What is the best way to settle an upset stomach without taking chemicals or over

1. 77

   Eric Calderwoodposted 12 years ago

   What is the best way to settle an upset stomach without taking chemicals or over the counter drugs?
   
   To be more specific, are there any home remedies or foods that will settle your stomach without compromising your health?

   replyreport
2. 73

   Emma Harveyposted 12 years ago

   Peppermint is a great natural way to settle an upset stomach - try peppermint tea or pick mint leaves from your garden.

   replyreport
   1. 68

      MarieAlana1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I agree. Ginger root is also a great natural cure. Olive oil helps constipation as well.

      replyreport
   2. 84

      Craeftposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Both of these are my go-to standards.
      But just to make sure, it has to be NATURAL peppermint or ginger.
      I munch on ginger root but some people can't take that burn.
      I also grow peppermint for this purpose.

      replyreport
3. 59

   nasakeposted 12 years ago

   A long road of healthy eating. Also a probiotic daily will help. 8 pints of water daily. 5 fruit and veg a day. Everything the nutritionists say. Try to avoid certain types of fibre. Other types should be eaten regularly.

   replyreport
4. 78

   Catherine Kaneposted 12 years ago

   I've found ginger ale very helpful. Preferably the type that has actual ginger in it, as ginger is a traditional remedy for upset stomachs

   replyreport
   1. 60

      Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Ginger is an effective treatment for nausea.

      replyreport
5. 81

   jbosh1972posted 12 years ago

   On two separate occasions, I got the most God awful heart burn from bad pizza.  Both times I at about 3 red seedless grapes.  INSTANTANEOUS relief was realized both times.

   replyreport
   1. 59

      nasakeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Heartburn can often be settled with a glass of milk. Grapes can make it worse for some.

      replyreport
6. 77

   Tonipetposted 12 years ago

   A half-cup of hot water with a dash of salt can make me feel better. It's been my practice and I found it really very helpful. Many friends have thanked me for sharing this home remedy to them. Thought of sharing it here too. Thank you for this Eric. It's a very good question. Take care.

   replyreport
7. 60

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   Peppermint is supposed to help an upset stomach but I suppose it would depend on what is causing the upset.  You can trying taking a couple of altoid mints and see if it helps.

   replyreport
   1. 78

      Catherine Kaneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I'd think altoids would be a bit strong if your stomach was upset.

      replyreport
8. 77

   MickeySrposted 12 years ago

   For me, honestly, there are 3 things that sooth an upset stomach; Bryer's Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, won ton soup, or (believe it or not) roast pork egg foo young.

   replyreport
   1. 73

      Mickjiposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Your stomach is really special ! Pork and eggs are something "heavy" as much as toast. Maybe your stomach ache is a result of stress, so eating porks and eggs "relax you" since you like but not because you are really sick ^-^.

      replyreport
9. 58

   hair benderposted 12 years ago

   Eating ginger root.  You don't need a lot and if you take too much it can burn the mouth.

   replyreport
   1. 80

      joanwzposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I've heard a variation of the ginger root remedy. Eat a piece of cndied ginger, a sweetened dried version of ginger root, cut into small pieces. It's usually found in the spice aisle at the grocery store.

      replyreport
   2. 71

      momaoakposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I used candied ginger when I was pregnant-it was the only thing that helped my morning sickness.

      replyreport
10. 77

    Express10posted 12 years ago

    I agree with Tonipet's answer, a lot of people recommend eating some salted crackers or drinking flat soda. I've never personally drank flat soda because I typically don't drink it and certainly wouldn't have any on hand if it was flat.

    replyreport
    1. 77

       Tonipetposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Perhaps salt really makes a good remedy to a stomach upset. Thank you for agreeing Express10.

       replyreport
11. 60

    Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

    Tea and toast is the old standby. Bland foods such as boiled, skinless chicken and rice is another. Ginger ale is helpful for nausea. Avoid fatty or spicy foods.

    replyreport
12. 61

    buddinglinguistposted 12 years ago

    Mint, toast, and bananas (for me at least) work very well in settling an upset stomach.
    
    I've found in Western medicine that people focus too much on the symptoms and not on the root cause. Identify what makes your stomach upset and lower your intake of those foods. If it's chronic, you should see a doctor to make sure everything's OK.

    replyreport
13. 71

    momaoakposted 12 years ago

    I have suffered from upset stomach's for years and have found that hot green tea with honey works really well, as does ginger or peppermint tea. My father always made hot green tea when I was sick, and it works.

    replyreport
14. 73

    rdownposted 12 years ago

    My mom used to boil a bay leaf in water for about 5-10 minutes and then add a bit of sugar.  Tates good and supposed to help your digestion.

    replyreport
15. 61

    A C Nortalposted 12 years ago

    Honestly, I find that laying on my back is one of the best ways to settle my stomach. Our impulse is to lay in fetal position, but the lining of the stomach is thicker in the back. Laying on your back allows your stomach acid to spread out along the thicker lining which doesn't feel as much irritation. At least, this is what I've been told. I don't really have any scientific proof of it.
    
    Also, ginger, peppermint, some say milk is good others say milk is bad.
    
    When I had a stress ulcer I was put on the BRAT diet, which is Broth, Rice, Applesauce and Tea. These are foods that shouldn't upset your stomach because they are so neutral.

    replyreport
16. 59

    netraptorposted 12 years ago

    Depends on what's causing the stomach problem. One thing that works wonders is a couple tablespoons of lemon or lime juice with half a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in it. Drink it once the fizzing stops. It reduces the acidity in your stomach and kills off bad yeast. It's more for general discomfort, though.
    
    If you have diarrhea, nothing's going to touch it until it lets up. Blueberries and bananas help rejuvenate your stomach after a stomach bug. Also mint tea, but everybody else has already mentioned that. :-)

    replyreport
17. 84

    daisydayzposted 12 years ago

    If its just a one off bout, flat coke, helps get the sugar you need and settle any acid in your stomach. If its long term, then yes healthy eatting is the only way to go,

    replyreport
18. 60

    GoldenLotus69posted 12 years ago

    Fine dried mint leaves (smashed/crumpled by rubbing with palms) added on food or drinks always works for me and my family. For food, we usually eat mongo rice (rice with mongo seeds cooked together) and yoghurt, and we sprinkle the dried mint leaves on both rice and yoghurt. Then, we drink rose water juice made of rose water, khak shir/ teff seeds, water, sugar, and ice. Another remedy we use is grated apple, rose water, sugar, and ice mixed together, then we eat or drink it cold. These have always worked for us. Got these remedies from my husband who is a doctor. Hope they work for you too.

    replyreport
19. 84

    krillcoposted 12 years ago

    I grow culinary and medicinal herbs. Gather a cup of mint leaves (common mint, not one of the fancy other flavors), wash them in just water, steep them in a cup or so of boiling water, remove the leaves, add half a teaspoon of honey, and drink it once it cools enough to do so.

    replyreport
20. 61

    YvetteParkerposted 12 years ago

    Drinking gingerale normally does the trick for me. I do not like taking OTC drugs either.

    replyreport
21. 61

    creativebutterflyposted 12 years ago

    I agree Mint settles your stomach so does  Camomile or warm water.

    replyreport
22. 60

    royalblkroseposted 12 years ago

    ginger ale or ginger tea. (get some ginger root, shave or cut into pieces- simmer in water, for about 20 min... strain and serve.... strongly advise using stevia, honey or agave nectar to sweeten).

    replyreport
23. 68

    eric2112posted 12 years ago

    I often sip on a glass of ginger ale. The combination of carbonation and the flavor calm my stomach almost immediately.

    replyreport
24. 0

    oceansiderposted 12 years ago

    I don't get an upset stomach often, but the times I did, I drank peppermint tea and that seemed to alleviate the problem.  Another thing that works great is eating yogurt.

    replyreport
25. 60

    Vasiliki Bourasposted 12 years ago

    Ginger root, cut up in chamomile tea works wonders for me.

    replyreport
26. 62

    annaglomeshposted 12 years ago

    I use fresh ginger cut up in hot  water..

    replyreport
27. 71

    Steven Grayposted 12 years ago

    I like to warm up coconut milk with turmeric and ginger.  It is very soothing, and delicious to boot.

    replyreport
28. 72

    JamiJayposted 12 years ago

    Real foods such as, ginger root, and/or hot water with lemon juice. Caffeine free teas containing lemon or ginger, tend to work as well (but avoid teas with added sugars are artificial flavoring).
    When sick, avoiding sodas and ginger ales are best. These products contain high amounts of sugar and will actually hurt your stomach more. And are usually not naturally flavored (if they are labeled as being so, they usually contain very small traces of natural flavorings).
    Keep it as raw and real as possible when your sick, it's always best.

    replyreport
    1. 76

       jacksson47posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Actually, drinks that contain the unnatural sugary substance known as fructose (a derivative of corn syrup) should be avoided at all times. I worked in a fructose factory one time and I would not want to tell you what goes into the chemical brew.

       replyreport
29. 71

    nancynurseposted 12 years ago

    I like to suck on a peppermint stick or drink ginger ale. The ginger acts as a natural to soothe an upset stomach

    replyreport
30. 52

    Serendipididuousposted 11 years ago

    Mint is a natural cure for nausea.  Suck on a mint candy, rub mint extract under your nose.  We use it in the hospital to keep us from gagging on sour smells.

    replyreport
31. 73

    lone77starposted 11 years ago

    The best way to settle an upset stomach is preventative rather than reactive.
    
    Stop eating packaged food. Stop eating unnatural food that has had chemical additives, like American beef. It's the chemicals (steroids and the like) that cause cancer, not wholesome, natural beef.
    
    Apple cider vinegar is one method that works beautifully, but it tastes awful.
    
    Papaya fruit is a much better way. Ginger tea can sometimes help, too.

    replyreport
32. 49

    Rawlifeposted 11 years ago

    Baking soda is the bomb! You just add 1 tsp baking soda to 1/2 cup water and drink it up.  It worked REALLY well for my horrible stomach upset after eating some "homemade" cottage cheese that someone made. I literally felt like a knife was stabbing my insides and pulling them all inwards.  I took the bs and water and was 90% better within minutes! I took some more later that night when I thought it was coming up again, and it prevented more episodes.

    replyreport
    1. 59

       eeloposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Yep. Baking soda.  Everything's a "chemical", but this is one of the most natural & harmless ones there is.  It should help balance the pH in your gut.

       replyreport
33. 59

    RichieMogwaiposted 11 years ago

    An upset stomach is usually caused by excess acid buildup. When I did not know any better, I used to take antacids to fight my heartburn after eating, until I discovered something better: alkaline water. Here's the trick. If you drink alkaline water all the time, you will not have to worry about an upset stomach caused by acidity.  This is because alkaline water also known as glacier water has zero acidity, or pH level 3 and 4.  Some commercial variants are Happy Water or any other glacier water in the market. Coconut water is natural alkaline water, except when sugar is added, which will acidify any water we ingest.

    replyreport
34. 60

    FLDawnposted 11 years ago

    Ginger is very calming to the digestive system.  I use ginger ale, or make some white rice and add a tiny bit of ginger to the rice while cooking.  That way, you get some much needed calories, substance, and the settling effects of ginger all at once.

    replyreport
35. 56

    Wendy Bradleyposted 11 years ago

    Eric,
    
    My family uses peppermint herbal tea to settle an upset stomach. Mint works well with the digestive system, is natural, and does not compromise your health. Happy "Tea"ing!

    replyreport
36. 88

    Novel Treasureposted 11 years ago

    Ginger is also another way to aid an upset stomach. Small amounts are typically enough.

    replyreport
37. 60

    Lor's Storiesposted 11 years ago

    This works: coke and potato chips.
    Or ginger-ale.
    Don't know why this works but I bet my stomach on it.

    replyreport
38. 49

    olivia13posted 11 years ago

    i always eat ice cream, vanilla, and or i sometimes will eat white rice with salsa.
    it makes your stomach feel like nothing has ever happened.

    replyreport
39. 75

    Crissyliteposted 11 years ago

    pure ginger ale or a full glass of water

    replyreport
40. 59

    BChild75posted 11 years ago

    ginger ale, crackers, bread, tomato juice, as something to do with the acid in it aids in the comfort.

    replyreport
    1. 67

       Lady Guinevereposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       yeah ginger ale and saltine crackers.  I forgot about them.  How could I I have ulcerative colitis and when my stomach gets upset I will drink and eat these for three days in a row.

       replyreport
41. 52

    chooseapath30posted 11 years ago

    I have heard that if lie on your stomach with arms above your head, head to one side, and one leg pulled up, it will help. I have also found that crackers help and a soda w/out color, like Sierra Mist, Sprite, or 7 Up. Hope these help.

    replyreport
42. 90

    suzettenaplesposted 11 years ago

    Try coke syrup or drink some coca-cola.  Chamomile tea works best for me.  Saltine crackers help dry up a sour stomach.  It absorbs the unnecessary acid I your stomach.

    replyreport
    1. 50

       Barbararuth53posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Ginger has been proven to be very effective. Ginger-ale is easy to use. But, then again, that is a "chemical". What isn't?

       replyreport
43. 67

    Lady Guinevereposted 11 years ago

    apples, celery and as a last resort a teas of baking soda in 8 oz of water.

    replyreport
44. 58

    Fat2Fabposted 11 years ago

    Ginger tea works well for a upset stomach, as well as peppermint tea

    replyreport
45. 80

    Bruce Feierabendposted 11 years ago

    I'll add one that hasn't been mentioned. An apple a day as the old adage says is actually very medicinal for the stomach. It has completely stopped my acid reflux.
    To go along with the other suggestions, the use of honey is also good but make sure it is raw honey. With processed honey you might as well just take a spoonful of sugar because that's what it turns into.
    Proper eating habits is much better then drugs or chemicals which really only treat the symptoms.
    Good health!

    replyreport
46. 0

    AK Chenowethposted 10 years ago

    The best way is to drink pepperming tea.  Peppermint is a natural 'healer' of the digestive system.

    replyreport
47. 69

    Amethystravenposted 10 years ago

    I have personally found that ginger root, and peppermint help settle my stomach. A friend of mine uses papaya to settle hers. There are lots of natural ways. If it's you that is having the stomach problems, is there anything you are eating or drinking that your body doesn't want inside if it anymore?

    replyreport
48. 68

    MarieAlana1posted 10 years ago

    You could go with the BRAT diet for upset stomach.
    B- bread
    R- red tea
    A- apples/ applesauce
    T- toast

    replyreport
    1. 76

       jacksson47posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       It is my understanding that R is for rice, not red tea. Nothing wrong with red tea though.

       replyreport
    2. 60

       Traci Ruffnerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I always heard R was for rice as well.

       replyreport
49. 76

    jacksson47posted 10 years ago

    Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.

    replyreport
50. 49

    stherndonna86posted 10 years ago

    Diet ginger ale (no ice)  and sucking on suger free peppermint candy. Saltless crackers, 2 hrs into the upset. Warm lemon water or green tea. Dry toast or melba toast. Bland food the entire next day.  I'm  usually sick a couple days after a upset stomach.

    replyreport
    1. 61

       tammiejo67posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I use defizzed ginger ale.  Diet or regular but I usually prefer no artificial sweeteners and go regular.

       replyreport