Updated April 20, 2020

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

If you’ve ever had an occasional upset stomach, you know how much of a problem it can cause. From gas and bloating to stomach cramps and nausea, having an upset stomach can really put a damper on your day.

While there are a lot of remedies that can help with your digestive health, there are only a few natural and healthy ways that may work for you. We've compiled a list of the best natural ways to help you find support for your digestive health.

Water

Because our bodies are made up of so much water, drinking water is crucial to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Water helps your body digest and absorb nutrients effectively and efficiently. Dehydration slows down digestion and makes it more difficult. This can cause indigestion and stomach cramps. Diarrhea can also cause dehydration, so make sure you stay hydrated.

Heat

Applying heat to your stomach area can help soothe some stomach troubles. If you're experiencing stressed muscles or cramps, a little heat goes a long way. The warmth will distract you from the discomfort and help relax the muscles that are causing you trouble. Try using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or heated rice pack.

Chlorella

Chlorella is an up and coming superfood that can do a lot for your body. Chlorella can help your body's natural purification process. If you feel like your digestive system needs support, such as help with cleansing your bowels, chlorella is a good place to start. 

Ginger

Ginger has been used as a natural stomach remedy since the Greek and Roman Empires. This fragrant root can be eaten raw, cooked, boiled, or ground up and used as a supplement. Many people (especially pregnant women) use ginger to help fight nausea because it’s natural and very easy to get. Ginger can also help with nausea from motion sickness.

Peppermint

Another common way to soothe a stomach is peppermint. Peppermint has been found to help with occasional bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Peppermint helps relax the muscles in the digestive tract. It can be chewed and eaten fresh, boiled into a tea, or used as an oil.

Probiotics

Taking probiotic supplements is a great way to relieve gastrointestinal distress. They work well to combat occasional diarrhea and other common stomach problems. Depending on what your symptoms determine the best probiotic and the amount you should take. If you’re not sure what probiotics to take, talk with your doctor. 

BRAT Foods

Eating BRAT foods is another way to help with stomach problems, especially diarrhea. BRAT foods (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) are all starchy, which helps bind foods together internally, making stool firmer. This can decrease the number of trips to the bathroom and the severity of those trips. Because these foods are bland, they don’t contain anything that would irritate the stomach or intestines. This means these foods can be good to eat if you’re dealing with heartburn as well. Foods in the BRAT diet also contain potassium and magnesium which helps replace nutrients lost through vomiting and diarrhea. 

The Bottom Line

There are a lot of natural ways you can support stomach health. There are a lot of natural herbs and spices that help. Drinking enough water can also help a lot. Some foods can also help. Eating foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut introduce probiotics into your body which can also help. Chlorella helps with digestion, and can help support your body's natural purification process. Having an upset stomach is pretty common. Using some (or all) of these natural remedies can help get you back on your feet quickly and safely.