Upset Stomach: Quick Help and Simple Fixes
Got an upset stomach? It can ruin your day fast. Whether it's bloating, nausea, acid, or loose stools, you can often feel better with a few practical moves. Below I’ll walk you through why it happens, easy relief you can try at home, and when to call a doctor.
Common causes and quick fixes
Most upset stomachs come from food choices, a stomach bug, stress, or medication side effects. Food poisoning usually hits fast and hard, viral gastroenteritis brings nausea and watery diarrhea, while indigestion and heartburn show up after rich or spicy meals. NSAIDs and some antibiotics can also irritate the gut.
For quick relief, try these steps: stop eating heavy or greasy foods; sip clear fluids to avoid dehydration; eat small bland meals (think toast, rice, bananas); and rest. Ginger tea or a small slice of fresh ginger often calms nausea. Peppermint helps some people with cramping but can make heartburn worse, so skip it if you feel acid reflux.
OTC options, diet, and when to see a doctor
Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize acid fast. H2 blockers (like famotidine) or short-term proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole) help when you have frequent heartburn. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may settle mild diarrhea and upset stomach. Use OTC meds as directed and talk to a pharmacist or doctor if you take other medicines.
Change what you eat for a couple of days: skip dairy, alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, and spicy dishes. Stick to low-fiber, low-fat, easy-to-digest options until symptoms calm. Probiotics can help restore balance after antibiotic-related diarrhea, and staying hydrated with oral rehydration solutions matters more than you might think.
See a doctor right away if you have severe belly pain, a high fever, persistent vomiting that prevents keeping fluids down, bloody or black stools, signs of dehydration (dizziness, very little urine), yellowing of skin/eyes, or symptoms lasting more than 48–72 hours. Infants, older adults, and people with weak immune systems should get medical attention sooner.
Small changes prevent many flare-ups: wash hands before eating and after bathroom use, keep perishable foods refrigerated, eat slowly, avoid trigger foods you’ve noticed before, and manage stress with breathing or gentle exercise. If upset stomachs keep returning, track what you eat and when symptoms appear — that info helps your clinician find triggers.
Want more on related topics like safe antibiotics, supplements for digestion, or when to switch medications? Check the RedBoxRX guides for practical articles and clear advice you can use right away.
May, 6 2023