Upset Stomach Home Remedies

Have an upset stomach? An upset stomach is best described as a burning or painful sensation in the upper abdomen. It is also common that an upset stomach is accompanied with a fullness sensation. What happens inside our bodies when an upset stomach occurs is that the acids that help digest food get up to the esophagus, causing a painful burning sensation. The upset stomach, also known as dyspepsia, is caused most of the times by eating fatty foods, alcohol and for other reasons described below.

Common Causes of an Upset Stomach:

• Eating too much, eating fatty foods or eating too fast.
• Doing exercise or lying down right after eating.
• Stress and fatigue can cause disruption in the digestive process.
• Smoking encourages the production of gastric acid.
• Drinking too much alcohol.
• Intolerance to lactose, or inability to digest the sugar in milk.

Home Remedies for an Upset Stomach:

• Cut a ginger root into small pieces and boil in a cup of water for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, strain and cool. Take when you feel sick in the stomach especially after eating.
• Pour 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, basil, fennel and pennyroyal in half a liter of water and boil for 10 minutes. Take a cup every half hour until the discomfort disappears.
• Place a warm compress over the abdomen and apply a gentle and slow circular massage, which can help relieve stomach pain and discomfort.
• Make a decoction of 30 grams of mint in 1 liter of water for 20 - 25 minutes. Take a cup to help relieve the upset stomach or stomach discomfort.
• Make a decoction of 30 grams of chamomile flowers (also called feverfew and chamomilla) in 1 liter of water for 15 - 20 minutes. Take a cup to help relieve the upset stomach or after eating a big meal.

Upset Stomach Prevention Tips:

• Increase your daily intake of fiber, vegetables and liquid, as they help improve digestion and help to soften the contents of the intestines.
• Avoid stress. Avoid daily stressful situations that can cause an upset stomach.
• Control alcohol intake or do not take alcohol at all.
• If the upset stomach is related with smoking, you can use OTC products to stop smoking.
• Avoid fatty or spicy foods and also chew food slowly and do not over eat.

Remember that if you don't see any improvement of you upset stomach symptoms you have to visit a doctor. An upset stomach can also be a sign of a more serious condition, like stomach infection or stomach cancer.