How to Cure an Upset Stomach
Curing an upset stomach often depends on the underlying cause of the discomfort. Upset stomachs can result from various factors, such as overeating, indigestion, food poisoning, infections, or underlying medical conditions. Here are some general steps you can take to help alleviate an upset stomach:
1. Rest: Give your body some time to recover. Lie down and relax if you’re feeling fatigued.
2. Stay Hydrated: Sip on clear fluids like water, herbal teas, or clear broths to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can make an upset stomach worse.
3. Ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for the stomach. You can consume ginger in various forms:
-
- Ginger tea: Steep fresh ginger slices in hot water.
- Ginger candies or chews.
- Ginger supplements (follow the recommended dosage).
4. Peppermint: Peppermint can help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. You can try peppermint tea or peppermint oil capsules (if you prefer the latter, follow dosage instructions).
5. BRAT Diet: The BRAT diet stands for bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast. These bland foods are easy on the stomach and can help during recovery.
6. Avoid trigger foods: Stay away from spicy, fatty, or highly seasoned foods that can irritate your stomach.
7. Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of eating large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to avoid putting extra stress on your stomach.
8. Over-the-counter Medications: You can consider over-the-counter medications such as antacids or anti-diarrheal medications, but be sure to follow the dosing instructions and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
9. Probiotics: Probiotic supplements or yogurt with live cultures may help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, especially if the upset stomach is due to antibiotics or an infection.
10. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can irritate the stomach lining. It’s best to avoid these until your stomach has settled.
11. Rest: Give your body time to heal. Avoid strenuous activities while you’re feeling unwell.
12. Medical Attention: If your upset stomach is severe, persistent, accompanied by a high fever, blood in your vomit or stool, or other concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. It could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical evaluation and treatment.
Remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If your upset stomach persists or worsens, consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How to Cure Upset Stomach from Onions:
If you have an upset stomach due to consuming onions or you suspect that onions are the cause of your discomfort, you can take some steps to alleviate the symptoms. Onions can be difficult for some people to digest, leading to gas, bloating, or an upset stomach. Here’s what you can do:
- Stop Eating Onions: If you suspect that onions are the cause of your upset stomach, it’s essential to stop consuming them immediately. Continuing to eat onions will only worsen the symptoms.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is important to help flush out any irritants and soothe your stomach. Sip on clear fluids like water, herbal teas, or clear broths.
- Ginger Tea: Ginger can help ease digestive discomfort. Prepare ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water for a soothing beverage.
- Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea may also help alleviate stomach discomfort and reduce bloating. Avoid it if you have acid reflux, as peppermint can worsen this condition.
- BRAT Diet: Consider following the BRAT diet for a day or two. This diet consists of bland, easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, which can help settle your stomach.
- Avoid Other Trigger Foods: While your stomach is upset, avoid other foods that can exacerbate the issue, such as spicy foods, fried foods, or foods high in fat.
- Probiotics: Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt with live cultures or probiotic supplements can help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: If your symptoms are severe, you may consider over-the-counter antacids or digestive aids, but consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist before using them.
- Rest: Give your stomach time to recover by resting and avoiding strenuous activities.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can help identify the cause of your upset stomach and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Preventive Measures: If you frequently experience digestive issues with onions, you may want to consider avoiding them or using alternative herbs and spices in your cooking. Some people find that cooking onions thoroughly or using onion powder instead of raw onions is easier on their stomachs.
Remember that individual tolerance to specific foods can vary, so it’s essential to pay attention to your body’s signals and make dietary adjustments accordingly. If you suspect that onions consistently cause you stomach discomfort, it may be worth discussing this with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to explore potential food sensitivities or allergies.
How to Cure Upset Stomach from Spicy Food:
If you have an upset stomach after consuming spicy food, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort and promote relief:
- Stop Eating Spicy Food: If you’re experiencing stomach discomfort due to spicy food, it’s essential to stop consuming it immediately. Continuing to eat spicy food can worsen the symptoms.
- Drink Water: Sip on cool, clear water to help dilute the spicy substances in your stomach. This can help wash away the irritants and soothe the burning sensation.
- Milk or Dairy Products: Dairy products like milk, yogurt, or ice cream can help neutralize the heat from spicy food. The fat in dairy products can provide a coating effect in your stomach. However, if you are lactose intolerant, be cautious with this option.
- Bland Foods: Opt for bland, non-spicy foods like rice, bread, plain crackers, or bananas. These foods are easy on the stomach and can help absorb excess stomach acid.
- Ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the stomach. You can make ginger tea or chew on candied ginger.
- Peppermint: Peppermint tea or peppermint candies can help calm the digestive system and alleviate stomach discomfort.
- Avoid Additional Spices: Stay away from additional spices, hot sauces, or anything else that could irritate your stomach further.
- Over-the-counter Medications: If your symptoms are severe, over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers (e.g., ranitidine or famotidine) may provide relief. Follow the dosing instructions and consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist if needed.
- Rest: Give your stomach some time to recover by resting and avoiding strenuous activities.
- Probiotics: Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt with live cultures or probiotic supplements may help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which can be disrupted by spicy food.
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can irritate the stomach lining, so it’s best to avoid them until your stomach settles.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of eating large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid putting extra stress on your stomach.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: If your upset stomach persists or worsens, consult with a healthcare professional. It could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as gastritis or acid reflux, that requires medical evaluation and treatment.
- Preventive Measures: If you frequently experience digestive issues with spicy foods, consider reducing the spiciness in your meals or opting for milder alternatives. Gradually build your tolerance for spicier foods over time.
It’s essential to listen to your body and make adjustments based on your tolerance to spicy foods. If you find that you consistently have stomach issues with spicy foods, it may be a sign of underlying digestive problems, and you should consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance.
What foods settle an upset stomach:
Foods that are gentle on the stomach and can help settle an upset stomach include:
- Bananas: Bananas are easy to digest and can provide potassium, which may be depleted when you’re experiencing digestive issues.
- Rice: Plain, white rice is bland and can help absorb excess stomach acid. It’s often recommended as part of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) for digestive comfort.
- Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is gentle on the stomach and can provide essential nutrients.
- Toast: Plain, white toast or crackers can be soothing to the stomach and provide some calories without being too heavy.
- Boiled Potatoes: Boiled or mashed potatoes without added butter, spices, or heavy toppings can be easily digested.
- Oatmeal: Plain oatmeal (avoid added sugar and spices) can be a good source of soluble fiber and can help absorb excess stomach acid.
- Yogurt: Yogurt with live active cultures (probiotics) can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut and aid in digestion.
- Ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the stomach. You can make ginger tea or chew on candied ginger.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Clear, mild broths can provide hydration and electrolytes without overwhelming the stomach.
- Boiled or Steamed Vegetables: Plain, well-cooked vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach can be gentle on the stomach.
- Pasta: Plain, cooked pasta without heavy sauces can be easy to digest.
- Lean Proteins: Skinless poultry, lean cuts of meat, or tofu are good sources of protein that are less likely to irritate the stomach.
- Water: Staying hydrated is crucial when you have an upset stomach. Sip on clear fluids like water, herbal teas, or clear broths throughout the day.
- Herbal Teas: Chamomile, peppermint, or ginger tea can help soothe digestive discomfort.
- Mashed or Pureed Foods: If your stomach is extremely sensitive, you can puree or mash foods to make them easier to digest.
- Avoid Spicy and Greasy Foods: Stay away from spicy, greasy, or heavily seasoned foods, as they can exacerbate stomach discomfort.
- Avoid Dairy: If you’re lactose intolerant or suspect dairy may be contributing to your upset stomach, avoid dairy products until your stomach has settled.
Remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to pay attention to your body and choose well-tolerated foods. If your upset stomach persists or worsens, or if you have any concerns about your symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.