6 Tips For Treating an Upset Stomach

An upset stomach isn’t a fun affair.  When you start to feel a churning and cramping sensation, it can quickly begin to bring on anxiety and leave you wondering how long it’s going to be until you start vomiting.  

While usually an upset stomach is a result of a virus and is generally harmless, in some cases it is a sign of something more serious.  For example, it could be appendicitis which requires going to emergency services immediately.  However, assuming it’s not anything more serious and just an upset stomach, try the following remedies.

Take Charcoal Pills

Many people swear by charcoal to help stop the onset of an upset stomach right away.  Because of its absorbent properties, it can soak up as much as 80% of toxins in your stomach.

For this reason, hospitals use activated charcoal for overdose patients because it’s incredibly effective in stopping toxins from being absorbed by the gut and entering the bloodstream.

Drink Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea has long been recommended for people who are suffering from an upset stomach because it alleviates the symptoms of nausea.

If you start to feel nauseous, you should brew a pot of peppermint tea and sip on it slowly.  You’ll probably start to feel less nauseous in no time.  You may want to try a peppermint lozenge as well for extra relief if your symptoms are particularly severe.

Avoid Laying Down

Although you may be feeling weak and tired, your symptoms may be worse if you lay down.  The weight of gravity on your gut may cause you to feel more discomfort in a laying down position.

Therefore, it’s recommended to prop yourself up as much as possible if you can.  

Eliminate Alcohol and Smoking

Alcohol and smoking while experiencing an upset stomach isn’t recommended for various reasons.  The first being that they are toxins which can cause your illness to advance further.

In addition, they can increase feelings of nausea. If you’re a regular smoker, you may want to consider using a patch until your symptoms have subsided.

Eat Easily Digested Foods

One of the worst things that you can do for an upset stomach is to eat heavy foods which are difficult for your stomach to break down.  It’s important to eat the BRAT diet when your stomach is bothering you. You’ll find that you feel better much faster.

Use Heat

Taking a warm bath or using a heating pad can ease the discomfort of an upset stomach. Heat can alleviate indigestion and relax muscles which are tensed up as due to your upset stomach. Try keeping the heat around your belly for at least 20 minutes, and your symptoms will likely be alleviated in that time.

 

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