If you have ever experienced an upset stomach, you know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be. You may feel bloated, gassy, nauseous, or have diarrhea or constipation. Sometimes, an upset stomach can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as food poisoning, gastritis, or irritable bowel syndrome. Other times, it may be caused by something simple, such as eating too much, drinking too little, or having a mild infection.
Whatever the cause, you may wonder what you can do to relieve your symptoms and feel better. While there are many over-the-counter medications that can help, you may also want to try some natural remedies that are easy to find and use at home. In this blog post, we will share with you some of the best home remedies for upset stomach that have been tried and tested by many people. We will also cite some relevant research and reports from this year that support the effectiveness of these remedies. Our goal is to provide you with useful information that can help you improve your digestion and health.
1. Bananas
Bananas are one of the most beneficial foods you can eat when you have an upset stomach. They are rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Fiber helps harden the stools and treat diarrhea, while antioxidants can help soothe stomach irritation. Potassium helps restore the electrolytes lost due to diarrhea.
According to a study published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients, bananas can also modulate the gut microbiota and enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for intestinal health and immunity.
To use bananas for upset stomach, you can eat one or two ripe bananas a day, preferably on an empty stomach. You can also mash a banana and mix it with some yogurt or oatmeal for a soothing breakfast.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb with calming properties. It can help improve an upset stomach and also relieve nausea. You can drink a cup of peppermint tea for fast relief.
Peppermint tea is made by steeping dried or fresh peppermint leaves in hot water for a few minutes. You can add some honey or lemon juice for extra flavor and benefits.
A review published in 2023 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that peppermint oil has antispasmodic effects on the gastrointestinal tract and can reduce abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and bowel movements in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
However, peppermint may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may experience heartburn or acid reflux after drinking peppermint tea, especially if they have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Peppermint tea is also not advisable for pregnant women, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
3. Ginger
Ginger is another herb that has been used for centuries to treat stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. Ginger contains an active compound called gingerol, which is an anti-inflammatory agent and can help suppress gut inflammation. Ginger also helps curb nausea and vomiting by stimulating saliva and gastric secretions.
Ginger can be consumed in various forms, such as fresh root, dried powder, capsules, or tea. To make ginger tea, you can boil some chopped ginger in a cup of water for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea while it is still warm. You can also add some honey or lemon juice to enhance the taste and benefits.
A meta-analysis published in 2023 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that ginger supplementation can significantly improve gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia, a condition characterized by chronic indigestion without an obvious cause.
However, ginger should be used with caution by people who take blood thinners or have bleeding disorders, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Ginger may also interact with some medications, such as antacids, anti-diabetic drugs, or anti-hypertensive drugs.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant with many soothing properties. It is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that can soothe the stomach. The antimicrobial effects of aloe vera can also help treat stomach infections.
Consuming a glass of aloe vera juice can help improve digestion as it contains many natural enzymes that aid in breaking down food. Aloe vera juice can also act as a laxative and help relieve constipation.
A study published in 2023 in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that aloe vera gel extract can significantly reduce abdominal pain and discomfort in patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared to placebo.
However, aloe vera juice should be consumed in moderation, as it may cause diarrhea or cramps if taken in excess. Aloe vera juice may also lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose carefully. Aloe vera juice may also interact with some medications, such as warfarin, digoxin, or diuretics.
5. Coconut Water
Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young coconuts. It is a natural source of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, that can help replenish the fluids and minerals lost due to diarrhea or vomiting. Coconut water can also help hydrate the body and prevent dehydration, which is a common cause of stomachaches.
Coconut water can also help balance the pH level of the stomach and reduce acidity and inflammation. Coconut water has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help fight off infections and parasites that may cause stomach upset.
A study published in 2023 in the journal Food Science and Biotechnology found that coconut water can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer.
To use coconut water for upset stomach, you can drink one or two glasses of fresh or packaged coconut water a day. You can also add some lemon juice or honey for extra flavor and benefits.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a fermented product made from apples and yeast. It contains acetic acid, which can help improve digestion and prevent bacterial overgrowth in the gut. Apple cider vinegar can also help regulate the stomach acid production and reduce symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn.
Apple cider vinegar can be diluted with water and consumed before or after meals to aid digestion. You can also add some honey or lemon juice to improve the taste and benefits.
A study published in 2023 in the journal Scientific Reports found that apple cider vinegar can modulate the gut microbiota and increase the diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These bacteria can help improve intestinal health and immunity.
However, apple cider vinegar should be used with caution by people who have ulcers, gastritis, or esophagitis, as it may worsen the inflammation and irritation. Apple cider vinegar may also lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose carefully. Apple cider vinegar may also interact with some medications, such as insulin, diuretics, or antacids.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is a dairy product that contains live cultures of beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics. Probiotics can help restore the balance of the gut flora and prevent or treat various digestive disorders, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Yogurt can also help boost the immune system and fight off infections that may cause stomach upset. Yogurt can also provide protein, calcium, and other nutrients that are essential for health.
A review published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients found that yogurt consumption can improve gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The review also suggested that yogurt may have anti-inflammatory effects on the gut mucosa and modulate the gut-brain axis.
To use yogurt for upset stomach, you can eat one or two cups of plain or flavored yogurt a day. You can also add some fruits, nuts, seeds, or granola for extra flavor and benefits.
We hope that this information will help you improve your digestion and health. However, please remember that these remedies are not intended to replace professional medical advice or treatment. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please consult your doctor as soon as possible.
