Fastest Home Remedies for Stomach Ache: 7 Tips to Relieve Indigestion and Nausea

Stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or discomfort after eating are very common symptoms. According to the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), indigestion can affect up to 20% of Americans each year, with symptoms such as pain or burning in the upper abdomen, bloating, nausea, and belching.

When pain occurs, the first question often asked is what to do for stomach pain: should you rest, change your diet, or see a doctor? Not every case is dangerous, but stomach pain can stem from many different causes, from indigestion and bloating to gastrointestinal infections. In this article, Tiptory helps you learn ways to treat stomach pain and relieve discomfort at home for mild symptoms, and also recognize warning signs that require medical attention.

Safe ways to relieve stomach pain

1. Eat light, easily digestible foods

• If you have mild stomach pain, bloating, or indigestion, prioritize small amounts of simple, easily digestible foods instead of eating a lot at once.

• You can choose plain crackers, porridge, or low-fat dishes. Yogurt may be suitable for some people, but if you are prone to bloating or lactose intolerance, you should avoid it.

• NIDDK states that dietary changes, appropriate food choices, and eating small meals can help relieve indigestion symptoms in some people.

2. Drink enough water and avoid irritating beverages

• When you have stomach pain, what should you do? Prioritize plain water and drink small sips, especially if you are nauseous or vomiting.

• Ginger tea can be a comforting option for some people with nausea. However, carbonated soft drinks like ginger ale should not be considered a treatment for stomach pain.

• If you are experiencing indigestion, you should limit carbonated drinks, caffeine, and alcohol as they can worsen symptoms in some people.

3. Do not induce vomiting to treat stomach pain

• Do not try to gag yourself or actively induce vomiting just because your stomach pain has not subsided after a few hours.

• Vomiting is not a safe way to treat stomach pain and can lead to dehydration, especially with frequent vomiting.

• If you have persistent nausea or vomiting, are unable to drink enough water, or show signs of dehydration, you should contact a medical facility for evaluation.

4. Monitor the progression instead of just waiting for the pain to go away

• Stomach pain has many causes, from indigestion, bloating, and constipation to gastrointestinal infections. Therefore, you should not assume that all pain is simply due to "eating something unsuitable."

• If the pain does not subside, recurs, or worsens, you should see a doctor to find the cause instead of continuing to self-treat at home.

5. Recognize signs that require immediate medical attention

• Seek emergency medical care if you have sudden or severe stomach pain, your abdomen is very painful to the touch, you are vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material, or you have black or bloody stools.

• Shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, confusion, or inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas accompanied by stomach pain are also signs that should not be waited out at home.

• For prolonged stomach pain, recurrent pain, unintentional weight loss, frequent vomiting, or symptoms that do not improve, you should see a doctor to determine the cause.

Part 1: What to eat and drink for fast stomach pain relief

Tip 1: Eat light when you have stomach pain and nausea

Eat small portions, prioritizing easily digestible foods

• When you have stomach pain, bloating, or nausea, you don't necessarily have to force yourself to eat a full meal. Start with a small amount of bland, low-fat, and easily digestible foods like plain crackers, porridge, or soft rice.

• You can eat yogurt if your body tolerates it well. Yogurt contains beneficial live microorganisms, but not everyone with stomach pain is suited to dairy products. If eating yogurt causes increased bloating, diarrhea, or stomach pain, you should stop consuming it.

• Don't force yourself to eat a lot of fiber when you are nauseous or have acute stomach pain. Some high-fiber foods can increase bloating in some people. When looking for ways to treat stomach pain at home, it's more important to choose foods that your body finds comfortable and can tolerate.

Avoid foods that may worsen symptoms

• Temporarily limit spicy, greasy, or acidic foods if they cause you more stomach pain, heartburn, or nausea.

• Avoid foods with strong odors if their smell makes you nauseous. You can choose cold or lightly scented foods to make them easier to eat.

• Not every case of stomach pain requires the same dietary restrictions. Pay attention to which foods often trigger or worsen your symptoms to adjust accordingly.

Do not force yourself to eat when nauseous

• If the thought of food alone makes you nauseous, you should not try to force yourself to eat immediately. Instead, rest and prioritize sipping small amounts of fluids to stay hydrated.

• When the nausea subsides, try eating a small amount and gradually increase it as tolerated.

• If you are unable to eat or drink due to prolonged nausea or vomiting, especially if there are signs of dehydration, severe stomach pain, or worsening symptoms, you need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional instead of continuing to treat stomach pain at home.

Tip 2: Drink enough water when you have stomach pain

Replenish water in small sips

• When you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, your body can lose water and electrolytes. Therefore, one of the important things to do when considering what to do for stomach pain is to maintain adequate hydration.

• If you are nauseous, you should not drink a large amount at once. Take small sips, drink slowly, and then increase gradually as your stomach feels more comfortable. This approach can help your body better tolerate fluids.

Prioritize water and electrolyte replacement solutions

• For stomach pain accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting, plain water is a suitable choice for fluid replacement. When a lot of water and electrolytes are lost, you can use oral rehydration solution (ORS) as directed on the product or by a healthcare professional.

• Broth, some electrolyte-containing beverages, or diluted fruit juice can also provide additional fluids and electrolytes for adults in some cases. However, ORS is often more suitable for rehydrating and replacing electrolytes lost due to vomiting or diarrhea.

• Herbal tea does not replace ORS when the body is losing a lot of water. If you want to drink tea, choose caffeine-free varieties and consume in moderation.

Do not rely on carbonated soft drinks

• Carbonated soft drinks, including ginger ale, are not a proven method for treating stomach pain. Especially when experiencing diarrhea, carbonated or high-sugar drinks can worsen digestive symptoms.

• Similarly, limit alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages when dehydrated, as they can exacerbate discomfort or dehydration.

Monitor for signs of dehydration

• Pay attention to signs such as increased thirst, dry mouth, infrequent urination, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These could be signs that your body is dehydrated.

Tip 3: No need to rigidly apply BRAT

BRAT can be used temporarily when it's hard to eat

• BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are all relatively bland, soft, and easily digestible foods that can be suitable when you are nauseous or have recently experienced a digestive upset.

• However, BRAT is not a mandatory diet to treat stomach pain or diarrhea. Current research and guidelines do not support prolonged fasting or overly restrictive diets. When appetite returns, patients can usually gradually return to a normal diet.

Prioritize bland, easily digestible foods if your stomach is still sensitive

• If you cannot eat normally yet, start with small amounts of easily digestible foods such as rice, potatoes, bread or plain crackers, bananas, applesauce, porridge, or clear soup.

• Eat small amounts at a time and gradually increase the quantity as tolerated. The goal is to provide energy without increasing nausea or discomfort.

• During the stage of what to do for stomach pain, the important thing is not to find a fixed "healing menu" but to ensure adequate water, electrolytes, and nutrition appropriate for your body's condition.

Temporarily limit foods that may worsen symptoms

• When experiencing diarrhea or nausea, you should limit fatty foods, fried foods, foods or drinks high in sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can aggravate digestive symptoms in some people.

• Milk and dairy products can also cause discomfort in some people after an episode of diarrhea or gastroenteritis, as lactose digestion may be temporarily reduced.

Children should not follow the BRAT diet for extended periods

• For children with diarrhea or gastroenteritis, they should not be given only bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast for several days. The BRAT diet is low in fiber, protein, and fat, and does not provide adequate nutrition necessary for recovery.

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children can return to a balanced, age-appropriate diet when they can eat again, rather than maintaining the BRAT diet.

• For young children, especially infants, the priority remains rehydration and electrolyte replacement. Breastfed or formula-fed children should continue to be fed as usual, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor.

Part 2: Home remedies for stomach pain without medication

Tip 1: If you have stomach pain, try going to the bathroom

Try going to the bathroom if you suspect gas or constipation

• If you have stomach pain accompanied by a feeling of bloating or a need to defecate, you can try going to the bathroom. Sometimes, having a bowel movement or passing gas helps relieve pressure in the digestive tract and makes your stomach feel more comfortable.

• Do not strain forcefully or sit on the toilet for too long. If you cannot have a bowel movement, get up, rest, and try again later instead of forcing your body.

Give your body time to recover

• For mild stomach pain due to indigestion or temporary digestive upset, symptoms may improve on their own as the digestive system has time to rest. While waiting, drink plenty of water and eat light if you feel hungry.

• You can read, listen to music, or do a light activity to distract yourself from the discomfort. However, these are just ways to help you feel more comfortable, not a method to treat stomach pain.

Do not just wait if the pain is unusual

• If stomach pain persists, gradually worsens, or becomes severe, you should not just wait for the pain to go away on its own. Stomach pain can be related to many different causes, and some cases require examination.

• In particular, seek emergency medical care if you have severe or sudden stomach pain, your abdomen is very painful to the touch, you are vomiting blood, have black or bloody stools, a high fever, faint, have difficulty breathing, or are unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas accompanied by stomach pain.

• Therefore, when wondering what to do for stomach pain, distinguish between mild pain that can be monitored at home and unusual signs that need to be evaluated by a doctor.

Tip 2: Do not induce vomiting when you have stomach pain

Do not actively induce vomiting to relieve stomach pain

• If you have stomach pain accompanied by nausea, let your body vomit naturally if the vomiting reflex occurs, but do not try to gag yourself or use any method to induce vomiting solely for the purpose of pain relief.

• Actively inducing vomiting is not a recommended method for treating stomach pain. Especially if you suspect you have swallowed medication, chemicals, or toxins, absolutely do not induce vomiting yourself, as some substances can cause further damage when passing back through the esophagus.

If you experience natural nausea or vomiting, focus on rehydration

• After vomiting, rest for a while and then try sipping small amounts of water or an electrolyte replacement solution. Avoid drinking too much at once as it can trigger further vomiting.

• If you vomit repeatedly, are unable to keep fluids down, urinate infrequently, have a dry mouth, feel dizzy, or are exhausted, you need a medical evaluation as these can be signs of dehydration.

Monitor both the pain and accompanying symptoms

• When wondering what to do for stomach pain, don't just rely on whether you feel better after vomiting. Monitor the level of pain, fever, number of vomiting episodes, diarrhea, and ability to eat and drink.

• If stomach pain does not subside, persists, or recurs, you should see a doctor to find the cause instead of continuing to induce vomiting or self-treat at home.

Don't wait for a fixed time frame before seeking medical attention

• There is no safe rule that you must wait 2-3 hours or 5-6 hours after vomiting before contacting a doctor. The intensity of the pain and accompanying signs are more important than the time.

• If symptoms are mild and gradually decreasing, you can continue to rest, drink plenty of water, and eat light when you feel able. Conversely, if symptoms increase or warning signs appear, seek medical attention promptly.

Tip 3: Rest when you have stomach pain and nausea

Rest and limit physical activity

• When you have stomach pain accompanied by nausea, find a comfortable position and rest. If you are tired or experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, resting also gives your body time to recover. The NHS recommends getting plenty of rest when experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.

• If discomfort arises while traveling by car, train, plane, or boat, reduce body movement as much as possible. You can sit or lie in a position with less vibration, close your eyes, and keep your head relatively still. The CDC also recommends lying down, closing your eyes, or sleeping if possible to reduce motion sickness symptoms.

Do not lie down immediately after eating

• Resting does not mean lying flat immediately after a meal. If you have just eaten, especially if you are nauseous or have indigestion, you should sit upright or recline slightly instead of lying down immediately. This helps reduce the feeling of fullness and discomfort.

• When considering what to do for stomach pain, prioritize rest, drink small sips, and eat moderate amounts if you can. There's no need to force yourself to move or work as usual when your body is uncomfortable.

Children also need appropriate rest

• For children experiencing nausea, vomiting, or digestive upset, parents should allow them to rest and provide small amounts of fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.

• Do not arbitrarily give anti-nausea medication to children without appropriate guidance for their age and condition. Some motion sickness or anti-nausea medications are not suitable for all children.

Don't just rest if symptoms become unusual

• Rest can help reduce discomfort but is not a method to treat stomach pain for all causes. If stomach pain is severe, progressively worsens, vomiting is continuous, you cannot drink enough water, there is blood in the vomit or stool, or signs of dehydration appear, medical evaluation is necessary.

• If nausea persists for several days or recurs frequently, you should see a doctor to find the cause instead of continuing to self-treat at home.

Tip 4: See a doctor if stomach pain persists

See a doctor if symptoms do not improve

• Most mild stomach aches can resolve on their own, but if the pain does not subside, persists, or recurs frequently, you should see a doctor to find the cause instead of continuing to self-treat your stomach ache at home. The NHS also recommends seeking medical attention when stomach pain does not go away or frequently returns.

• Stomach pain can be related to many different issues such as indigestion, constipation, gastrointestinal infections, stomach ulcers, or other medical conditions. Therefore, the duration of symptoms and accompanying manifestations are all very important.

Pay special attention to stomach pain accompanied by nausea

• If stomach pain is accompanied by prolonged nausea or vomiting, do not just wait for the symptoms to go away on their own. Frequent vomiting is one of the signs that needs to be evaluated by a doctor, especially when symptoms do not improve.

• Note any accompanying symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or changes in stool color. This information helps the doctor determine the cause and choose necessary tests if any.

Do not wait if warning signs appear

• Seek emergency medical attention if stomach pain is severe or appears suddenly, the abdomen is very painful to the touch, vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like vomit, passing black stools or bloody stools.

• Shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, or jaundice are also signs that should not be ignored.

• Therefore, when learning what to do for stomach pain, an important principle is not only to find ways to relieve pain but also to determine when medical attention is needed. If symptoms persist, recur, or show unusual signs, seeing a doctor helps to find the correct cause and suitable treatment.

How to soothe stomach pain at home

Choose light, easily digestible foods

• When experiencing stomach pain, nausea, or indigestion, eat small amounts of bland, low-fat foods such as plain crackers, porridge, soft rice, or clear soup if your body can tolerate them.

• Do not force yourself to eat when you are nauseous. When the discomfort subsides, eat small amounts again and gradually increase as tolerated. Some people may find that high-fat foods, spicy foods, or carbonated drinks worsen symptoms.

Drink enough water and electrolytes

• If stomach pain is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, prioritize plain water or oral rehydration solution (ORS). Drink small, frequent sips if you are nauseous instead of drinking a lot at once.

• Do not view carbonated soft drinks like Sprite or ginger ale as a remedy for stomach pain. Especially with diarrhea, carbonated drinks can worsen symptoms.

• Herbal tea can be an additional option if you find it soothing to drink, but it does not replace rehydration and electrolyte replacement when dehydrated.

Be cautious with peppermint and ginger

• Peppermint tea may be suitable for some people, but evidence of the effectiveness of peppermint leaves for digestive symptoms is limited. Peppermint oil has some evidence to support symptom relief in irritable bowel syndrome, but it should not be assumed that all stomach aches respond to peppermint.

• Ginger has been studied more extensively for nausea and vomiting, but most studies use supplemental preparations rather than ginger-flavored soft drinks. Therefore, ginger ale is not a proven treatment for stomach pain.

Rest and choose a comfortable position

• If you feel tired, rest and avoid strenuous activity. For nausea, you can sit or lie in a position that feels most comfortable.

• There is no reliable evidence that lying with your feet elevated is a treatment for stomach pain. If lying down makes you feel more bloated or experience more reflux, you should sit upright or elevate your head and upper body.

• Especially if symptoms are related to reflux, lying down immediately after eating can increase discomfort.

You can apply a warm compress for comfort

• If the pain is mild and there are no warning signs, you can try applying a warm compress to your abdomen for a short time and resting.

• This is mainly a supportive measure to help relax and provide comfort, not to treat the cause of stomach pain. Do not place an overly hot compress directly on your skin to avoid burns.

Do not induce vomiting or use medication indiscriminately

• Do not put a toothbrush in your mouth to try to induce vomiting. Self-induced vomiting can damage the esophagus, cause dehydration, and does not address the cause of the pain.

• For over-the-counter medications, read the ingredients and warnings carefully. In particular, bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylate and has warnings related to Reye's syndrome in children and adolescents in certain viral infection situations.

• If using medication to relieve indigestion symptoms, choose based on the cause and health condition rather than self-administering many types at once. NIDDK notes that treatment for indigestion depends on the cause.

Know when to call a doctor

• Do not just try to treat stomach pain at home if symptoms are prolonged, recurring, or worsening.

• Seek early medical evaluation if you have severe or persistent stomach pain, severe vomiting, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain. These could be signs of a more serious problem.

• When in doubt about what to do for stomach pain, the safe principle is to prioritize hydration, eat according to your tolerance, and monitor the progression; if unusual signs appear, do not try to prolong self-treatment.

References

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2025). Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Symptoms & Causes. National Institutes of Health.
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2025). Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Indigestion. National Institutes of Health.
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Treatment of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”). National Institutes of Health.
4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”). National Institutes of Health.
5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Diarrhea. National Institutes of Health.
6. National Health Service. (2023). Stomach ache. NHS.
7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2025). Ginger: Usefulness and Safety. National Institutes of Health.
8. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2025). Peppermint Oil: Usefulness and Safety. National Institutes of Health.
9. Aziz, I., Palsson, O. S., Tornblom, H., Sperber, A. D., Whitehead, W. E., & Simrén, M. (2018). Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and associations for symptom-based Rome IV functional dyspepsia in adults in the USA, Canada and the UK: A cross-sectional population-based study. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 3(4), 252–262.

Content edited by: Lesley Collins Tran.

Information consulted and verified by expert: William Harris.