What you should take depends on your specific symptom. An upset stomach is a catch-all term that can mean nausea, heartburn, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or general abdominal discomfort, and each one responds to a different remedy. Here’s a breakdown of what works for what.
For Heartburn and Acid-Related Pain
If your discomfort feels like a burning sensation in your upper stomach or chest, or you’re dealing with sour stomach after eating, the problem is usually excess stomach acid. Antacids containing calcium carbonate (like Tums) neutralize acid on contact and work within minutes, making them a good first choice for occasional flare-ups.
If antacids aren’t enough, H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid) reduce how much acid your stomach produces in the first place. They work by blocking the signal that tells your stomach lining to secrete acid. H2 blockers treat indigestion, stomach pain, heartburn, reflux, nausea, and sour stomach. They take longer to kick in than antacids, roughly 30 to 60 minutes, but the relief lasts several hours. For persistent heartburn that keeps coming back over days or weeks, a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole (Prilosec) provides stronger, longer-lasting acid suppression.
For Nausea
Ginger is one of the most reliable natural options for nausea. Its active compounds work by blocking serotonin receptors in the gut, the same pathway that prescription anti-nausea drugs target. Ginger also speeds up stomach emptying, which helps when nausea is tied to food sitting too long in your stomach. A systematic review of clinical trials found that taking 1 gram or more of ginger daily for at least three days reduced the occurrence of vomiting by about 70% compared to placebo. You can get this through ginger capsules, ginger tea made from fresh root, or even ginger chews.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) also relieves nausea, along with general stomach upset and diarrhea. It coats the stomach lining and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. The pink liquid or chewable tablets are a reasonable option when you’re not sure exactly what’s going on but your stomach just feels “off.”
For Gas and Bloating
Simethicone (sold as Gas-X or Mylicon) is the standard remedy for painful gas and bloating. It works by breaking up gas bubbles in your stomach and intestines so they’re easier to pass. The typical adult dose is 60 to 125 mg taken up to four times a day, after meals and at bedtime. It’s considered very safe because it isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream; it only acts in the digestive tract.
Peppermint oil is another option, particularly for crampy discomfort. It relaxes the smooth muscle in your digestive tract, which can ease spasms and that tight, pressurized feeling in your abdomen. Enteric-coated capsules are preferable to peppermint tea because the coating prevents the oil from releasing in your stomach (where it can actually worsen heartburn) and delivers it to your intestines instead. Clinical evidence rates peppermint oil as moderately effective for non-ulcer dyspepsia, the medical term for recurring upper stomach discomfort with no identifiable cause.
For Diarrhea
Loperamide (Imodium) is the go-to for acute diarrhea. It slows the movement of your intestines, giving your body more time to absorb water from stool. The standard approach is to take two tablets after the first loose bowel movement, then one tablet after each subsequent loose movement, up to a maximum of four tablets in 24 hours for over-the-counter use.
Bismuth subsalicylate works here too, though it’s milder than loperamide. It’s a better fit for mild diarrhea or when diarrhea comes alongside nausea and general stomach upset.
Probiotics can also shorten a bout of diarrhea. A Cochrane review found that probiotics reduced the average duration of infectious diarrhea by about 30 hours. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is the most studied strain and appears particularly effective. Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast, is another well-supported option. You can find both in supplement form at most pharmacies. Probiotics won’t stop diarrhea immediately the way loperamide does, but they help your gut recover faster.
What to Eat (and What to Skip)
The classic BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is fine for a day or two when your stomach is at its worst, but it’s nutritionally limited, and no studies have ever confirmed it works better than other bland foods. Harvard Health recommends broadening your options to include brothy soups, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, crackers, and unsweetened dry cereal, all of which are equally gentle on the stomach.
Once things start settling, add foods with more nutritional substance: cooked carrots, sweet potatoes without the skin, avocado, skinless chicken or turkey, fish, and eggs. These are still easy to digest but provide the protein and nutrients your body needs to recover. Avoid greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods until you’re feeling consistently better, and stay hydrated. Small, frequent sips of water, broth, or an electrolyte drink work better than gulping large amounts at once.
Signs That Need Urgent Attention
Most upset stomachs resolve on their own or with the remedies above within a day or two. But certain patterns signal something more serious. The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends seeking emergency care if abdominal pain is sudden and severe, does not ease within 30 minutes, or is accompanied by continuous vomiting. Pain concentrated in the lower right abdomen with fever and loss of appetite could indicate appendicitis. A swollen, tender abdomen with pain in the middle upper area that worsens after eating may point to pancreatitis. Bloody or black stool, signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, no urination for several hours), or a fever above 102°F alongside stomach symptoms also warrant prompt medical evaluation.