An upset stomach can be caused by the simplest of things.
You could be dealing with the issue because of something you ate or the fact that you haven’t been eating properly.
While the symptoms might be distressing, they are rarely life-threatening.
The good thing is that you can feel much better with just a few items that are in your kitchen.
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1. Ginger
Ginger is a well-known anti-inflammatory that’s effective against nausea and an unsettled stomach.
It’s available in different forms but you’re most likely to have ginger ale at your fingertips.
If you have the actual ginger root, that may be even better as you can cut it into thin slices to make some tea. In that case, the warm liquid can soothe your stomach as well.
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2. Mint
Both spearmint and peppermint have been shown to work well on bloating, pain, nausea, and intestinal spasms that come with an upset stomach.
As with ginger, making tea is a great option. However smelling the extract, eating the candies, or chewing the leaves can also be helpful.
3. Chamomile Tea
This tea works for an upset stomach because chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking it will alleviate the muscle spasms that typically cause some of the painful symptoms.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
While not the easiest remedy to swallow, a little apple cider vinegar can do wonders for your upset stomach. In this case, only a tablespoon of the liquid will be enough to free up the starch in your stomach to soothe the irritated intestines.
If you can’t handle the vinegar by itself, diluting it with a cup of vinegar and a teaspoon of honey usually works.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains powerful antioxidants such as eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, linalool, and camphor. These antioxidants can help to reduce irritation in the stomach and improve digestion. Other components in the spice have been known to reduce bloating, cramping, indigestion, and heartburn. Cinnamon sticks or the powder can be used to make tea but if you’re up to eating, a teaspoon of the spice in some food works well.
6. Basil
Basil contains eugenol and linoleic acid, among other helpful substances. Eugenol can reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, which is great for easing the burn of an upset stomach. Linoleic acid, on the other hand, is an anti-inflammatory and works well to ease bloating and muscle cramps. When making tea from this herb, a half teaspoon of the dried leaves is enough. If you’re up to eating, a few of the fresh leaves in a meal is recommended.
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7. Diluted Lime Juice
A tablespoon of fresh lime or lemon juice in a cup of water and combined with a teaspoon of baking soda can soothe an upset stomach. Studies show that the carbonic acid in baking soda can help to reduce bloating and indigestion. The citrus acids and nutrients in lemons or limes also help to improve the efficiency of digestion.
Of course, there are a few things you should avoid while having an upset stomach as well. Alcohol, greasy foods, and milk-based products can make the symptoms worse.
Aside from settling your stomach with liquids, it’s best to be careful when you start eating again. Start with low-fiber, high-binding foods such as bananas, toast, rice, and apple sauce.
It can also be helpful to use a heating pad on your stomach to ease the pain or take a warm bath. Though it’s tempting to lie down, being stationary can actually worsen the symptoms of an upset stomach. Try staying as upright as possible.
Bear in mind that if you start feeling worse or develop new symptoms such as a fever, pain in the arm, or difficulty swallowing, it’s important to consult with your doctor. In some cases, an upset stomach is only the beginning of more serious conditions.
