Everyone experiences an upset stomach every now and then. However, having an upset stomach for a long time can be very devastating. In short, an upset stomach is due to inflammation of the intestine. Actually, the bacteria present in the stomach cause inflammation which can lead to ulcers. But other than that, your stomach can be upset because of certain medicines, alcoholic consumption, anxiety, and overeating as well. In this article, we are going to discover natural home remedies for easy and quick treatment of an upset stomach. Before that, let’s learn more about what causes a stomach to become upset in the first place.
Technically speaking, indigestion or dyspepsia is not a serious problem. However, it can be one of the major causes of an upset stomach. Besides that, there are several other reasons for stomach aches as well. For instance, inflammation in the stomach lining is the main culprit behind an upset stomach. The major reason for this inflammation includes unhealthy eating habits and smoking.
Common symptoms of an upset stomach include bloating, burping, gas, and nausea. People may also experience the sour breath, acid reflux or heartburn, and belching. When you’re experiencing severe or even mild stomach ache, you want to get relief from it as soon as possible. For this purpose, you can use some simple and effective home remedies.
Home remedies for Upset Stomach
Generally speaking, people mostly rush towards the kitchen for the treatment of an upset stomach with natural home remedies. Following is a list of food items that you can include in your diet to settle your stomach aches.
1. Drinking Plenty of Water
Water is one of the quickest natural remedies to cure an upset stomach. This is because water is an essential component that absorbs nutrients from food. Even mild dehydration can lead to indigestion and stomach ache. Besides that, water helps the food to move in the gut. Thus, it prevents indigestion which is one of the major causes of an upset stomach.
Health and Medicine Division recommends that women should consume 2.7 liters of water on a daily basis. While men should drink 3.7 liters of water every day. People experiencing digestive issues should stay hydrated at all times. Drinking plenty of water is effective in decreasing the likelihood of an upset stomach.
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2. Warm Bath or Heating Bag
Another main reason for an upset stomach is anxiety and emotional stress. Basically these two factors lead to changes in your eating habits. Cortisol is a hormone that controls the level of anxiety in your body. High cortisol level in the body makes you crave for unhealthy food. Unhealthy foods will ultimately affect the normal functioning of the stomach. Heating can relax muscles and reduce anxiety. For this purpose, taking a warm bath for 15 to 20 minutes can relieve the symptoms of an upset stomach. Other than that, you can also apply a hot pad to your stomach for 10 to 15 minutes. It will help to relax your muscles and also relieve indigestion.
3. Raw Ginger or Ginger Tea
Ginger is an effective treatment for an upset stomach. It’s packed with a punch of anti-inflammatory agents. As you may know, stomach ache and vomiting are the main symptoms of an upset stomach. Ginger basically protects the stomach lining against acidity and speeds up the digestion process. The anti-inflammatory property of ginger enhances the gastric motility that ultimately helps in digestion.
Other than that, it also stimulates the digestive enzymes of the body. Hence, it helps to ease bloating, gas, and stomach pain. It can either be used raw or cooked. Besides that, you can also enjoy it as a supplement and in beverage form. However, keep this in mind that overdose of ginger may cause heartburn and diarrhoea.
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4. Apple cider Vinegar
For those who don’t know, apple cider vinegar is an excellent aid in digestion. Acetic acid and other nutrients in apple cider vinegar inhibit the digestion of starch. Besides that, it keeps the bacteria in our gut healthy. Consequently, apple cider vinegar alleviates cramping, bloating, gas, and burping. Add a spoonful of apple cider vinegar in one cup of warm water and consume it to reduce the burning sensation. You can also add honey in this mixture because of its flavor and digestive properties.
5. Cinnamon
Bottoms Up! Cinnamon is one of the finest natural home remedies for the treatment of an upset stomach. It contains antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and helps in digestion. Cinnamon basically helps to neutralize the acid of the stomach. Furthermore, it reduces heartburn and irritation in the digestive tract.
You can add cinnamon powder in your meals or cherish it as tea. Taking it two to three times a day helps you to alleviate bloating and indigestion.
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6. Cumin
Cumin is an effective spice to get rid of stomach acidity and bloating. It contains a compound called “thymol” that activates gastric secretions. Other than that, cumin also increases the secretion of bile from the liver that aids in digestion. Moreover, cumin seeds act as a pain reliever for an upset stomach. It also reduces intestinal inflammation. Cuminaldehyde present in cumin activates the secretion of saliva which also helps in the digestion of food.
A person with an upset stomach can add powdered cumin in his meal. You can also add cumin seeds in your tea for better results.
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7. Aloe Juice
Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant use to treat digestive disorders. Do you know what does it mean for your upset stomach? It can prevent heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and acid reflux. It has anti-inflammatory properties that make it one of the finest home remedies for an upset stomach. Besides that, aloe vera contains a compound called anthraquinone which has a laxative effect. It decreases irritation in the stomach and helps to relieve constipation. Aloe vera also cleans the gastrointestinal tract and ultimately allows the food to pass through the digestive tract smoothly. Aloe vera juice removes excess stomach acid by promoting the balance of digestive bacteria. However keep in mind that high dose of aloe vera can cause diarrhea, skin burning, and itching.
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8. Baking Soda
Studies have found that lemon juice and baking soda help to relieve digestive complaints. This mixture basically produces carbonic acid. Carbonic acid has a wonderful ability to prevent bloating and gas. Baking soda also neutralizes the acid in the stomach and temporarily alleviate acid reflux. To prepare this, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 8oz of water. Also, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in this mixture to balance the pH of stomach acid.
9. Mint:
Did you know mint helps to reduce muscle contraction in the digestive tract. Studies have found that mint products alleviate stomach pain, discomfort, and bloating. It actually works by relaxing the muscles of the stomach. Furthermore, it reduces the symptoms of nausea. All you need to prepare mint tea is warm water and a handful of mint. Just take the cup of mint tea after a meal. It will help to reduce pain and discomfort. You can chew mint leaves and also garnish it on your soup.
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10. Cloves:
‘Clove’ comes from the French word ‘clou’ which translates to nail. Cloves are a traditional spice used to treat an upset stomach for ages. Eugenol in cloves helps to reduce gas in the stomach and bloating. Besides that, it also boosts the digestion process. Moreover, it prevents nausea and vomiting. You can also add grounded cloves in your meal to add a little flavor. You can also mix 1 to 2 tablespoon of powdered cloves with honey and take it before bedtime. A person with an upset stomach can also add cloves in water and drink it twice a day.
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When to see a doctor
An upset stomach usually does not need any serious medical attention. Typically, home treatment is the best way to cure an upset stomach. However, if a person experiences regular occurrence or persistent stomach ache, he/she should consult his doctor immediately. You also need medical attention if you experience bloody stool, arm pain, chronic constipation, and diarrhea along with stomach pain. These are the symptoms of stomach ulcers or major underlying medical problems.
Conclusion
An upset stomach is a common digestive issue among many people. However, you can comfortably get rid of an upset stomach within the comfort of your home with the above mentioned natural home remedies. Don’t try to use all of these remedies at the same time for a quick result. Instead, check out all but practice only one that suits you. The best way to avoid an upset stomach is by drinking plenty of water and incorporating these herbs and spices in your diet. You’ll probably feel relief by trying these home remedies. But, if your stomach remains upset for a long time you should consult your doctor.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322047#When-to-see-a-doctor
https://www.humnutrition.com/blog/remedies-for-upset-stomach/
https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/natural-upset-stomach-remedies#chamomile-tea
https://www.onlymyhealth.com/home-remedies-for-stomach-pain-1352374107
https://www.ahananutrition.com/blogs/news/10-simple-home-remedies-for-stomach-aches
