4 home remedies for an upset stomach (plus 6 things to avoid)
An upset stomach is a common term used to describe a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, you can try the following home remedies suggested to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
Peppermint oil
For centuries, peppermint oil has been used for its medicinal properties in treating a variety of gastrointestinal ailments. It has been found to possess potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulating properties that have been shown to be effective in combating a range of gut disorders.
Its anesthetic activity has also been found to help in alleviating gut discomfort and may even provide relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. In addition to its gut-soothing properties, peppermint oil has also been shown to be effective in treating other health conditions such as headaches, colds, and flu.
Peppermint oil’s versatility and effectiveness in treating a range of health issues make it a popular choice among alternative health practitioners and has led to numerous studies being conducted to uncover even more potential benefits of this amazing oil.
Eucalyptus oil, found in vapor rub
Vapor rub is a popular over-the-counter remedy that has been used for generations to soothe coughs and colds. It has several active ingredients that work together to provide relief. One of the key ingredients is eucalyptus oil, which is known for its antibacterial properties and ability to boost the immune system. In addition, eucalyptus oil has been shown to reduce inflammation, making it an effective treatment for sore muscles and joints.
Another important ingredient in vapor rub is menthol, which provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin. This can help to alleviate pain and discomfort, particularly when it comes to headaches and sinus pressure. Camphor oil is also included in many vapor rub formulations, and has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever. It has a strong, woody scent that can help to open up the airways and reduce congestion.
Finally, nutmeg oil is a lesser-known ingredient in vapor rub, but it can be just as effective as the other ingredients. Nutmeg oil has a warm, spicy scent that can help to relax the body and reduce stress. It also has antibacterial properties, which can help to fight off infections and boost the immune system. All of these natural ingredients work together to provide a powerful, holistic remedy that can help you feel better in no time.
Ginger
Herbal medicines can be a great alternative for treating various health issues, including nausea. Ginger root, for instance, has been used for over 2,000 years to soothe troubled stomachs. According to various preclinical and clinical studies, ginger has shown to possess helpful properties in treating nausea.
Apart from ginger tea with lemon, there are several other ways to consume ginger, such as adding it to your stir-fries, smoothies, or even just chewing on raw ginger. Additionally, you can also try other herbal remedies like peppermint, chamomile, or fennel tea, which have been traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve nausea. These herbal teas can also help you relax and feel comfortable, providing a soothing effect on your body and mind.
Sports drinks and noncaffeinated sodas
Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be a serious health concern. It is important to stay hydrated during this time. One way to prevent dehydration is by consuming sports drinks with electrolytes. These drinks can help replace the electrolytes that are lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
If you find it difficult to consume liquids, there are a few other options to consider. Sucking on ice chips can help keep you hydrated and provide some relief from your upset stomach. Additionally, taking small sips of water throughout the day can also help, as long as you are able to keep the water down.
Another option is to try non-caffeinated sodas such as Sprite, 7UP, or ginger ale. These drinks can also help to keep you hydrated, but be careful of the carbonation. The gas in the soda can inflate your stomach, which can cause discomfort and put pressure on your digestive system. It is also important to avoid caffeinated sodas, as caffeine can make your upset stomach worse. The combination of caffeine and increased internal pressure can lead to acid reflux, which can be very uncomfortable.
Certain foods make an upset stomach worse
For those with chronic stomach discomfort, certain foods can be problematic. However, there are ways to manage this:
- Caffeinated sodas: Limiting soft drinks can help reduce acid reflux symptoms caused by caffeine and carbonation.
- Dairy: Those with lactose intolerance should avoid dairy products.
- Spicy foods: Eating too much spicy food can upset your stomach, leading to constipation or diarrhea.
- Fried foods: Fried foods are high in saturated fats, which take much longer to break down in the stomach and slow down digestion.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption irritates the gut, which can cause stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
- Pain relievers: Ibuprofen, aspirin and antibiotics can increase feelings of nausea.
Those with irritable bowel syndrome may also want to consider avoiding certain foods that increase flatulence, including beans, legumes, onions, celery, asparagus, cauliflower, raisins, apricots, prunes, Brussels sprouts, wheat, pretzels and bagels.
7 tips to avoid indigestion for a sensitive stomach
These tips will help you avoid indigestion or an upset stomach with confidence:
- Eat slowly and make sure to properly chew your food.
- Consume smaller, more frequent meals to aid in digestion.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.
- Avoid late-night meals or snacks to give your digestive system rest.
- Ensure that your diet includes foods high in soluble fiber for easier digestion.
- Identify specific triggers that cause indigestion and remove them from your diet.
- Stick to a bland diet and avoid excessive use of spices to prevent stomach irritation.
When to see your doctor for stomach pain
Stomach pain can take many forms, ranging from intermittent to dull aching or stabbing pains that persist. However, there are certain signs to look out for that may indicate a more serious condition, including:
- Chronic or severe abdominal pain that interferes with normal activities
- Evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as vomiting blood or blood in the stool
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty or painful swallowing
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe, ongoing diarrhea lasting more than two days
- Nighttime diarrhea that disrupts your sleep
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
If you experience frequent stomach issues, it’s possible that there’s more going on than just sensitivity. The best course of action is to schedule a screening with your healthcare provider. This way, they can rule out conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome with confidence.
