Top 4 Natural Remedies For An Upset Stomach

Dealing with a stomach ache is definitely no fun, and I completely understand the eagerness to make it disappear quickly when it strikes. It’s really common to turn to over the counter medications to help, but the truth is that they’re actually really bad for you. Sure, they alleviate the short-term issue, but over the counter medications can cause long-term issues. The good news is that there are lots of natural remedies to try instead. And they can be just as effective, without causing side effects. These are some of my favorite natural remedies for when an upset stomach hits.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is great because it neutralizes stomach acid. That makes it a terrific remedy for alleviating nausea, reducing gas and bloating, and helping with heartburn. It’s got a pretty strong flavor, so I recommend mixing one tablespoon with room temperature water. ACV can be found at any supermarket. Just make sure to pick up the kind that’s raw and organic.

Peppermint or Ginger Tea

Ginger and peppermint are some of the best foods for an upset stomach, and are particularly effective for pregnant women battling morning sickness. Peppermint is also effective if you’re dealing with irritable bowel syndrome, which often causes stomach pain. You can add peppermint or ginger to your favorite tea by steeping the herb for a few minutes before you begin sipping it. Another option is to try chewing on a piece of ginger root. Avoid ginger ale though; soda is filled with all sorts of chemicals and ironically, doesn’t actually contain ginger. Just ginger flavor. So it’s a lot of empty calories and refined (bad) sugar that you don’t need.

Lime/Lemon, Baking Soda, and Water Cocktail

Sorry folks, no alcohol in this cocktail (alcohol is actually something to avoid if your stomach is bothering you, by the way.) I know the combination of lemon or lime, baking soda, and water is an interesting one, but it can help relieve a number of digestive issues. It works by producing carbonic acid, which may help reduce gas and neutralize bile acids to reduce acidity in the stomach. Try mixing 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon or lime juice with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and drink up.

Whole Food Supplementation

There are a lot of supplements to choose from, but I highly recommend using the Standard Process brand. Two of my favorites for stomach issues are Gastrex and AF Betafood. Gastrex helps clean, soothe, and heal the intestinal tract. AF Betafood naturally assists in digesting fats, supporting the liver, and helping with gallbladder function.

Keep in mind though, that symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If it’s a one-off bout of gas, food poisoning (hopefully not this one!), or just a matter of eating something that didn’t agree with you (like greasy food), it’s not a big deal. But if you’re dealing with stomach aches on a regular basis, I encourage you to look into figuring out the root cause of the issue, and Nutrition Response Testing is a great way to determine that. I’d be happy to tell you more in a complimentary consultation. Just drop your info into the form below and I’ll get back to you promptly.