Most upset stomachs respond well to a combination of over-the-counter remedies and simple dietary adjustments, and what you should reach for depends on your specific symptoms. Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and heartburn each respond to different treatments, so matching the right remedy to what you’re actually feeling makes a big difference in how fast you get relief.
For Nausea and General Stomach Upset
Bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol) is one of the most versatile options for a generic upset stomach. It treats nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhea all at once. The standard dose for adults is two tablets or two tablespoonfuls of liquid every 30 minutes to one hour as needed, up to 16 tablets or 16 tablespoonfuls of regular-strength liquid in 24 hours.
There are a few important caveats. Bismuth subsalicylate contains a compound related to aspirin, so if you have an aspirin allergy, gout, a bleeding disorder, or kidney disease, skip it. Don’t combine it with other aspirin-containing products, and don’t give it to children under 12. It’s also off-limits for children or teenagers recovering from the flu or chickenpox because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
For Heartburn and Acid Indigestion
If your upset stomach feels more like a burning sensation in your upper abdomen or chest, the problem is likely excess stomach acid. You have two main over-the-counter options here, and they work on different timelines.
Antacids (like calcium carbonate) neutralize acid that’s already in your stomach. They work within minutes, which makes them ideal when you need fast relief. The tradeoff is that they wear off relatively quickly.
H2 blockers take a different approach. Instead of neutralizing existing acid, they block the chemical signal that tells your stomach to produce acid in the first place. They take about an hour to kick in, but the effects last 4 to 10 hours. If your heartburn tends to come back after antacids wear off, or if you want longer-lasting relief, an H2 blocker is the better choice. You can also take an antacid for immediate relief while waiting for the H2 blocker to start working.
For Gas and Bloating
When your upset stomach is really about trapped gas, pressure, or bloating, simethicone is the go-to remedy. It works by breaking up gas bubbles in your stomach and intestines so they’re easier to pass. The typical adult dose is 40 to 125 mg taken four times a day after meals and at bedtime, with a maximum of 500 mg in 24 hours. Simethicone is generally very well tolerated because it isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream; it just acts on the gas itself.
For Diarrhea
If diarrhea is your main symptom, you have two options that work in completely different ways. Loperamide (the active ingredient in Imodium) slows the movement of your intestines, giving your body more time to absorb water from stool. This makes it effective when you need to stop frequent, watery bowel movements quickly.
Bismuth subsalicylate also treats diarrhea, but through a different mechanism. It reacts with stomach acid to improve stool consistency, reduce how often you go, and ease abdominal cramping. It’s a better fit when your diarrhea comes packaged with nausea or general stomach discomfort, since it addresses multiple symptoms at once. Loperamide is more targeted if diarrhea is the sole problem.
With either option, staying hydrated matters more than the medication itself. Diarrhea pulls water and electrolytes out of your body fast, so sip water, broth, or an oral rehydration solution throughout the day.
Foods That Help (and What to Avoid)
You’ve probably heard of the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are bland, low in fiber, and easy on an irritated stomach. They can help when you’re dealing with nausea or diarrhea and don’t feel like eating much. But nutritionally, the BRAT diet is incomplete. Use it as a starting point for the first several hours, then work in other bland, low-fat, low-fiber foods as soon as you feel up to it: plain crackers, boiled potatoes, cooked chicken, or broth-based soups. The goal is to return to a balanced diet as quickly as your stomach allows.
While you’re recovering, avoid greasy or fried foods, dairy (especially if diarrhea is involved), caffeine, alcohol, and highly acidic foods like citrus or tomato-based sauces. These can all irritate an already sensitive stomach lining or speed up digestion when you need it to slow down.
Natural Remedies Worth Trying
Ginger is one of the most reliable natural options for nausea. Ginger tea, ginger chews, or even flat ginger ale (let it go flat first so the carbonation doesn’t add to the problem) can help settle your stomach.
Peppermint oil has stronger evidence behind it. The American College of Gastroenterology has recommended peppermint oil for relief of digestive symptoms, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome. If you try peppermint oil capsules, look for enteric-coated versions. The coating prevents the capsule from dissolving in your stomach, which reduces the chance that the peppermint itself triggers heartburn. Plain peppermint tea is gentler and fine for mild nausea or discomfort, though it delivers a lower dose.
Chamomile tea is another traditional option. While the clinical evidence is thinner than for ginger or peppermint, it has mild anti-spasmodic properties and the warm liquid itself can be soothing.
Probiotics for Recovery
If your upset stomach involves diarrhea, especially from a stomach bug or antibiotics, probiotics can shorten how long it lasts. The two strains with the strongest evidence are Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (often listed as LGG on labels) and Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast. A meta-analysis of over 2,900 patients found that LGG reduced the duration of diarrhea by roughly one day compared to placebo, and doses of at least 10 billion colony-forming units (CFU) were more effective than lower doses. Saccharomyces boulardii significantly reduced the risk of diarrhea lasting four days or longer.
Probiotics aren’t a quick fix for the moment you feel sick. They work best when started early and taken consistently through your recovery. Look for products that specifically list one of these two strains on the label rather than generic “probiotic blend” products.
Warning Signs That Need Medical Attention
Most upset stomachs resolve on their own within a day or two. But certain patterns signal something more serious. Seek emergency care if your abdominal pain is sudden, severe, or doesn’t ease within 30 minutes. Continuous severe pain paired with nonstop vomiting can indicate a life-threatening condition.
Pay attention to location, too. Severe pain in the lower right abdomen, especially with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or fever, may point to appendicitis. Pain in the middle upper abdomen that gets worse after eating, lasts for days, or comes with fever and a rapid pulse could signal pancreatitis. Bloody or black stools, signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, inability to keep fluids down), or a fever above 102°F alongside stomach symptoms all warrant a call to your doctor or a trip to urgent care.