I. Introduction
An upset stomach is a common digestive problem that can cause discomfort and inconvenience. It is characterized by symptoms like nausea, bloating, cramps, indigestion, and diarrhea. While occasional upset stomachs are normal, frequent occurrences may signal an underlying health condition that needs to be checked. It is, therefore, essential to know how to deal with an upset stomach when it happens and prevent it from happening.
This article explains how to settle an upset stomach using natural home remedies and simple tips you can follow. You don’t need to go to a pharmacy or see a doctor to get relief from an upset stomach. You have some of the remedies and tips in your kitchen already.
II. 10 Natural Remedies for an Upset Stomach You Have in Your Kitchen Right Now
Home remedies can be effective in dealing with an upset stomach. Natural remedies are readily available, cost-effective, and have no side effects. Here are ten natural remedies for an upset stomach that are easily available in any kitchen:
- Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea has antispasmodic properties that can help relax the muscles in your stomach and speed up digestion. It also helps reduce inflammation and pain. Steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for ten minutes and drink it warm.
- Ginger tea: Ginger is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce inflammation and pain in your stomach. It also helps relieve nausea and vomiting. Cut fresh ginger into small pieces, boil them in water for 20 minutes, strain, and drink it warm.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that can help balance the pH levels in your stomach and regulate digestion. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before meals.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe your stomach and reduce pain and discomfort. Boil dried chamomile flowers in water for 15-20 minutes, strain, and drink it warm.
- Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds have carminative properties that can help reduce bloating and gas in your stomach. They also help stimulate digestion and relieve indigestion. Chew a teaspoon of fennel seeds several times a day or make fennel tea by boiling crushed fennel seeds in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Baking soda: Baking soda has alkaline properties that can help neutralize the acid in your stomach and reduce heartburn and indigestion. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it every four hours.
- Rice water: Rice water helps soothe an upset stomach by reducing inflammation and regulating digestion. Boil rice in water, strain, and drink the water warm.
- Lemon water: Lemon water has alkaline properties that can help balance the pH levels in your stomach and reduce acidity and inflammation. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and drink it before meals.
- Turmeric milk: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe your stomach and improve digestion. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk, add honey for taste, and drink it before bedtime.
- Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal can help absorb toxins and other harmful substances in your stomach and prevent them from causing further problems. Take activated charcoal capsules according to the recommended dosage.
III. 5 Simple Tips to Settle Your Upset Stomach Fast
Aside from natural remedies, there are simple tips you can follow to settle your upset stomach quickly. Here are five of them:
- Sit upright: Sitting upright can help reduce pressure on your stomach and avoid acid reflux. Avoid lying down or bending over immediately after eating.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly: Eating too fast and not chewing your food properly can cause indigestion and bloating. It also puts a strain on your stomach. Take your time and enjoy your meals.
- Avoid trigger foods: Certain foods can trigger an upset stomach, like spicy, fatty, or fried foods, dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol. Avoid them if you can.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and promote digestion. It also prevents constipation, which can lead to an upset stomach.
- Get moving: Light exercise or movement like walking can help stimulate digestion and regulate bowel movements. It can also help reduce stress, which is a common cause of an upset stomach.
IV. How to Settle an Upset Stomach Using Ginger and Other Superfoods
Ginger is one of the most potent natural remedies for an upset stomach. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that can help soothe your stomach, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. You can consume ginger in different forms like:
- Ginger tea
- Ginger ale
- Ginger capsules or supplements
- Ginger juice
- Fresh ginger added to your food or smoothies
Other superfoods that can help settle an upset stomach include:
- Bananas: Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber that can help regulate digestion and reduce inflammation. They also help replenish electrolytes lost during diarrhea.
- Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics that can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which is essential for proper digestion and immunity.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a good source of fiber that can help regulate bowel movements and reduce inflammation. It also contains nutrients that promote good gut health.
- Crackers: Saltine crackers are a good option for settling an upset stomach because they are easy to digest and provide carbohydrates that can help soothe your stomach and prevent nausea.
- Bone broth: Bone broth is rich in nutrients and minerals that can help heal the gut lining and reduce inflammation. It also provides an excellent source of hydration.
V. From Mint to Chamomile: The Top 7 Herbal Remedies to Calm Your Stomach
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat different health conditions, including an upset stomach. Here are the top seven herbal remedies for calming an upset stomach:
- Mint: Mint contains menthol that can help relax the muscles in your stomach and improve digestion. Peppermint tea or mint capsules are excellent options.
- Chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help reduce inflammation and cramps in your stomach. Chamomile tea is a great way to reap its benefits.
- Licorice root: Licorice root has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe your stomach and prevent ulcers. Licorice tea or supplements are safe options.
- Ginger: As mentioned earlier, ginger is a versatile and potent natural remedy for an upset stomach that can be taken in different forms.
- Fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds contain fiber that can help regulate bowel movements and reduce inflammation. Fenugreek tea or capsules are safe and effective options.
- Anise: Anise has carminative properties that can help reduce gas and bloating in your stomach. Anise tea or seeds can be used.
- Slippery Elm: Slippery elm is rich in mucilage that can help coat the stomach lining and reduce inflammation. It is available in powder, capsule, or tea form.
VI. Upset Stomach Got You Down? Try These Easy-to-Follow Home Remedies
Here is a recap of all the home remedies discussed in the previous sections:
- Peppermint tea
- Ginger tea
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chamomile tea
- Fennel seeds
- Baking soda
- Rice water
- Lemon water
- Turmeric milk
- Activated charcoal
- Bananas
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Crackers
- Bone broth
- Mint
- Chamomile
- Licorice root
- Ginger
- Fenugreek
- Anise
- Slippery Elm
Additionally, to manage and prevent an upset stomach:
- Eat smaller, frequent meals instead of large meals
- Avoid eating late at night
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga
- Get enough sleep and exercise regularly
VII. Conclusion
Dealing with an upset stomach can be uncomfortable and frustrating. However, there are natural remedies and simple tips you can follow to help relieve the symptoms and improve your digestion. Home remedies like ginger, apple cider vinegar, and chamomile tea have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial properties that can soothe your stomach, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. Superfoods like bananas, yogurt, and oatmeal provide the necessary nutrients, fiber, and probiotics that can improve gut health and regulate bowel movements. Herbal remedies like mint, chamomile, and slippery elm can also help calm your stomach and reduce inflammation. By adopting healthy habits like eating regularly, staying hydrated, exercising, and reducing stress, you can prevent an upset stomach and promote overall wellness. Give these remedies and tips a try and see how they work for you.