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When an upset stomach hits, it can bring your entire day to a halt. The sharp cramps, the feeling of constantly needing to rush to the bathroom, and the thought of eating anything make you feel sick. In these moments, your first instinct is to find a quick remedy, and for most of us, that means a trip to the pharmacy.
While a quick fix can help in the moment, it often doesn't address the root cause of your stomach issues. This guide will explore natural remedies and smarter habits to not only calm your stomach but also strengthen it for the long term.
Key takeaways
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An upset stomach is your body’s signal; look beyond quick-fix medicine to find lasting solutions
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Common triggers include your diet, lifestyle, gut microbiome imbalance, and stress
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Soothe your stomach with natural remedies like ginger tea, the BRAT diet, and probiotic-rich foods like curd
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Know when to seek professional help for severe or persistent symptoms
Common triggers of stomach upset
An upset stomach isn't just a random event; it's your body's way of reacting to a variety of triggers. Understanding these causes is the first step toward finding a lasting solution.
Let's look at the most common culprits:
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Dietary triggers: The foods you eat have a huge impact. Consuming foods that are spicy, greasy, or overly processed can lead to increased acid production and indigestion
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Overeating or eating too fast: When you eat a large amount of food quickly, you're forcing your digestive system to work overtime. This can overwhelm your stomach, leading to bloating, gas, and a feeling of discomfort
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Gut microbiome imbalance: Your gut is made up of trillions of bacteria. When the balance between "good" and "bad" bacteria is thrown off, a condition called dysbiosis, it can lead to inflammation, gas, and an unpredictable stomach
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Stress and anxiety: The gut-brain axis is the constant communication between your brain and gut. High stress levels can disrupt this link, making your gut more sensitive and causing issues like cramps, pain, and more
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Food allergies/intolerances:An intolerance to certain foods, like lactose intolerance, means your body can't properly digest them. This can cause severe digestive distress
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Medication: Certain medicines, especially antibiotics, can upset the stomach by disrupting the balance of your gut microbiome
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Medical conditions: An upset stomach is a common symptom of minor infections like a stomach bug. It can also be a sign of chronic conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or even a temporary condition like pregnancy
If you're dealing with chronic diarrhea and watery stools, often associated with IBS, The Good Bug’s IBS Rescue might be ideal.
10 natural remedies for an upset stomach
When your stomach is acting up, you don't always have to reach for an over-the-counter medicine, as they can sometimes come with unwanted side effects. Fortunately, your kitchen and pantry hold a surprising number of natural, soothing remedies.
Here’s a look at some of the most effective and how they can help calm your system:
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Ginger
With its powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, ginger is a classic remedy. It helps by relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract, which can calm cramps and ease that queasy feeling.
Tip: Try sipping on a cup of ginger tea or chewing on a small piece of fresh ginger.
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Peppermint tea
The menthol in peppermint is a natural muscle relaxer. It can help soothe the digestive muscles, reducing stomach spasms and easing bloating and gas.
Tip: A warm cup of peppermint tea can provide almost immediate comfort.
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Chamomile tea
Chamomile contains compounds that act as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-spasmodic, which can help with inflammation and stomach cramps.
Tip: If you have an upset stomach due to stress, drinking a warm cup of chamomile tea can have a calming effect.
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BRAT diet
When you can't seem to keep anything down, the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) diet is your friend. These bland foods are easy to digest, low in fiber, and can help firm up your stools, making them a good option for diarrhea.
Tip: Stick to these simple foods until your stomach feels settled.
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Fennel and cumin seeds
Both of these seeds are known as carminatives, which help relieve gas and bloating. They work by helping to expel trapped gas from your digestive system.
Tip: Chew on a small amount of roasted fennel seeds after a meal or boil cumin seeds in water for a soothing digestive drink.
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Buttermilk and curd
These are excellent sources of probiotics that are essential for a healthy digestive system. Consuming buttermilk or curd can help restore the balance of your gut flora, which can prevent future bouts of indigestion.
Tip: Enjoy a small bowl of plain curd or a glass of buttermilk to help soothe your stomach.
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Apple cider vinegar
If you have an upset stomach due to insufficient stomach acid, a small amount of apple cider vinegar mixed with water can help kickstart digestion.
Tip: Mix 1-2 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it before a meal.
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Rice water
This is the starchy liquid left over after boiling rice. It can act as a soothing agent for the stomach lining, and its mild nature makes it excellent for rehydration and providing some simple carbs when you can’t tolerate solid food.
Tip: Strain the liquid from cooked rice and let it cool before sipping.
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Sports drinks and diluted juices
When dealing with vomiting or diarrhea, your body loses vital fluids and electrolytes. Sipping on a sports drink can help replenish them. Similarly, diluted fruit juice can be easier on your gut than full-strength juice, which can be too acidic and contain too much sugar. Avoid caffeinated beverages, which can irritate your gut further.
Tip: Sip on these liquids slowly throughout the day to rehydrate without shocking your system.
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Clear soups and broths
When you're not ready for solid food, clear soups and broths can provide nutrients and hydration without overworking your digestive system. They are easy to digest and can help settle your stomach while offering some warmth and comfort.
Tip: Opt for a simple, low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. You can make it at home or choose a store-bought version.
When home remedies aren't quite enough, you might need a more targeted solution like The Good Bug’s Diarrhea Support.
When to know it’s more than a simple stomach upset
Your gut has its own way of communicating, and while many signals can be handled with natural remedies, some are clear alarms. Knowing when to stop self-treating and seek professional help is one of the most important steps you can take for your health.
Don't ignore these red flags:
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Severe or sudden pain not resolving with home remedies
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High fever
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Vomiting blood or severe dehydration
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Chronic discomfort or unexplained weight loss
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Inability to keep liquids down
If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider. While a doctor might prescribe medication for immediate relief, their main goal is to rule out any dangerous underlying causes. In emergencies or when symptoms persist, seeking professional help is always the safest and best course of action.
Lasting comfort for an upset stomach isn't just about popping a pill; it's about listening to your body and taking steps to build a stronger, more resilient digestive system. By focusing on your diet and incorporating simple, natural remedies, you’re nurturing your gut and addressing the core problem, not just masking the symptoms.
Taking control of your gut health is a journey, and having the right support makes all the difference. The Good Bug offers a range of high-quality probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods to build a balanced gut microbiome, so that you can enjoy a life free from constant stomach woes.
FAQs
1. What is the fastest way to settle an upset stomach?
The fastest way to find relief is often to sip on ginger or peppermint tea, which can quickly relax digestive muscles. For quick relief from gas or indigestion, a small amount of baking soda mixed with water can quickly neutralize stomach acid.
2. What to do for an upset stomach and gas, or bloating?
For gas and bloating, chew on fennel or cumin seeds, as they help expel trapped air from your digestive system. Sipping on warm liquids like chamomile tea can also help soothe and reduce discomfort.
3. What should I drink for an upset stomach?
The best drinks are those that are gentle on your gut, such as water, ginger tea, or chamomile tea. When recovering from vomiting or diarrhea, sipping on diluted juices or clear soups can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
4. Is yogurt good for an upset stomach?
Yes, plain yogurt with live cultures is good for an upset stomach because it contains probiotics. These beneficial bacteria help restore balance to your gut microbiome, which can be especially helpful after taking antibiotics.
5. Are bananas good for an upset stomach?
Yes, bananas are an excellent food for an upset stomach. They are easy to digest, contain natural sugars for energy, and are a key part of the BRAT diet recommended for an upset stomach.
