7 Home Remedies to Settle Your Loved One’s Upset Stomach

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Upset stomach is a dilemma seniors might experience from time to time. Abdominal discomfort might result from overeating, consuming spicy foods, or even taking certain medications. In most cases, the problem isn’t serious and can easily be remedied using any number of homemade treatments. Here are seven home remedies you can try the next time your senior loved one has an upset stomach. 

 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

The pectin in apple cider vinegar alleviates nausea while soothing stomach irritation. The acidity also assists the digestive process by breaking down starches. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can neutralize excess stomach acid, or you can simply add one to three teaspoons to a glass of water. You can make the drink more palatable by sweetening it with a teaspoon of honey and encouraging your loved one to drink it slowly. 

 

2. Bananas

This tasty, easy-to-digest snack fruit is the ideal food for absorbing excess stomach acid. The pectin content in bananas can reduce diarrhea episodes, regulate bowel movements, and reduce gas, while the potassium content keeps electrolytes in balance. Encourage your loved one to eat raw bananas, or combine them with cooked rice for added relief of loose stool. 

A home caregiver can help your loved one follow a balanced diet that minimizes episodes of stomach upset. Elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

 

3. Bitters

Commonly used in mixed cocktails, bitters are made by combining alcohol, water, herbs, and different components of plants. When added to soft drinks, club soda, or water, the substance is known to alleviate nausea. 

 

4. Chamomile

Tea made from the powerful anti-inflammatory chamomile herb can relax the smooth muscles of the digestive system while simultaneously reducing irritation and calming inflamed stomach and intestinal linings. The relaxing properties of the chemical compounds in chamomile keep the muscles in the digestive tract from contracting or cramping. Use premade tea bags or boil one teaspoon of the flowers in a cup of water, add honey, and serve warm to your loved one. 

If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Livingston families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. 

 

5. Ginger

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have used ginger as a natural remedy for stomach issues. This common root spice contains anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate irritation and soothe nausea and stomach pain, whether it’s eaten raw or consumed in a beverage. The Journal of Anesthesiology cites multiple clinical studies indicating people who consumed ginger had lower levels of vomiting and nausea.

Ginger is available in a variety of easy-to-prepare forms, including lozenges and ginger ale, a beverage that has long been used to treat stomach upset caused by indigestion or nausea. Ginger tea can be prepared by boiling freshly chopped ginger root or powdered ginger in water. Ginger tea boasts antibacterial and antifungal properties that relieve stomachaches, and the chemical compounds in ginger calm stomach and bowel motility, which can lead to diarrhea. 

 

6. Mint

The medicinal properties of mint have been known for thousands of years. The plant contains powerful antioxidants, phytonutrients, and analgesic menthol that soothe indigestion and relieve nausea. Your loved one can chew on a fresh leaf or make mint tea by boiling some fresh or dried leaves in water. Dissolving mint candies in the mouth can also offer relief.

 

7. Heat

Apply a hot water bottle or a heating pad to your loved one’s abdominal area to promote blood circulation while encouraging muscle relaxation and aiding digestion. This can temporarily relieve any pain, nausea, or cramping in the abdomen. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Livingston Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Our home caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.