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There are many reasons why your stomach might be upset. Sometimes it seems silly to go to a doctor if it's just something that's not sitting well with you. Here are some ideas to keep the nausea at bay.
Steps
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Try eating just a bit. Something light and simple might settle your stomach. Try eating yogurt, bland crackers, or high fiber foods. Avoid spicy or acidic foods, dairy (yogurt being the lone exception -- it's full of probiotics), or anything with a strong scent. [1] X Expert Source Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 24 August 2021. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- If the thought of food just grosses you out, don't force it. You may just make things worse.
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Drink something. Your stomachache may be a result of dehydration. If you want, try an herbal tea as an alternative to water. [3] X Expert Source Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 24 August 2021. Also try Gatorade; it has many more minerals that help calm your stomach. [4] X Research source- If you're puking or have diarrhea, it's especially important that you stay hydrated. Your body is losing fluid at an alarming rate and it should be replaced as soon as possible.
- If neither of these are an option, try ginger ale or flat soda. Flat! Not the fresh kind.
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Go for the BRAT diet. BRAT stands for B ananas, R ice, A pplesauce and T oast. You can add other bland foods to the BRAT diet, too. For example, you can try saltine crackers, boiled potatoes, or clear soups. Don't start eating dairy products and sugary or fatty foods right away. These foods may trigger nausea even more. [5] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor.org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
- This may not be so good for children, however. Because BRAT diet foods are low in fiber, protein, and fat, the diet lacks enough nutrition to help a child's gastrointestinal tract recover. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that kids resume eating a normal, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age within 24 hours of getting sick. That diet should include a mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, yogurt, and complex carbohydrates. [6] X Research source
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Go to the bathroom. Take a book or something to take your mind off the pain. Unfortunately, you may just have to wait.
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Vomit. Sometimes, the pain is not going to go away until you throw up. Be ready as soon as your stomach cramps begin, but only induce vomiting if the pain has not stopped within 2-3 hours.
- Though it won't be your most fashionable accessory, keep a bucket or other container nearby. You'll be grateful you don't need to run to the bathroom.
- If you still have pain in 5-6 hours after vomiting a few times and eating something, call your doctor. Take your temperature and monitor your other symptoms, too.
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Rest. Though motion sickness is a very specific thing, once you're already sick, motion does you absolutely zero favors. Lie down and get comfortable. If that's not an option, stay as motionless as possible. [7] X Research source
- This goes for babies and children, too. All ages will benefit from outside stability when the same can't be said for the insides.
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Visit your doctor. If the problem persists, your upset stomach is just a symptom of a grander issue. [8] X Expert Source Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 24 August 2021. If you experience nausea for an extended period of time in addition to other symptoms like pain, trouble walking, and rashes, call a doctor immediately. [9] X Research source- Most upset stomachs resolve themselves within a few hours. If yours persists, look for other symptoms. If they are present, you may want to consider a doctor visit.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat soothes an upset stomach?Dr. Muhammad Khan is a Gastroenterologist, with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Khan specializes in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, and has a special focus in Therapeutic Endoscopy. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate of Medicine degrees from The University of Utah. Dr. Khan completed his residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He then completed his fellowship training at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).Try taking bismuth subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto Bismol), which can help reduce stomach acid and make you feel better.
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QuestionWhat drink helps an upset stomach?Dr. Muhammad Khan is a Gastroenterologist, with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Khan specializes in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, and has a special focus in Therapeutic Endoscopy. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate of Medicine degrees from The University of Utah. Dr. Khan completed his residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He then completed his fellowship training at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).Some people find that herbal tea is a good remedy. Whatever you do, stay away from acidic drinks like lemonade and soda.
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QuestionWhen should I be concerned about an upset stomach?Dr. Muhammad Khan is a Gastroenterologist, with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Khan specializes in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, and has a special focus in Therapeutic Endoscopy. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate of Medicine degrees from The University of Utah. Dr. Khan completed his residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He then completed his fellowship training at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).You should definitely call your doctor if you have a persistent upset stomach.
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Tips
- Dry crackers and chicken noodle soup may help settle your stomach.Thanks
- You can drink water, Gatorade, teas, Ginger Ale, or any fluid with electrolytes or minerals.Thanks
- Try lying down with your feet elevated. This has been scientifically proven to help fight the stomach pain..Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you feel like you need to throw up but can't, hold a toothbrush in your mouth for as long as you can. Just don't do this too much!
- Peppermint tea, or just anything with peppermint, can sometimes help ease an upset stomach.
- When my stomach is upset I like to put either a hot or cold pack on it and just rest.
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Warnings
- Do not hesitate to call your doctor if you are experiencing other symptoms, too.Thanks
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References
- ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board-Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/7316-indigestion-dyspepsia
- ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board-Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/medical/common-student-concerns/upset-stomach/
- ↑ http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/food-nutrition/weight-loss/brat-diet-recovering-from-an-upset-stomach.html
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/children/brat-diet
- ↑ https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/health/upset-stomach/
- ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board-Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/abdominal-pain-in-adults-treatment
About This Article
Article Summary
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To soothe an upset stomach, try eating a little yoghurt, crackers, or high-fiber foods. You should also try to drink tea, since dehydration can make upset stomachs worse. While you’re waiting for the problem to go away, try to go to the bathroom to clear the problem sooner, or rest to avoid upsetting your stomach more. You can also take Pepto Bismol if you need to get better sooner. If the pain lasts more than 3 hours, you may have to induce vomiting. Finally, call your doctor if the pain lasts more than 6 hours after vomiting. Scroll down to learn what the BRAT diet is and who should use it.
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- "I was having a really bad stomach ache to the point I was crying. I tried some of the tips and they worked. I found out it was just from eating too much sugar. Now I don't eat a lot of sugar unless it's a special occasion." ..." more
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"I was having a really bad stomach ache to the point I was crying. I tried some of the tips and they worked. I found out it was just from eating too much sugar. Now I don't eat a lot of sugar unless it's a special occasion."
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"I had eaten hot Cheetos and water and had too much water. And I tried staying motionless and it worked!"
"All the advice about what to do and eat was very helpful."
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