Upset Stomach (2024)

Treatment

Most stomach aches can be treated at home. During the first 24 to 36 hours, the best treatment is a diet of clear liquids in frequent, small amounts. Drink enough fluids to keep your urine a pale yellow or clear color. If you vomit, start with sips of water or sucking on ice chips. If these are well tolerated, try other fluids:

  • Sports drinks
  • Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as 7-Up, Sprite or ginger ale
  • Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry or cranberry(avoid citrus juices)
  • Clear soup broth or bouillon
  • Popsicles
  • Decaffeinated tea

If fluids are well tolerated, slowly add bland solid foods, but continue to focus on fluid intake at the same time.

  • White toast with only honey or jelly
  • Soda crackers
  • Plain white rice
  • Applesauce
  • Bananas

FOODS TO AVOID: non-cultured dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream,) spicy, greasy or fatty foods, whole grains, raw vegetables, alcohol, caffeine.

It may take several days to one week to regain your appetite, energy level, and for bowels to be normal again.

Upset Stomach (2024)

FAQs

Upset Stomach? ›

The most common causes of abdominal pain or upset stomach can be classified into three general categories: digestive problems, inflammation and female reproduction. Digestive problems: If you experience abdominal pain after you eat, you may have indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies or food poisoning.

How to settle an upset tummy? ›

Treatment & Prevention
  1. Sports drinks.
  2. Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as 7-Up, Sprite or ginger ale.
  3. Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry or cranberry (avoid citrus juices)
  4. Clear soup broth or bouillon.
  5. Popsicles.
  6. Decaffeinated tea.

What causes an upset stomach? ›

This kind of pain stems from a digestion issue, menstruation, or a passing virus. For example: Digestion issues, including indigestion, gas, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, and food poisoning, are all extremely common causes of stomach pain.

What is the best medicine for an upset stomach? ›

Antacids (such as Tums and Rolaids) are a good choice for heartburn and sour stomach. And medicines that contain bismuth subsalicylate (like Pepto-Bismol) can help treat diarrhea and nausea. If you're not sure which medicine to take for your upset stomach, talk with your healthcare professional.

How can I settle my stomach in 5 minutes? ›

You can also try applying a warm compress to your stomach, such as a heating pad or warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. This can help alleviate pain and cramping. Moreover, drinking a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice can help to soothe an upset stomach.

How long should an upset tummy last? ›

In adults and children: diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days. vomiting usually stops in 1 or 2 days.

What food settles your stomach? ›

Foods and drinks like bananas, white rice, toast, crackers, and broth are gentle on your digestive system and can help you recover from an upset stomach. It's best to avoid foods and drinks that are difficult to digest and may worsen GI symptoms.

Why is my stomach upset but I'm not sick? ›

Stomach pain may be due to factors like certain medications you're taking, gluten or lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or stress. Stomach trouble can be short-lived, come and go, or show up only after you eat, all of which are clues to the cause.

What not to do with upset stomach? ›

According to Dr. Lee, foods to avoid with an upset stomach include:
  1. Spicy foods.
  2. Greasy or oily foods.
  3. Fried foods.
  4. Fatty foods.
  5. Certain dairy foods, like milk, soft cheeses and ice cream.
  6. Alcohol.
  7. Caffeine.
  8. Foods containing insoluble fiber, such as whole wheat foods, nuts and seeds, beans and raw and cruciferous vegetables.
Feb 22, 2024

What kills the stomach virus? ›

There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses. Treatment first involves self-care measures, such as staying hydrated.

How to lay down to relieve stomach pain? ›

Sleep professionals agree that sleeping on your back and left side is best for digestion and pain management. While knowing what side to lay on when your stomach hurts can help you avoid further discomfort, it is ultimately your body that will make the decision of what feels right.

How to relieve stomach pain? ›

Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water. Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse. When you are allowed to eat again, start with clear liquids, then progress to bland foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods.

Is Pepto-Bismol or Tums better? ›

Pepto-Bismol has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 30 ratings on Drugs.com. 71% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 18% reported a negative effect. Tums Regular Strength has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 4 ratings on Drugs.com.

How do I stop my upset stomach ASAP? ›

Staying hydrated and drinking clear fluids like water, herbal tea, and bone broth can help relieve an upset stomach. Avoiding carbonated or caffeinated beverages can also help alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach, and these beverages can often make your symptoms worse.

How do I empty my stomach ASAP? ›

The following natural colon cleanses can be done cheaply, and they're also quite safe if done correctly.
  1. Hydration. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. ...
  2. Saltwater flush. ...
  3. High fiber diet. ...
  4. Juices and smoothies. ...
  5. Juice fast. ...
  6. More resistant starches. ...
  7. Probiotics. ...
  8. Herbal teas.

What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug? ›

Self care
  1. Let your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.
  2. Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. ...
  3. Ease back into eating. ...
  4. Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. ...
  5. Get plenty of rest. ...
  6. Try anti-diarrhea medications.

How to make your tummy stop hurting? ›

Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water. Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse. When you are allowed to eat again, start with clear liquids, then progress to bland foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods.

How long does it take for an upset stomach to calm down? ›

An upset stomach typically goes away on its own within 48 hours. Sometimes stomach pain indicates a more serious health problem, however. Know when to speak to a healthcare professional for stomach pain. Speak to a medical professional if your symptoms do not go away after a day or two.

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