This article was co-authored by Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. 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).
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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
What to Eat & Drink
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1Try 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] [2]
- If the thought of food just grosses you out, don't force it. You may just make things worse.
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2Drink something. Your stomachache may be a result of dehydration. If you want, try an herbal tea as an alternative to water.[3] Also try Gatorade; it has many more minerals that help calm your stomach.[4]
- 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.[5]
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3Go for the BRAT diet. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. 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.[6]
- 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.[7]
What to Do
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1Go 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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2Vomit. 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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3Rest. 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.[8]
- 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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4Visit your doctor. If the problem persists, your upset stomach is just a symptom of a grander issue.[9] 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.[10]
- 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.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat soothes an upset stomach?
Muhammad Khan, MD, MPHDr. 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).
Board Certified GastroenterologistTry taking bismuth subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto Bismol), which can help reduce stomach acid and make you feel better. -
QuestionWhat drink helps an upset stomach?Muhammad Khan, MD, MPHDr. 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).
Board Certified GastroenterologistSome people find that herbal tea is a good remedy. Whatever you do, stay away from acidic drinks like lemonade and soda. -
QuestionWhen should I be concerned about an upset stomach?Muhammad Khan, MD, MPHDr. 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).
Board Certified GastroenterologistYou should definitely call your doctor if you have a persistent upset stomach.
Warnings
- Do not hesitate to call your doctor if you are experiencing other symptoms, too.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/7316-upset-stomach-indigestion/care-and-treatment
- ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/medical/common-student-concerns/upset-stomach/
- ↑ http://firstaid.webmd.com/stomachache-and-nausea-children
- ↑ http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/food-nutrition/weight-loss/brat-diet-recovering-from-an-upset-stomach.html
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/brat-diet
- ↑ https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/health/upset-stomach/
- ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
About This Article
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.
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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