At some point in time, everyone experiences stomach upset, pain, and discomfort. When your lifestyle and diet are off balance, sometimes a reset could be needed. If you've been wondering how to master this reset and settle an upset stomach safely, consider what natural remedies can do for the body. Consider this as a guide to help break down the most effective and natural remedies to calm digestive discomfort.
The guide ahead looks more closely at soothing herbal teas, peppermint oil, probiotics, and what foods neutralize stomach acid immediately that may help to neutralize stomach acid. Learn how to balance acid and how to settle an upset stomach naturally.
What is Stomach Acid?
Stomach acid is a major part of our health and plays a big role in digestion. The stomach is a hollow organ that secretes chemicals to dissolve and break down the foods we eat. The chemicals that are released in the stomach include powerful hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes, water, and mucus and all of these contribute to a highly acidic environment, with a pH around 1.5-2.0. In human life, if we came in contact with this environment, it would burn skin and cause damage. However, the stomach is able to withstand this harsh environment, to a certain point.
Why Does Stomach Acid Cause Stomach Upset?
Since the stomach's environment is highly acidic, why do we want to neutralize it? If stomach acid remains too high or too long the problem could contribute to stomach upset in various ways. For example, stomach acid can leak into the esophagus and cause issues where the esophagus is being consumed by acid. When this happens, it is important to help neutralize this environment and settle any possible irritation that may have contributed to the stomach upset in the first place. Irritation is another important key when it comes to bloating and stomach upset, as inflammation that settles in the stomach lining may contribute to symptoms of stomach upset.
What Foods Neutralize Stomach Acid Immediately?
Neutralizing stomach acid through diet and natural remedies can be a fast way to approach how to settle an upset stomach. Here is an explanation of what foods neutralize stomach acid immediately to try whenever your stomach is feeling uneasy with explanations of how each ingredient works on stomach acid.
- Peppermint: Peppermint oil is a common natural remedy that can be used in cooking or as a tea. This natural ingredient contributes various compounds that promote smooth muscle relaxation, anti-microbial properties, and anti-inflammatory processes. Adding peppermint as a tea is a common way to deliver natural compounds to soothe the stomach, but natural oil and ground leaves can be an option to deliver fast relief.
- Ginger: This natural remedy offers various benefits to the consumer. Specifically, studies have shown that consuming roughly 1500 milligrams of ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is beneficial for the relief of nausea. In addition, ginger supplies anti-inflammatory properties to the stomach lining to help promote a healthy inflammatory process.
- Probiotics: Interestingly, the harsh acidic environment of the stomach can kill the healthy living bacteria that are released in probiotics. However, some strains are resistant to this type of acidic environment and may actually help to support symptom relief. Probiotics can be a natural way to restore the stomach acid environment so long they can eradicate any potential infections. Probiotics are naturally present in fermented foods, yogurt varieties, and Kombucha.
- Sodium Bicarbonate: A common household staple in every freezer, refrigerator, or pantry with baking items is sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda. This ingredient is a strong base that can help to briefly neutralize stomach acid. Some supplement products contain sodium bicarbonate as its only ingredient and may be a quick source of relief for stomach upset.
- Chamomile Tea: Highly known for its ability to calm the body, chamomile tea contributes compounds that may fight inflammation, support muscular relaxation, and calm the stomach. Also, chamomile tea leaves contain terpenoids, flavonoids, quercetin, and bisabolol to support anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief.
- Slippery Elm: Adding slippery elm to the mix may help to combat symptoms of stomach upset due to its gastro protective properties. Studies have shown that slippery elm contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and mucoprotective compounds that can help to coat the stomach lining, potentially leading to relief from stomach upset.
- Oatmeal: The addition of fiber to the diet may help to settle the stomach despite symptoms of bloating and upset. Oatmeal contains plant-based fiber, known as beta glucans, which may support the relief of stomach issues. The beta glucans in oatmeal may also help to promote anti-inflammatory properties in the stomach.
- Bananas: While bananas are a fruit and many fruits are acidic, bananas are the opposite. Bananas may help to neutralize stomach acid by improving the intestinal microbiota, epithelial barrier function, and adding short chain fatty acids to the environment.
Can Supplementation Add Nutrients to Combat Stomach Upset?
Natural remedies can often be found around the house, but sometimes adding supplementation to the mix can be a direct and quick option for relief. Listed ahead are some options to consider for how to settle an upset stomach with natural supplements.
- Metagenics UltraFlora® Restore Probiotic - Support gut health and promote relief from stomach upset with Metagenics UltraFlora® Restore Probiotic. This probiotic supplement supplies a variety of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus organisms to support the relief of occasional loose stools and microbiota disruption.
- Buried Treasure Ginger Extract - Featuring ginger extract in a convenient liquid, Buried Treasure Ginger Extract is geared towards supporting digestion, immune function, and joint health with natural compounds. This supplement can be conveniently added to water, tea, or daily shake for regular use or as part of symptom relief support.
- Gaia Herbs Nausea Gummies - Crafted since 1986, Gaia Herbs has been a leader in certified organic herbs. This supplement is formulated to support digestive comfort and ease, with occasional relief from gas. In a delicious gummy, this supplement may help to promote fast relief when it is needed most.
- Gaia Herbs Digestive Comfort - This supplement promotes the relief of symptoms of upset stomach, heartburn, and indigestion when it takes effect. Formulated with aloe vera, chamomile flower, licorice root, and marshmallow root, this supplement can be an easy option for when symptoms are present.
- Organic India Tulsi Lemon Ginger Organic Tea - With the use of Ayurveda in every supplement, Organic India engrains herbal supplements with a long history of remedies. Loaded with ginger, lemon, holy basil, and East Indian basil, this tea aids in stress relief and a natural detoxification process. Enjoy this tea at the onset of stress or for a cleansing process for best results.
- NOW Foods Peppermint Essential Oil - Derived from 100% pure and steam distilled fresh peppermint leaves, NOW Foods Peppermint Essential Oil can be a fast-acting option for stomach upset. When diluted properly according to the package label, this supplement can be a refreshing option for stomach wellness.
- Enzymedica Betaine HCl Fast-Acting - When pH levels drop due to too much acid in the stomach, Enzymedica supplies betaine to naturally elevate pH levels. With the support of pepsin, which is one of the body's natural enzymes in the body, betaine may help to support the increase in the pH levels in the stomach.
Conclusion
Stomach upset can drag down any day, but fortunately there are holistic options that may help to settle and balance pH levels in the stomach. Known for its already high acidic content (low pH level), the stomach obliterates and disintegrates the foods we eat so it can be used for digestion. When too much acid settles, it could lead to stomach discomfort. Consider the natural options above and the supplements listed to help combat symptoms of stomach discomfort when it hits.
FAQs
How long should it take to settle an upset stomach?
While every situation is different, many home remedies can be used with fast relief. Since some trial and error may be needed, teas may be quicker acting since there is less digestion involved.
Does caffeine increase acid levels in the stomach?
Many caffeinated beverages, including coffee and tea are acidic and may contribute to lower pH levels.
What role does fiber play in gas and bloating?
While too much fiber may contribute to gas and bloating, consuming fiber-rich foods in general is important for helping to support symptoms of bloating.
