It may have happened to you sometime that you lose the track of portions when you are really hungry and you are eating. It may also be termed as overeating which leads to an upset stomach and improper digestion. With others, there may be a presence of a poor digestive system that causes an upset stomach from time to time. When this happens, going for medications is not always feasible and long termed. Instead, if you choose to rely on the simple home remedies for upset stomach, you will notice that this way is much easier and promising. Plus, it is very safe for all the things you take are either natural or home-made. Read along to know what these super remedies are.
An Upset Stomach: What Causes This?
The causes of an upset stomach can be many. Usually, they are dependent on a person’s body type and digestive system. However, some of them can be:
Improper Eating Style-
Some people have this habit of eating too fast. They are either in a hurry or they take in big chunks of their food, hence, not chewing it properly. This passes on extra load over the digestion system which may not be able to function properly in completely digesting the food.
Spicy or Oily Foods-
Some people may be more aligned towards foods that are too spicy or greasy. Too much spice and oil can upset the stomach as it is hard to digest and can cause inflammation inside the stomach, leading to improper digestion.
Smoking-
Smoking does transfer unwanted toxins into our body which hinder the natural digestion processes. Smoking could be a big cause for the upsetting of the stomach.
Caffeine-
Caffeine or alternatively, coffee can be good for your digestion if taken in an appropriate amount. However, obsession with the caffeine can result in an upset stomach. Too much caffeine causes inflammation and could lead to diarrhea in worst cases. These then require the action of some good home remedies for upset stomach and diarrhea.
Stress-
As they say, a happy mind keeps the stomach happy. When you are stressed, your body fluids and hormones are not in sync with the ones required for proper digestion. Thus, your stress may lead to stomach problems.
These causes can always be avoided. However, if you even tend to face stomach issues, here are some of the best home remedies for upset stomach which are easy to follow and reach.
Home Remedies For Upset Stomach
1. Bananas
Banana is one wonder fruit which is well known to treat the problems of diarrhea and constipation. Eating bananas help in making the stool firm or easy which helps to relieve the feeling of fullness due to a disturbed stomach. They can even make up for a meal with essential nutrients such as potassium. This will make you full and provide energy and strength.
How to take it?
Just cut up one banana into thin slices and have them during the day.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
The well-known Apple Cider Vinegar could be a little worn out in taste but it is one of the best home remedies for upset stomach. Taking some ACV will help your stomach in absorbing starch which would later result in keeping the stomach happy. Another cause of digestion problems can be the shortage of stomach acids. In such a case, the ACV could make up for such a shortage.
How to take it?
You can take 1 tsp of Apple cider vinegar. If it is too strong for you, you can mix 1 tsp of ACV with a little amount of water and then have it.
3. Ginger
One of the oldest health fix since the ancient times is the very famous ginger. Ginger not only helps a sore throat, but it also does work for fixing an upset stomach. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and it works by easing down the digestion processes.
How to take it?
You can make up some ginger tea at home. Other than that, you can grate some ginger in heavy foods to help ease down the digestion process.
4. Water
Water is good. That is true for many reasons. Water is known to be a magical fixer to most of the health problems and here it is again with an upset stomach. Sometimes, dehydration could be the reason that your stomach is bloated and the flow of food is being hindered. Drinking enough water throughout the day is very important to avoid such conditions. Other than that, water will flush out unwanted bacteria and fluids out of your system so that your stomach doesn’t face any difficulties. Water is the best fix for a good home remedy for upset stomach and acidity.
How to take it?
Have minimum 8-10 glasses of water in a day. For cooling down your stomach, you can also add some cucumber slices to it to make cucumber water.
5. Rice (white)
Simple white rice is an excellent home remedy for an upset stomach. In cases when a patient is experiencing diarrhea, stomach fluids can fall short. White rice helps in regaining those fluids by absorbing them. The starch from the white rice also forms a kind of coating inside your stomach to help digestion.
How to take it?
Cook some white rice in a rice cooker and have them with yogurt.
6. Toast
On an upset stomach, it does become a problem that what should be eaten now. It should be light, easy to digest and something which helps with the upset stomach as well. Toast is one such thing that is easily digested. It is also advised to leave the toast a little burnt, it is perfect for an upset stomach. Nausea caused over an upset stomach can be got rid of with this.
How to take it?
While making some toast, let it get over-toasted a little bit. Then have it without butter.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the best natural means to treat skin problems. However, it is also really beneficial when it comes to digestion and stomach problems. It is the most effective in the form of aloe vera juice and it gets rid of frequent stomach aches and heartburns.
How to take it?
Drink one glass of aloe vera juice in the morning.
8. Mint
The name Mint is in itself refreshing, but that is not what it is all about. It is also a great helper for the stomach. Mint is known to reduce bloating and get rid of cramps. For solving digestion problems, peppermint is the best way to go.
How to take it?
You can have some peppermint tea to consume mint in the most effective way.
9. Heating
Another quick fix for stomach cramps and uneasiness is a heating pad. When the cramps and the pain get too much, it is advised that a heating pad is applied over the stomach. This will help the muscles to relax and ease the pain. Applying a small heating pad on your stomach is a home remedy for an upset stomach.
How to use it?
Use a cloth to put on your stomach and then put the heating pad to partially apply the heat over the cramping areas.
10. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is known to be anti-inflammatory, this proving to be one of the best home remedies for upset stomach. Drinking some chamomile tea can help the soothing of the stomach. Adding to this, it also relaxes the digestive tract (upper) which solves the problem of stomach pain.
11. Peppermint
Other than mint, peppermint can also be taken to relieve stomach pains when facing upset stomach. Peppermint capsules or tea can be the most effective to treat an upset stomach.
12. Lemon Water
Lemon is a citrus fruit which is acidic in nature. Thus, it a perfect home remedy for upset stomach and acidity problems. Drinking lemon water will facilitate hydrochloric acid production inside the stomach. Acids like these are responsible for the proper breakdown of food that helps in easy digestion.
How to take it?
Have one glass of lemon water as soon as you wake up, every day.
13. Fennel Seeds
In India, most people are in the habit of having some fennel seeds after their meals. This is because they contain anethole which is an organic oil like substance that helps in proper and faster digestion of the foods. Other than that, it is also anti-inflammatory and known to calm the stomach after a meal.
How to take it?
Have half a tsp of fennel seeds after you have a meal.
14. BRAT
BRAT is nothing but an abbreviation for Banana + Rice + Applesauce + Toast. All of these foods are helpful in curing an upset stomach. When facing stomach issues, you can rely on the BRAT diet for those days for getting rid of the cramps and other problems.
15. Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the best-upset stomach fixes. Yogurt is known to contain the good bacteria which is present in our intestines. These good bacteria do the work of extracting nutrients from the food and digesting it properly. Having yogurt every day makes sure your stomach is cooled down and free of any digestive problems.
How to take it?
Have one small bowl of yogurt every day during any meal time of the day.
16. Rice Tea
Besides white rice, rice tea also another great fix for the stomach problems. It usually helps in the case when the stomach is upset because of eating a certain food item. A rice tea may taste like that of milk and will prove effective in solving stomach issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Remedies for Upset Stomach
1. How often should I drink Lemon on an upset stomach?
Lemon is one of the best home remedies for upset stomach. You can use half a lemon to make lemon water and have it every day until your stomach feels better. When it does, you can still keep doing that on a regular basis to avoid other stomach problems.
2. When should I consider medication instead of home remedies?
These home remedies are sure to help when facing mild discomfort in the stomach. However, if you face too much pain and the home remedies don’t tend to offer a fix, then you must immediately consult a doctor for medication.