Upset Stomach (2024)

FAQs

What helps an upset stomach? ›

However, some remedies that may help settle an upset stomach include drinking water or clear liquids, eating small and frequent meals, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding tobacco and caffeine. Over-the-counter medications such as antacids or antidiarrheal drugs may also provide relief.

Foods and drinks like bananas, white rice, toast, crackers, and broth are gentle on your digestive system and can help you recover from an upset stomach. It's best to avoid foods and drinks that are difficult to digest and may worsen GI symptoms.

The most common causes of abdominal pain or upset stomach can be classified into three general categories: digestive problems, inflammation and female reproduction. Digestive problems: If you experience abdominal pain after you eat, you may have indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies or food poisoning.

Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you're infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.

There's no medicine for stomach flu. Antibiotics don't work on viruses — they're for bacterial infections. The best thing you can do to help your immune system do its work is to stay home and rest, stay hydrated and eat a little if you can. Give your body the energy it needs to fight the infection.

For cramping from diarrhea, medicines that have loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) might make you feel better. For other types of pain, acetaminophen (Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol) might be helpful.

The best position to minimize stomach pain is the fetal position. This is when the body is at rest lying on the side, the spine is curved, the head is bowed forward, and the arms and legs are bent and tucked in toward the chest.

How to stop feeling sick? ›

Singhal says it's commonly believed that the tiny air bubbles in carbonated drinks may help promote digestion and ease an upset stomach.

Staying hydrated and drinking clear fluids like water, herbal tea, and bone broth can help relieve an upset stomach. Avoiding carbonated or caffeinated beverages can also help alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach, and these beverages can often make your symptoms worse.

Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water. Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse. When you are allowed to eat again, start with clear liquids, then progress to bland foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods.

Stress, worrying and anxiety are common causes of stomach discomfort and other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. It's usually temporary and not serious. However, chronic stress and anxiety can take a toll on the digestive system and could lead to more serious, long-term stomach problems.

You can also drink noncaffeinated sodas, such as Sprite, 7UP or ginger ale. Take care to avoid caffeinated sodas, since caffeine can make your upset stomach worse. The carbonation from sodas inflates the stomach while increasing its internal pressure.

One main reason someone may feel nauseous without vomiting is related to digestive issues. If you're experiencing indigestion, acid reflux or even an upset stomach can trigger nausea.