How to Treat an Upset Stomach at Home

Stomach pain and nausea are very common among both children and adults alike. These symptoms can be caused by many things, from overeating and anxiety to infection and gastrointestinal disorders.

Even though nausea is obviously an uncomfortable thing to experience, it can almost always be treated at home and without medical care. Our AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road team highlights what you can do yourself to reduce those symptoms and feel better.

• Here’s what to do: First, sit up and avoid lying down. When you’re nauseous, your natural reaction is to lie down to feel better. However, this isn’t actually helpful. When you lie flat, gastric juices may rise and increase feelings of nausea and overall discomfort—especially if you have acid reflux or GERD. Instead, when you’re nauseous, try reclining with your upper body elevated and moving around as little as possible.

• What to do next: Consider ginger. Ginger is an herb that is widely used for its medicinal properties. One of the most common uses of ginger is as a remedy for nausea, as it has some antiemetic effects. You can try it raw, in tea form or by taking a capsule.

• What to do after: Try peppermint tea. Because peppermint tea contains a range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it is used for a variety of ailments. One of its most well-known traditional uses is to reduce nausea by soothing your stomach.

• Something else to try: 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.

• When you’re nauseous, make sure to avoid: Carbonated, sweetened beverages. Ginger ale and cola have been said to relieve nausea, but, really, the opposite is true. Carbonated drinks may cause bloating and worsen acid reflux and GERD, all of which may cause nausea. In addition, most fizzy beverages are loaded with sugar, which can make nausea even worse.

• Also, don’t forget to try: 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: Stomach pain and nausea are often short-lived and get better on their own. However, persistent symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition. See a doctor if episodes of nausea last more than one month, or you have nausea along with unexplained weight loss.

• Doctor recommendations: Stay hydrated! Drinking enough water throughout the day is one of the best ways to prevent nausea from happening.

Feeling rough? Our AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road team can help you feel better, so don’t hesitate to stop by today!