For a basic upset stomach, an antacid like calcium carbonate or a bismuth subsalicylate product will handle most cases within 15 to 30 minutes. The right choice depends on your specific symptoms: whether you’re dealing with nausea, heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, or some combination. Here’s how to match the remedy to what you’re feeling.
For Nausea and General Queasiness
Bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol and similar store brands) is the most versatile option for a generally upset stomach. It treats nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhea all at once. It works by reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining and slowing the flow of fluids into the bowel. The typical adult dose is two tablets or two tablespoons of liquid every 30 minutes to an hour as needed.
One important limitation: bismuth subsalicylate is related to aspirin, so it’s approved only for adults and teenagers. It’s not recommended for children under 12. If you’re allergic to aspirin or taking blood thinners, skip this one entirely.
Ginger is a solid non-medication option for nausea. Ginger tea, ginger chews, or flat ginger ale can calm a churning stomach when you’d rather avoid pills. Sipping slowly on clear fluids in general helps, especially if vomiting is part of the picture.
For Heartburn and Acid-Related Pain
If your upset stomach feels more like a burning sensation in your upper abdomen or chest, an antacid is your best first move. Calcium carbonate (Tums) and magnesium-based products (Maalox, Mylanta) neutralize stomach acid directly. Magnesium-based antacids tend to work especially fast. Both types are generally regarded as safe, including during pregnancy.
For heartburn that keeps coming back throughout the day, acid-reducing medications like famotidine (Pepcid) take longer to kick in but suppress acid production for hours rather than just neutralizing what’s already there. These are useful if antacids wear off quickly or you’re getting repeated flare-ups after meals.
For Bloating and Gas
Simethicone (sold as Gas-X and similar brands) targets trapped gas specifically. It breaks up gas bubbles in your digestive tract so they’re easier to pass. It won’t help with nausea or diarrhea, but if your main complaint is pressure, fullness, and bloating, it’s the right tool. Adults can take up to 500 mg in a 24-hour period. Simethicone is also considered safe during pregnancy.
Peppermint oil is another option for bloating and abdominal cramping. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules release the oil in the small intestine, where it relaxes the smooth muscle of the digestive tract. This can ease cramping, discomfort, and gas. Look for enteric-coated versions specifically, since regular peppermint oil capsules can dissolve in the stomach and sometimes worsen heartburn.
For Diarrhea
Bismuth subsalicylate works for mild diarrhea, but if loose stools are your primary problem, loperamide (Imodium) is more targeted. Loperamide slows down intestinal contractions, giving your body more time to absorb water from digested food. It’s effective enough that clinical studies show it significantly shortens illness duration when diarrhea is the main symptom.
One caution: if your diarrhea comes with a high fever or bloody stools, loperamide isn’t appropriate because it can slow the clearing of an infection. In those cases, focus on staying hydrated and seek medical attention.
What to Eat (and What to Skip)
You’ve probably heard of the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It used to be the standard recommendation, but it’s no longer advised as a strict regimen. The problem is that those four foods lack calcium, vitamin B12, protein, and fiber, all of which your body needs to recover. The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically recommends against a strict BRAT diet for kids because it can actually slow recovery.
The current guidance is simpler: eat as tolerated. When you’re at your sickest, bland foods like bananas, rice, toast, plain crackers, and broth are fine for a day or two. But as soon as you feel able to eat more, do it. Your body needs real nutrition to heal. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods until your stomach settles, and keep sipping water, broth, or an electrolyte drink throughout the day. Dehydration is the biggest practical risk from vomiting or diarrhea, not the stomach bug itself.
Upset Stomach During Pregnancy
Many common stomach remedies are considered safe during pregnancy, but a few deserve extra attention. Calcium carbonate (Tums), magnesium-aluminum antacids (Maalox), and simethicone (Gas-X) are all generally regarded as safe. If antacids aren’t enough for persistent heartburn, acid-reducing medications are sometimes used in the second and third trimesters, though most experts recommend avoiding them during the first trimester.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) should be avoided during pregnancy because of its aspirin-like properties. For pregnancy-related nausea, ginger and vitamin B6 are commonly recommended starting points.
Signs That Need Urgent Attention
Most upset stomachs resolve on their own or with the remedies above. But certain patterns point to something more serious. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, you should seek emergency care if abdominal pain is sudden and severe, doesn’t ease within 30 minutes, or comes with continuous vomiting. Pain concentrated in the lower right abdomen with fever and loss of appetite can signal appendicitis. Severe upper abdominal pain that worsens after eating and lasts for days may indicate pancreatitis.
Blood in your vomit or stool, signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, no urination for many hours), or a fever above 102°F alongside stomach symptoms all warrant a call to your doctor or a trip to urgent care rather than another dose of antacids.