Science-Backed Remedies That Work
You feel like you’ve swallowed a boulder that’s expanding in your stomach. It’s impossible to get comfortable as even the softest, loosest clothes feel like tight belts.
Then heartburn, reflux, cramps, and nausea set in. And you just want the sudden stomach discomfort struggle to end.
You’re desperate to relieve that stomach upset… fast. You wish for anything that will help.
Luckily, the solution is closer and quicker than you think.
What Causes an Upset Stomach?
Stomach upset can stem from several different causes. Getting relief depends on knowing what’s making your stomach hurt so you can deal with it the right way. Unfortunately, most people and many doctors treat all upset stomachs the same way. That can leave you in pain longer… and make you vulnerable to suffering again and again.
Common causes of stomach upset include:
- Overeating: Taking in too much food at once slows digestion because your system can’t keep up with the extra volume. That can to abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.[1,2]
- Low Stomach Acid: When you don’t produce enough stomach acid, your food doesn’t get fully broken down. That food sits in your digestive tract undigested, and that can cause extreme discomfort along with heartburn, nausea, bloating, and feeling overfull.[3]
- Sluggish Bile Flow: Your digestive system produces bile to break down dietary fats. And when bile doesn’t flow smoothly, fats don’t break down properly. That can lead to abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Gut Microbiome Imbalance: The trillions of bacteria in your gut microbiome play a huge role in digestion. When the microbiome is out of balance, a condition called dysbiosis, it interferes with complete, efficient digestion. That can cause severe stomachaches, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and reflux.[4,5,6]
With so many potential causes for your upset stomach, you want to make sure you’re treating it the right way. And you want effective options that work fast.
Want to listen instead of read? CLICK HERE
Quick-Action Remedies to Soothe Your Stomach
When you’re suffering from a severe stomachache, you want it to go away… and you want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. The best way to prevent this situation is through mindful eating. That involves paying attention to your food intake, rather than eating while you do something else like scrolling through social media, working on a project, or Netflix binging. Mindful eating is a great way to minimize or completely avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.[7]
But if you’re already feeling awful, there are effective ways to feel better fast. Unfortunately, some commonly recommended “solutions” can make things worse. So it’s important to separate the dos from the don’ts.
Don’t’s
First, let’s talk about things that seem like they’ll help but can actually make you feel worse. These important “Don’ts” include:
1. Don’t take antacids.
These are designed to neutralize acid, but that won’t fix the root cause of sluggish digestion. In fact, they can make matters much worse.[8] Low acid is often misdiagnosed as excess acid, and adding antacids to the mix can cause serious digestive issues. In addition to the obvious symptoms, low stomach acid can lead to significant nutrient deficiencies.[9]
2. Don’t drink soda.
One of the most common home remedies for stomach upset is drinking soda, especially ginger ale. But the carbonation and sugar can make your stomachache worse (yes, even probiotic/prebiotic sodas). Carbonation can increase bloating and gas. Sugar can disrupt the gut microbiome and cause dysbiosis.[10]
3. Don’t exercise vigorously.
High intensity exercises can make stomach upset worse. They redirect blood flow away from the GI tract, slowing digestion. That can increase reflux symptoms, nausea, and bloating. If you are going to exercise, consider modifying the intensity and duration, avoid heavy and/or sugary meals before exercise, and always make sure you are hydrating well.
Do’s
Now, take these proactive steps to relieve your stomachache quickly. These options can effectively relieve a variety of digestive symptoms while they also improve your digestive health.
1. Do try deep breathing to promote healthy digestion.
Research shows that doing abdominal breathing exercises can relieve reflux symptoms.[11] One study found that deep breathing improved stomach pH and reduced intestinal pressure.[12]
2. Do some gentle movement like walking or yoga.
Low intensity exercise has been shown to improve intestinal motility, gut microbiome balance, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and bloating.[13] Engaging in these activities after a meal can be particularly helpful.
3. Do hydrate with electrolytes to ease bloating and improve gut motility.
Electrolytes play a key role in the digestive process.[14] Adequate hydration also helps keep the gut microbiome in healthy balance[15] and keeps things moving in the intestines.[16] The best option when you’re already feeling over-full: water with a pinch of sea salt to restore electrolyte balance. (Definitely skip the gatorade.)
4. Do incorporate digestive bitters into your daily routine.
These tried-and-true natural digestive aids work double duty helping you avoid stomach upset and helping relieve upset stomachs when they occur.
The Power of Digestive Bitters for Fast, Natural Relief
Your digestive system was designed to work with bitter substances. The sharp taste signals special T2R receptors in your body to initiate digestion, and those receptors line your entire digestive tract. As bitter compounds reach each area they activate that portion of the process.[17]
Unlike antacids or temporary remedies, bitters support your body’s own digestive processes. They stimulate stomach acid, promote bile production, and trigger the release of digestive enzymes to help your body break down food faster and more completely.
That’s why digestive bitters have been used since ancient times to reboot sluggish digestion and offer quick relief for common digestive upsets.[18] And key herbs like artichoke, gentian root, dandelion, peppermint, and ginger have been used for centuries to support optimal digestion:
- Artichoke, dandelion, and gentian gently and effectively stimulate production of stomach acid.[19]
- Artichoke leaf extract has been shown to increase bile secretion by as much as 151%,[20] and gentian root and dandelion root also help maximize bile production.
- Peppermint has antispasmodic properties, which helps gas pass more easily and eases cramping.[21]
- Gentian root promotes efficient gastrointestinal motility to help keep things moving.[22]
- Ginger helps increase intestinal motility and gastric emptying (how food moves from your stomach into your small intestine).[23]
- Dandelion root acts as a prebiotic to nourish beneficial probiotic bacteria in the gut microbiome, promoting healthy balance.[24]
Many bitters have been used traditionally for stomach upset, including dandelion,[25] ginger,[26] and peppermint.[27]
By working with your body’s own systems, digestive bitters help keep the process moving along to promote everyday digestive comfort.
Just Thrive Gut Health Products
Keep Digestion Comfortable with Just Thrive Digestive Bitters
When your digestive system is working the way it’s supposed to, your stomach will feel comfortable after every meal. And for those occasions where there’s a glitch along the way, nature offers a way to get things back on track quickly and effectively.
Just Thrive Digestive Bitters provides a combination of 12 time-tested bitter herbs that address virtually every facet of digestion. Plus, it comes in a convenient, tasteless capsule that delivers digestive benefits without the bitter taste.
The natural bitters in Just Thrive Digestive Bitters can help
- stimulate production of bile and stomach acid
- aid intestinal motility
- nourish beneficial gut bacteria in the gut microbiome
- and support overall digestive health and comfort
And if you’re not sure about trying Just Thrive Digestive Bitters… we can help with that.
EVERY Just Thrive purchase is covered by our Bottom of the Bottle, 100% money back guarantee.
So you can try Just Thrive Digestive Bitters to see if it works for you… and we’re confident that it will.
But if for any reason you don’t feel a difference, simply request a full product refund at any time. It doesn’t matter if it’s 3 months or even 3 years later. It doesn’t even matter if the bottle is empty!
Sources
- Crowell MD, Cheskin LJ, Musial F. Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in obese and normal weight binge eaters. Am J Gastroenterol. 1994 Mar;89(3):387-91. PMID: 8122651.
- Cremonini F, Camilleri M, Clark MM, Beebe TJ, Locke GR, Zinsmeister AR, Herrick LM, Talley NJ. Associations among binge eating behavior patterns and gastrointestinal symptoms: a population-based study. Int J Obes (Lond). 2009 Mar;33(3):342-53.
- Fatima R, Aziz M. Achlorhydria. [Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507793/#
- Wang K, Wang S, Chen Y, Lu X, Wang D, Zhang Y, Pan W, Zhou C, Zou D. Causal relationship between gut microbiota and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a genetic correlation and bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Front Immunol. 2024 Feb 21;15:1327503.
- Napolitano M, Fasulo E, Ungaro F, Massimino L, Sinagra E, Danese S, Mandarino FV. Gut Dysbiosis in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Review on Correlation with Disease Subtypes and Novel Therapeutic Implications. Microorganisms. 2023 Sep 22;11(10):2369.
- Wei L, Singh R, Ro S, Ghoshal UC. Gut microbiota dysbiosis in functional gastrointestinal disorders: Underpinning the symptoms and pathophysiology. JGH Open. 2021 Mar 23;5(9):976-987.
- Cherpak CE. Mindful Eating: A Review Of How The Stress-Digestion-Mindfulness Triad May Modulate And Improve Gastrointestinal And Digestive Function. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2019 Aug;18(4):48-53.
- Maideen NMP. Adverse Effects Associated with Long-Term Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors. Chonnam Med J. 2023 May;59(2):115-127.
- Vavallo M, Cingolani S, Cozza G, Schiavone FP, Dottori L, Palumbo C, Lahner E. Autoimmune Gastritis and Hypochlorhydria: Known Concepts from a New Perspective. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jun 21;25(13):6818.
- Zhang Y, et al. Sugar-sweetened beverage intake, gut microbiota, circulating metabolites, and diabetes risk in Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Cell Metab. 2025 Mar 4;37(3):578-591.e4.
- Eherer AJ, Netolitzky F, Högenauer C, Puschnig G, Hinterleitner TA, Scheidl S, Kraxner W, Krejs GJ, Hoffmann KM. Positive effect of abdominal breathing exercise on gastroesophageal reflux disease: a randomized,
- Voroshilov AP, Volinsky AA, Wang Z, Marchenko EV. Modified Qigong Breathing Exercise for Reducing the Sense of Hunger on an Empty Stomach. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2017;22(4):687-695.
- Severo JS, Silva ACAD, Santos BLBD, Reinaldo TS, Oliveira AM, Lima RSP, Torres-Leal FL, Santos AAD, Silva MTBD. Physical Exercise as a Therapeutic Approach in Gastrointestinal Diseases. J Clin Med. 2025 Mar 3;14(5):1708.
- Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/
- Sato K, Hara-Chikuma M, Yasui M, Inoue J, Kim YG. Sufficient water intake maintains the gut microbiota and immune homeostasis and promotes pathogen elimination. iScience. 2024 May 3;27(6):109903.
- Zhao Q, et al. Action Mode of Gut Motility, Fluid and Electrolyte Transport in Chronic Constipation. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Jul 27;12:630249.
- Descamps-Solà M, et al. Bitter taste receptors along the gastrointestinal tract: comparison between humans and rodents. Front Nutr. 2023 Aug 30;10:1215889.
- McMullen MK, Whitehouse JM, Whitton PA, Towell A. Bitter tastants alter gastric-phase postprandial haemodynamics. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Jul 3;154(3):719-27.
- Mitchell L. Schubert. Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract (Fifth Edition). Chapter 47 - Regulation of Gastric Acid Secretion. Volume 2, 2012, Pages 1281-1309
- Kirchhoff R, Beckers C, Kirchhoff GM, Trinczek-Gärtner H, Petrowicz O, Reimann HJ. Increase in choleresis by means of artichoke extract. Phytomedicine. 1994 Sep;1(2):107-15.
- Imagawa A, et al. Peppermint oil solution is useful as an antispasmodic drug for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, especially for elderly patients. Dig Dis Sci. 2012 Sep;57(9):2379-84.
- Wölfle U, Haarhaus B, Seiwerth J, Cawelius A, Schwabe K, Quirin KW, Schempp CM. The Herbal Bitter Drug Gentiana lutea Modulates Lipid Synthesis in Human Keratinocytes In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Aug 22;18(8):1814.
- Wu KL, Rayner CK, Chuah SK, Changchien CS, Lu SN, Chiu YC, Chiu KW, Lee CM. Effects of ginger on gastric emptying and motility in healthy humans. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 May;20(5):436-40.
- Kaur AP, et al. Plant Prebiotics and Their Role in the Amelioration of Diseases. Biomolecules. 2021 Mar 16;11(3):440.
- Li Y, Chen Y, Sun-Waterhouse D. The potential of dandelion in the fight against gastrointestinal diseases: A review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022 Jul 15;293:115272.
- Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A. Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Sci Nutr. 2018 Nov 5;7(1):96-108.
- Weerts ZZRM, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Peppermint Oil in a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2020 Jan;158(1):123-136.