What drink is best for upset stomach

You just finished a delicious, five-course meal when it hits you—the indigestion turns to nausea as you go through the stages of regretting eating too much in one sitting. The thought of hitting a bar now feels impossible, as you can’t imagine fitting one more thing into your stomach. But don’t worry; there are spirits and other beverages that not only help you digest, but also settle an upset stomach if you’re feeling woozy. Whether you’re stuffed, nauseous from a bumpy car ride or simply feeling under the weather, these five drinks will help to settle an upset stomach.

Fernet

Maybe you’ve had too much to eat, and your body is struggling with digestion. Or, perhaps you’ve done some day drinking, and your stomach is feeling off. A shot of fernet is the answer to all of your ailments. If fernet is too herbal for your taste, there are plenty of other Italian amari from which to choose. But if you want to handle things like a bartender, you’ll take that earthy, bitter shot.

Bitters and Soda

If you crave the stomach-settling properties of ginger ale but don’t want the sugar, pour yourself a large glass of bubbly club soda and top with a generous helping of bitters. After all, bitters started out as a medicinal remedy before they became a bartending mainstay, so their curative properties are time tested. We recommend topping club soda with 10 or so dashes anytime you’re feeling queasy or an hour after any meal to further aid with digestion.

Dolin Genepy des Alpes

This is another one of our favorite digestifs to imbibe after a particularly big meal. Named after the Alpine herb genepy, Dolin has been making this pungent, herbaceous liqueur since 1821. It’s minty on the palate, and a multi-course dinner doesn’t stand a chance when you follow it with a glass of this pale green-yellow liquid. That said, if you’re stomach is upset from anything other than a large dinner, genepy might not help to settle it.

Ginger Beer

There’s a reason your parents gave you ginger ale when you were sick with the flu as a child. Ginger helps to settle the stomach, whether you’re suffering from nausea or the effects of over eating or drinking. While a natural ginger ale is always a good option, ginger beer contains a (very) light alcoholic kick (about .5 percent) to make you feel extra fine. If you’re feeling a little uneasy but still want to indulge in a cocktail, a ginger beer-spiked Moscow Mule or Dark ‘N’ Stormy is always a good option. Or, if you want to go straight to the source, fresh ginger cocktails can help to settle your stomach and offer anti-inflammatory properties to boot.

Bonded Whiskey

Many folks enjoy a nice glass of whiskey after a big meal because it cuts the richness of meaty or cream-heavy dishes, and prepares the body for digestion. Kick it into overdrive with a bonded whiskey, which comes in at a whopping 100 proof. Back in the day, whiskey was also used as a form of medicine, and people still drink Hot Toddies when they’re feeling under the weather. So while we don’t recommend loading up on too many when you’re sick, we can attest to the fact that a hearty bonded whiskey has the power to settle an upset stomach with a single dram.

Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on November 20, 2020

There are few things worse than having an upset stomach and diarrhea. This condition can completely throw off your day, keeping you tied to your toilet and limiting the foods and drinks you can enjoy. Understanding what causes these symptoms to arise and how to treat them effectively can dramatically cut down the time and effort you spend dealing with them. 

An upset stomach, also known as indigestion, is a general term used to describe discomfort or pain felt in the upper abdomen. Some common symptoms associated with an upset stomach are:

  • Body chills
  • Burning Sensation (h eartburn)
  • Cramps
  • Discomfort
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Headache or body aches
  • Nausea      

An upset stomach is usually followed by diarrhea, which is loose, watery, and, potentially, more-frequent bowel movements. Symptoms associated with diarrhea may include:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Bloating
  • Blood in the stool
  • Mucus in the stool
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Sudden need to have a bowel movement

Remedies and Treatments for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea

Upset Stomach Remedies 

Most stomach ailments can be treated at home. As soon as you start feeling sick, begin limiting your diet to clear liquids in frequent, small amounts. Make sure to drink enough fluids to keep your urine clear or a pale yellow.

If you’re not able to keep liquids down and begin to vomit, start with sips of water or sucking on ice chips. Once you are able to keep that down, try other fluids like:

  • Clear soup broth or bouillon
  • Decaffeinated tea
  • Sports drinks
  • Clear soft-drinks like 7-Up, Sprite, or Ginger Ale
  • Juices like apple, grape, cherry, or cranberry (make sure to avoid citrus juices)
  • Popsicles

Once you are able to keep all liquids down, try some solid foods along with the liquids. Good foods to try are: 

  • Applesauce
  • Bananas
  • Soda crackers
  • White rice
  • White toast 

It may take several days to one week to regain your appetite, energy level, and for your bowels to regain normalcy.

Diarrhea Treatments
Most cases of diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you've tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for an upset stomach and diarrhea without success, your doctor might recommend the following:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics might help treat diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won't help. Alternatively, if your doctor determines that antibiotics are what’s causing your diarrhea, they will likely lower the dose or switch to another medication.

Electrolytes

While water is an effective method to replace fluids, it doesn't contain the salts and electrolytes that are essential for your body to function. Drinking liquids that have these essential minerals like sodium and potassium can increase your speed of recovery from diarrhea.

Treatment to Replace Fluids

Your body loses a lot of water when you have diarrhea. Your doctor will likely recommend a steady regimen to ensure you are replacing the fluids and salts your body has lost. This usually means drinking plenty of water, juices, and broth. If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your doctor might recommend getting IV fluids.

Treating underlying conditions

Your diarrhea might be caused by a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease. If your doctor determines this to be the case, you might be referred to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, who can help devise a treatment plan for you.

Upset Stomach and Diarrhea Prevention 

One of the best things you can do to avoid an upset stomach and diarrhea is to avoid certain foods that are known to cause them. These include: 

  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Fatty or greasy foods 
  • Non-cultured dairy products (i.e. milk, cheese, ice cream) 
  • Raw vegetables
  • Spicy foods
  • Whole grains

Additional prevention measures you should take to avoid an upset stomach are: 

  • Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom 
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after eating or handling food
  • Do not share eating or drinking utensils with others
  • Avoid milk, cheese, or egg-based foods that have not been refrigerated
  • Handle uncooked meat or poultry carefully — wash hands, utensils, and work surfaces well after preparing, especially before handling other foods

When to See a Doctor

An upset stomach and diarrhea are usually nothing to worry about. Consult your doctor if the symptoms don’t go away after two days or if they begin to get worse in that time. Additionally, consult your doctor if you experience any of the following: 

  • You feel dehydrated, including feeling excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
  • You have severe abdominal or rectal pain
  • You have bloody or black stools
  • You have a fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit

Remedies for Children

In children, particularly young children, diarrhea should be taken seriously as it can quickly lead to dehydration and, possibly, death. One out of nine child deaths are due to diarrhea, and it is the second leading cause of death in children under five years of age. You should call your doctor if your child's diarrhea doesn't improve within 24 hours or if they:

  • Haven’t had a wet diaper in three or more hours
  • Have a fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit 
  • Have bloody or black stools
  • Have a dry mouth or tongue, or if they cry without tears
  • Are unusually sleepy, drowsy, unresponsive, or irritable
  • Have a sunken appearance to their abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
  • Have skin that doesn't flatten if pinched and released

Ask your doctor about using an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, to prevent dehydration or replace lost fluids.

Emergency Care

Almost ten percent of all visits to the emergency room are stomach-related. You should call your doctor immediately if the pains in your stomach are so severe that you can't move, sit still, or find a comfortable position that doesn’t cause additional pain.

Seek immediate medical help if the pain becomes severe or is accompanied by other symptoms like: 

  • Bloody stools
  • Fever
  • Persistent nausea and vomiting
  • Skin that appears yellow
  • Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen
  • Swelling of the abdomen