Personal Home Remedies for Calming an Upset Stomach

You're lying in bed late at night or in the wee hours of the morning when you awaken feeling like you are going to vomit or with bile already in your throat.

Occasional Indigestion

Many times stomach pain is simply the result of over-indulging or eating greasy, spicy foods earlier that evening. When that is the case, try these home remedies. These home remedies focus on helping to break down the excess fat and counter-act the excess acid produced in your stomach.

Remedies from Items in the Refrigerator or Cupboard

Carbonated Drinks

One remedy, handed down from my grandmother, which works pretty well most of the time, is to drink warm Coca Cola. Pour Coca Cola (works best if it is the Real Thing, not generic) in a coffee cup. Heat the Coca Cola until hot, but not boiling, in a microwave or on top of the stove. Add one tablespoon of sugar. The Coke will fizz up once you add the sugar. Drink immediately. This seems to help absorb toxins in the stomach. Also, just drinking Coca Cola helps sooths the stomach when too much fat has been ingested. Some people swear by clear carbonated drinks like Sprite or Seven Up, but Coke works the best for me.

Another remedy that works, but should not be taken if you have ulcers or gastritis (irritation of the stomach lining) as this remedy can cause further irritation, is to add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. Drink this immediately. This concoction causes burping, relieving excess gas in the stomach.

Water

On the other hand, if I have indulged in too many carbonated drinks, drinking water helps, as it seems to dilute the excess carbonation. Usually, it takes at least one 16 oz bottle of water to help. And, yes, you will feel really bloated. But, that's what you get for over-indulging, right?

Apples, Applesauce

For me, eating apples also seems to neutralize excess acid, especially after eating a high-fat meal. According to Wikipedia, it has been proven that pectin (an ingredient in apples) helps prevent nausea--

In medicine, pectin increases viscosity and volume of stool so that it is used against constipation and diarrhea. Until 2002, it was one of the main ingredients used in Kaopectate, along with kaolinite. Pectin is also used in wound healing preparations and specialty medical adhesives, such as colostomy devices. Also, it is considered a natural remedy for nausea. (Pectin)

Licorice

Although some people recommend drinking mint tea, I find that anything mint actually aggravates my stomach lining causing it to burn.

Those with acid reflux are advised by doctors to avoid mint. Licorice is actually the way to go, because it is flavored with anise, which aids in digestion, says Tanya Zuckerbrot, nutritionist and author of the F-Factor. Peppermint and spearmint may actually cause distress. (Spicy or Bland? 6 Acid Reflux Myths You Should Know)

Ginger

Ginger or ginger spice, obtained from a health food store, also work well for some stomach aches. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, there are precautions that should be taken before using Ginger. Ginger is an herb and as such contains components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine. Side effects associated with ginger are rare, but if taken in excessive doses the herb may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea and irritation of the mouth. Some of the mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as belching, heartburn, or stomach upset, may be relieved by taking ginger supplements in capsules.

People with gallstones should consult a doctor before taking ginger. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are taking ginger and will be undergoing surgery or placed under anesthesia for any reason.

Do not take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin. (Medical Reference Complementary Medicine--Ginger)

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal, available at Wal-Greens and many other drug stores or at discount stores such as Wal-Mart and K-mart, helps absorb toxins in the stomach.

In 1831, in front of his distinguished colleagues at the French Academy of Medicine, Professor Touery drank a lethal dose of strychnine and lived to tell the tale. He had combined the deadly poison with activated charcoal.

That's how powerful activated charcoal is as an emergency decontaminant in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the stomach and intestines. Activated charcoal is considered to be the most effective single agent available. It is used after a person swallows or absorbs almost any toxic drug or chemical. (Activated Charcoal)

Bland Foods

Activia or Yo-Plus yogurt works very well for calming my stomach, as does eating something bland like a banana, rice, applesauce, toast, or a bowl of cereal.

There have been times when I couldn't sleep because of stomach problems. If this has happened to you, my advice is quit trying to sleep. Get out of bed, fix a bowl of cereal, like Total or some other bland, unsweetened cereal with skimmed milk. Then, head for the television and watch a relaxing movie. Once finished eating the cereal, prop yourself up on the arm of the sofa with bed pillows so that you are half-reclining. Watch television until falling asleep (it usually didn't take very long).

Sometimes, eating saltine crackers works, but, if an irritated stomach lining is causing the upset stomach, this can actually aggravate the stomach. After all, salt is abrasive to wounds. (Nausea and Vomiting)

Medicines

Pepto Bismal, Imodium, Kaopectate

Another common cause of stomach ache is diarrhea. Most of the time, diarrhea doesn't require treatment. It usually lasts only a couple of days whether you treat it or not. Diarrhea, like vomiting, is your body's way of purging toxins out of your system. However, medicine can help you feel better, especially if you also have cramping.

Antidiarrheal medicines include loperamide (one brand name: Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (two brand names: Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol). Bismuth subsalicylate can also be used for upset stomach and as an antiemetic (a medicine that treats nausea and vomiting). Pepto Bismal may help with a stomach ache if this is the problem. Pepto Bismal is a bismuth subsalicylate that works by balancing the way fluid moves through the intestines. It also reduces inflammation and keeps certain bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea from growing in the stomach and intestines. (OTC Medicines)

Avoid high-glucose beverages as high sugar content may draw fluid to the gut which will only worsen the condition. Also, avoid uncooked foods and dairy products. Eat bland and dry foods. If diarrhea continues, take anti-diarrhea medication to reduce the fluidity and the frequency of bowel movement. Try drinking fluids high in electrolytes and oral dehydration agents to help replenish liquid loss, such as Gatorade or Powerade. A simple electrolyte drink can be home-made by using the correct proportions of water, sugar, salt, salt substitute for potassium, and baking soda. However, effective electrolyte replacements should include all electrolytes required by the body, including sodium chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium that can be either obtained in a sports drink or a solid electrolyte capsule. (Electrolyte)

Depending on the cause of your diarrhea, you may also need to take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic for you, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking any OTC medicine to relieve your symptoms. (OTC Medicines)

When not to use anti-diarrheal medicines

When diarrhea is a symptom of an infection caused by bacteria or parasites, antidiarrheal medicines can actually make the condition worse. This is because the medicine keeps your body from getting rid of the bacteria or parasite that is causing the diarrhea.

Talk to your family doctor if you think your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial or parasitic infection. (OTC-Medicines)

Tums, Rolaids

Tums, Rolaids or other antacids can be used if you suspect excess acid in your stomach. However, antacids with high sodium content should not be taken if you have a history of heart disease, hypertension and liver failure.

The flavoring in TUMS Smoothies Cocoa & Creme and Smoothies Assorted Fruit tablets contains dairy, so those with very serious or life-threatening allergies to dairy, should avoid Smoothies. See TUMS website for more information. TUMS also offers coupons at their website to try their products. (TUMS Faqs)

Camphor Rubs, Menthol

Other treatment options such as topical analgesics usually used in combination of menthol or camphor as rubs can also alleviate abdominal pain if caused by menstrual cramps or muscle cramps.

Anti-Ulcer Medications-Prilosec, Tagament, Pepcid Complete

If the problem is excess bile, caused by eating fatty foods, or irritation to the stomach lining caused by over-indulging in spicy or acidic foods, take Prilose, Tagament, or Pepcid Complete. Anti-ulcer agents suppress the production of gastric acid, thus providing symptomatic relief. .Within half an hour your stomach should begin to feel better.

Go Ahead and Purge

Sometimes, if you feel the need to vomit, the best remedy is to allow nature to take its course-go ahead and vomit-stop trying to prevent it. Vomiting is your body's way of getting rid of toxins in your stomach. Vomiting is not pleasant, but it usually only lasts a few moments. Once you have vomited, the best thing to do is to drink water. This will wash any bile left in your throat or esophagus back into your stomach, thus keeping your throat and esophagus from becoming irritated by the bile. The water also dilutes the bile, so your stomach can expel it. Stick to bland foods and water for the next couple of days. You can also try drinking Sprite or 7-Up as long as it doesn't irritate your stomach.

Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic's Advice

According to Mayo Clinic, there are several different causes for indigestion, including lifestyle and diet. Indigestion can also be caused by other digestive conditions.

Common causes include

Overeating, Eating too quickly, Fatty or greasy foods, Spicy foods,
Too much caffeine, Too much alcohol, Too much chocolate, Too many carbonated beverages
Smoking, Nervousness, Emotional trauma
Medications, including antibiotics, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Stomach inflammation (gastritis), Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis), Peptic ulcers, Gallstones, Stomach cancer

When a cause for indigestion can't be found after a thorough evaluation, a person may have functional dyspepsia. Functional dyspepsia is a type of indigestion that may impair the stomach's ability to accept and digest food and then pass that food to the small intestine.

When to see a doctor

Mild indigestion is usually nothing to worry about. Consult your doctor if discomfort persists for more than two weeks. Contact your doctor right away if pain is severe or accompanied by:

Weight loss or loss of appetite
Vomiting
Black, tarry stools
Jaundice, or yellow coloring in the skin and eyes
Seek immediate medical attention if you have: Shortness of breath, sweating or chest pain radiating to the jaw, neck or arm, Chest pain on exertion or with stress (Indigestion)

A person who is experiencing nausea should consult a physician if it lasts more than one week, and if there is a possibility of pregnancy. Vomiting usually subsides within 6 to 24 hours, and may be treated at home. You should see your doctor if home treatment is not working, dehydration is present, or a known injury (such as head injury or infection) is causing the vomiting. Be especially vigilant with infants and children. Don't wait more than a few hours if an infant is vomiting or more than one day if a child is vomiting. For more complete information on this, see Nausea and Vomiting at ClevelandClinic.Org.

Sources:

Activated Charcoal-emedicinehealth.com/activated_charcoal/article_em.htm

Electrolyte--wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolyte

Ginger-mayoclinic.com/health/ginger/NS_patient-ginger

Health Benefits of Ginger Root Oil-- organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-ginger-root-oil.html

Indigestion--mayoclinic.com/health/indigestion/DS01141

Medical Reference Complementary Medicine Ginger, University of Maryland Medical Center--umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm

Nausea and Vomiting-my.clevelandclinic.org/symptoms/Nausea/hic_Nausea_and_Vomiting.aspx

OTC Medicines--familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/otc-center/otc-medicines/855.html

Pectin-wikipedia.org/wiki/pectin

Spicy or Bland? 6 Acid Reflux Myths You Should Know, Jessica Ryen Doyle, foxnews.com/story/0,2933,408221,00.html

TUMS Faqs--Tums.com/fag_tums.aspx