8 Quick Fixes for When You’re Feeling Nauseous

Are you having some tummy issues?

Maybe you over-indulged at your Super Bowl party? You really shouldn’t have had the hot wings AND the sub sandwich. Or maybe it was that last drink that put you over the edge from stuffed to sick to your stomach.

No one likes feeling nauseous. That unsettling feeling in your abdomen is often accompanied by gas, the urge to vomit, belching, and sweating.

Nausea can also be caused by many issues, including overindulging in food or alcohol, stress, pregnancy, medication side effects, over-exertion (like running too fast), or as a side effect of a migraine headache or a new medication.

Most of the time, indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is the cause of your nausea. And while it can be super uncomfortable, most of the time it is no cause for alarm. Some people are more prone to nausea than others, but no one is immune to the occasional cranky tummy.

If you are feeling miserable due to an upset stomach, you don't have to rush out to the pharmacy or pop a pill. Instead, here are eight great home remedies that may bring you some relief.

Mint

Most of us have some mint in the house. Check out that stash of tea bags in your kitchen, or make your own tea by boiling fresh mint leaves in water and sipping the mixture slowly. You can also chew on fresh mint leaves. If you don’t have tea or mint leaves available, mint candies or mint gum can sometimes help.

Ginger

Ginger is a tried-and-true remedy for an upset stomach. If you have fresh ginger in the house, slice off a small piece, and remove the skin. Slowly chew on the root, or boil it in water to make it into a tea. Ginger ale can also help if it actually has ginger in it. Many products are made with artificial ginger flavor, so check the label first.

Lemon and Baking Soda

Mix a tablespoon of fresh lemon or lime juice and a teaspoon of baking soda in an 8-ounce glass of water and stir well. Drink slowly. This can be especially helpful if you have increased stomach acid with your nausea.

Banana

Eating a banana can reduce stomach issues, particularly if you have lost electrolytes from drinking or vomiting.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water and sip the drink slowly. It can also help stir in a tablespoon of fresh honey, especially if your nausea is due to morning sickness.

Ice

Chewing on ice or slowly drinking icy water can sometimes help bring you relief from nausea. Fruit popsicles can also help in a pinch.

A Flat Coke and Saltines

There’s something about Coke that can heal an upset stomach, especially when coupled with dry saltines. Coke works better than Pepsi or other cola-flavored soda, or a plain soda like Sprite or 7-Up can also work well. For best results drink them flat (without bubbles) by shaking them and letting the carbonation run off into the sink. Then add some dry saltines.

Kitchen Spices

Household spices in small amounts can help settle your stomach as well. Things to try: cumin, fennel, cinnamon, turmeric, or chamomile. Steep any of these in hot water or add to some bland food like rice.

What if home remedies don’t work?

Generally, nausea will resolve within an hour, but if it continues, you might try popping a Pepto or another over-the-counter stomach remedy. You may have food poisoning or a particularly stubborn case.

If your upset stomach lasts longer than a couple of hours, reoccurs, or is accompanied by other symptoms, be sure to check in with your healthcare provider for advice. Nausea is a common side effect of a myriad of diseases, including ulcers, diabetic ketoacidosis, heart attack, and gallbladder disease, so be sure to seek professional help if your stomach issues persist.

An earlier version of this story appeared on another site.