How to Get Rid of an Upset Stomach

Having an upset stomach and feeling nauseous isn’t fun. It can ruin your day and make normal, daily activities much harder than they need to be.

Thankfully, feeling nauseous isn’t typically a cause for concern and can be adequately treated at home! Our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail team highlights ways you can make your upset stomach feel better below.

  • Here’s what to do: Try ginger. For forever, people have turned to ginger as a cure-all for everything from pain to nausea, and it’s not a myth! Studies have shown that ginger can be a very effective treatment for nausea and an upset stomach. Ginger is available in many different forms, as ginger chews and supplements are easy to take, while other people prefer their ginger in beverage form.

  • What to do next: Try chamomile tea. A nice cup of chamomile tea can help ease the pain of an upset stomach by acting as an anti-inflammatory. These anti-inflammatory properties help your stomach muscles relax, which can reduce the pain of cramping and spasms.

  • What to do after: Consider peppermint. Peppermint oil has been found to be a safe and effective way to combat nausea. You can take peppermint capsules or drink peppermint tea to experience its benefits.

  • Something else to remember: Avoid lying down. When you lie flat on your back, gastric juices can rise and increase feelings of nausea and overall discomfort. Instead, when you’re nauseous, try reclining with your upper body elevated and moving around as little as possible.

  • Another proven method: Apple cider vinegar. Yes, we know this stuff doesn’t taste great, but apple cider vinegar can neutralize an upset stomach. If you hate how it tastes, mix a tablespoon with a cup of water and a teaspoon of honey, and sip it slowly.

  • Also, don’t forget about: OTC medications. Antiemetic medications, like Dramamine and Pepto-Bismol, are anti-nausea drugs that can help to reduce feelings of nausea or vomiting.

  • Action steps to take: If you notice that you are consistently having stomach troubles after eating certain foods or engaging in specific activities, talk with a doctor about your symptoms. It may be nothing, but a quick trip to our AFC center can rule out Crohn’s disease, a food allergy or any other concerns.

  • Doctor recommendations: Nausea is preventable in most cases. Steer clear of foods that cause an upset stomach, such as alcohol, caffeine, fatty or greasy foods, spicy foods, and non-cultured dairy products, such as milk, cheese and ice cream.

Feeling rough? Don’t hesitate to visit AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail today!