactose intolerance)

For stomach pain

• For heartburn pain: Antacids
• For gas pain: Gas-X, Mylanta
• For constipation: Laxatives
• For stomach cramps from diarrhea: Imodium, Pepto-Bismol
• Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can provide relief from other types of stomach pain. Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen because they can irritate the stomach

When to see a doctor for upset stomach?

Most of the time, an upset stomach is not something to be concerned about and can be treated at home. However, occasionally it can be a sign of something more serious, for example, underlying conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Tenderness (stomach is painful to touch)
• Blood in the vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Blood in the feces or black, tarry stools
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (this could be a sign of jaundice)
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

References:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/7316-indigestion-dyspepsia

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