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8 upset stomach remedies (and what to do if they don’t work)

Want to know what settles an upset stomach quickly? Consider these tips as well as ways to prevent stomach pain from recurring.
By | Nov. 13, 2023 Medically reviewed by Jesse P. Houghton, MD, FACG
A woman holding her hands over her stomach

Key takeaways

  • Quick home remedies for an upset stomach include peppermint oil, ginger, a heating pad, and over-the-counter products like Pepto-Bismol.

  • The BRAT diet, hydration, probiotics, and certain natural remedies like licorice and rest can alleviate various upset stomach causes.

  • Some commonly suggested remedies, such as flat soda, turmeric, and aloe vera juice, lack scientific support for effectiveness in treating stomach issues.

  • Persistent or severe stomach problems should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions.

In this article:

The occasional upset stomach may be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but the good news is that there are ways to relieve your discomfort at home without the need to see a doctor. Taking an antacid and drinking water may help with stomach pain related to heartburn, while sipping sports drinks may help ease stomach pain caused by diarrhea. But not all stomach ailments are the same. Learn which home remedies work, which ones are old wives’ tales, and when to see a healthcare provider for your upset stomach.

What settles an upset stomach quickly?

The quickest home remedies for settling an upset stomach include peppermint oil, ginger, and a heating pad. The most fast-acting over-the-counter (OTC) products for an upset stomach are Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate), calcium carbonate antacids (TUMS and Rolaids), and Maalox. 

8 home remedies for an upset stomach

The best home remedy for your upset stomach will depend on what’s causing it. This may be more obvious in certain circumstances, like if you just ate a greasy, spicy meal that you don’t normally eat. Even for causes that aren’t so obvious, the following home remedies may offer some relief. 

1. The BRAT Diet

BRAT is an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Eating these bland foods in small amounts when you have an upset stomach can help you feel better. “The BRAT diet is easy on the stomach and can help firm up loose stools,” says Dr. Pratap Singh. These foods are easy to digest and provide the benefits you need when you have an upset stomach or digestion problems:

  • Bananas are high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. A benefit of bananas is that they can help with both constipation and diarrhea. 
  • Plain rice has starch that helps coat the stomach and is easy to digest.
  • Applesauce is hydrating, contains vitamin C, has anti-inflammatory effects, and can boost gut health.
  • Toast is easily digested and provides the body with carbohydrates.

2. Ginger

Ginger is a versatile spice that’s used to treat a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal issues. It is also recommended for pregnant women to help with morning sickness. “Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the stomach, says Dr. Pratap Singh. 

There are various ways to consume ginger, such as:

  • Drinking ginger tea or natural ginger ale, provided it has real ginger as an ingredient
  • Eating or sucking on ginger candies
  • Sprinkling ginger powder or grated fresh ginger root onto your food
  • Taking ginger supplements

3. Peppermint 

Research has shown that peppermint oil can relieve upset stomach and gas pain in people who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease. The menthol and methyl salicylate in peppermint can also relieve symptoms of nausea. “Peppermint oil, either in the form of peppermint tea or capsules, can help calm the stomach and relieve bloating and gas,” says Danielle Kelvas, MD, a primary care physician with The HCG Institute in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Peppermint can also help break down food, which can alleviate stomach pain related to constipation. Additionally, the scent of peppermint can help with morning sickness. 

To benefit from peppermint for an upset stomach, you could eat or suck on peppermint candy or take a supplement form of peppermint oil. 

4. Hydration

It’s important that you get enough fluids. Dehydration can cause stomach pain, so making sure that you are hydrated can help ease abdominal discomfort. It also aids digestion and softens the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement and relieve any pain associated with constipation. “Sip on clear fluids like water, herbal teas, or electrolyte solutions to stay hydrated and flush out toxins,” says Dr. Pratap Singh. Another way to rehydrate your body is to drink sports drinks with electrolytes. 

5. Probiotics

Probiotics are a type of good bacteria that can promote a healthy immune system and aid in digestion. You can find probiotics in yogurt and other foods or dairy products with cultured milk. Probiotics can also be found in fermented juice like apple cider vinegar. There are also probiotic supplements that you can take.. “Probiotics can also be beneficial in reducing symptoms of indigestion and stomach upset, especially in cases where the upset stomach is caused by an infection,” says Dr. Kelvas.

6. A heating pad

The heat from a heating pad or a warm compress can help relax any tense stomach muscles that are causing an upset stomach. This form of treatment is typically suggested for menstrual cramps and cramps related to IBS. 

7. Licorice

Dr. Hester also recommends licorice as a natural remedy that can help soothe stomach pain. Natural licorice (containing glycyrrhizin) can help with stomach pain related to digestion issues and acid reflux due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. You can drink licorice tea or consume it in the form of extracts and capsules. Pregnant women may want to avoid natural licorice products due to the possibility of harmful effects on the developing fetus.

8. Rest

If your stomach pain is due to a chronic illness or the type of foods you eat, resting may be helpful to soothe your pain. “Adequate rest and relaxation can aid the healing process, especially if stress is a contributing factor,” says Dr. Pratap Singh. 

Natural remedies for an upset stomach that don’t work

If you have an upset stomach, be cautious of the advice you receive for soothing it. Some are simply myths that may have worked for some people but aren’t proven remedies. 

Flat soda

Although carbonated soda can inflate the stomach and cause acid reflux, flat soda can help keep you hydrated if you’re having trouble keeping liquids down. That doesn’t mean it’s a quick fix, though. For example, sodas with caffeine can make an upset stomach and dehydration worse. Water and sports drinks with electrolytes are better options.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a type of spice in the ginger family that has a bitter taste. Even though people sometimes use turmeric to treat an upset stomach, there is little research to support its benefits. 

Aloe vera juice

Aloe vera juice is created by mixing the gel from an aloe vera plant with water. Although often purported to help digestive issues, there is not a lot of research to support that it relieves stomach pain. Also, aloe vera juice can cause diarrhea, which creates stomach cramping and pain from dehydration.

How to treat an upset stomach when natural remedies don’t work

If none of the natural home remedies are working, you could try OTC medications like Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) or calcium carbonate antacids (TUMS and Rolaids) to treat your stomach pain. “OTC medications like TUMS or Maalox can be a reliable go-to for quick relief,” says Ann Maria Hester, MD, a board-certified internist and author of Patient Empowerment 101: More than a book, it’s an adventure! These medications neutralize stomach acid to provide fast relief.

When to see a doctor for an upset stomach

“Sometimes an upset stomach is a warning sign of something more serious,” says Dr. Hester. “If you find yourself facing persistent stomach problems, it’s advisable to seek medical attention to address the underlying causes.”

Mayo Clinic advises to call 911 for severe abdominal pain if it is from an injury or accident or if it is accompanied by chest pressure. For severe stomach pain accompanied by the following symptoms, have someone transport you to urgent care or the ER:

  • Fever
  • Bloody stools
  • Persistent nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Skin that looks discolored
  • Severe tenderness upon touching the abdomen

In other situations where your abdominal pain is worrying you or lasts several days, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider.

What causes an upset stomach?

There are many things that can cause an upset stomach, including digestive problems, injuries, diseases, and infections, among others. Healthcare providers often ask detailed questions to determine the cause of an upset stomach, according to Cleveland Clinic, since the terms “stomach ache” and “upset stomach” describe pain that may be anywhere in the abdomen. Because several digestive tract organs are located in the abdomen, it’s important for doctors to figure out which, if any, may be causing the discomfort. 

Although occasional stomach upset shouldn’t be of concern, it could be caused by something more serious, like appendicitis, and require immediate medical attention. Other less severe causes of stomach aches include food intolerance or allergies, drinking alcohol, stress, eating too much, and eating certain foods. 

“It’s important to be mindful of the types of food that you eat. Some foods can be more difficult to digest, such as fatty and greasy fast food,” says David Seitz, MD, the medical director at Ascendant Detox in New York City.” 

Certain medications can also cause stomach aches. “Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can irritate the stomach lining,” says Tez Pratap Singh, MD, a healthcare provider at Dr. Cure.

Provided your stomach isn’t caused by medication or a chronic illness, at-home upset stomach remedies can make you more comfortable without needing to see a healthcare provider.

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