A sour stomach is a very common problem of the gastrointestinal system. It is a collection of dreadful symptoms and is usually temporary and resolves within a few days.
A sour stomach usually affects the upper digestive system and may cause symptoms like nausea, regurgitation, indigestion, bloating, abdominal gas, or a sour or metallic taste in the mouth.
Some of the causes of a sour stomach include acid reflux, a peptic ulcer, gastritis, gastroenteritis and severe indigestion. Overeating as well as high intake of spicy and fatty foods, carbonated beverages, tea and coffee, and irregular eating and sleep patterns can put you at a higher risk of suffering from sour stomach.
There are some effective and easy-to-follow home remedies to cure a sour stomach. The remedies provide quick relief from the discomfort, queasiness, bloating and pain that a sour stomach causes.
If your symptoms persist for more than a week, see a doctor to rule out the possibility of chronic digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) disease.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for a sour stomach.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
You can treat a sour stomach using apple cider vinegar. It can provide quick relief from gas, bloating and excessive belching.
The healthy enzymes in it are beneficial for improving digestive health. Also, its acidic nature helps kill harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and restores the stomach’s pH to its normal level.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water.
- Optionally, you can add some raw honey.
- Drink it before each meal to prevent a sour stomach.
2. Ginger
Another good home remedy for a sour stomach is ginger. It can alleviate symptoms like gas, bloating and nausea.
The compounds called gingerols in ginger help reduce inflammation and irritation in the stomach. Ginger also stimulates digestive juices and the flow of enzymes that aid the digestion process.
- When you’re suffering from a sour stomach, ginger tea can help. To make the tea, put 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger in a cup and pour in boiling water. Cover, let it steep for 10 minutes and strain it. Drink it 20 minutes before each meal.
- Another option is to add 2 teaspoons of ginger juice and 1 teaspoon of honey to a cup of warm water and drink it 2 times a day.
- A third option is to add ½ teaspoon of dry ginger powder to 1 cup of buttermilk. Mix it well and drink this concoction a few times a day.
3. Baking Soda
You can also use baking soda as a natural treatment to quickly soothe a sour stomach.
Being a natural antacid, baking soda neutralizes stomach acid that causes heartburn and indigestion, which in turn provides quick relief from the symptoms.
- Stir ½ teaspoon of baking soda into half a glass of water.
- Drink this solution to neutralize the acid in your stomach.
- Repeat after 4 hours, if needed.
Caution: If you have high blood pressure, do not take baking soda as it contains sodium.
4. Charred Toast
When suffering from a sour stomach, you may not feel like eating anything. But one thing that can help you deal with the symptoms is charred or burnt toast.
The char on the toast helps absorb the toxins from your digestive system that are causing the problem. As the toxins get absorbed, you start feeling better.
Make 2 whole-wheat burnt pieces of toast and eat them slowly. You can have the toast with some cold milk, plain water or a cup of green tea.
Note: Avoid white bread toast, as it can be harmful to your gut microbiota.
5. Fennel
Fennel is also very effective to get relief from the symptoms of a sour stomach.
Fennel can prevent gastrointestinal problems and keep your gut microbiota healthy. It’s also antispasmodic, which means it can provide relief from any kind of stomach pain. It even reduces gas and nausea caused by an upset stomach.
- Slightly crush 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds and add it to 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then remove it from the heat and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it while it is still warm.
- Another option is to dry roast, grind and sieve a few tablespoons of fennel seeds. Take ½ teaspoon of this powder along with water after eating your meal. This mixture will last for several months.
6. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera, being rich in anti-inflammatory properties, helps soothe inflammation and irritation in your stomach and intestinal lining. This in turn reduces sour stomach if the cause is acid reflux or a peptic ulcer.
Also, being an effective laxative, aloe vera is good for the digestion process.
- Blend 2 tablespoons of freshly extracted aloe vera gel with 1 cup of water or sugar-free orange juice (or any other citrus juice) in a blender until smooth.
- Drink this once daily until your symptoms improve.
Note: Do not take aloe vera in excess, as it can cause diarrhea.
7. Chamomile Tea
A few cups of chamomile tea can help reduce the symptoms of a sour stomach.
Its anti-inflammatory nature helps the stomach muscles relax, which can reduce the pain and improve the digestion process. It also lowers gastric acidity.
- Put 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a cup and pour boiling water over it. Cover and allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Strain, add a little honey and drink it.
- Alternatively, if you are using chamomile tea bags, pour water over the bag, cover it and allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag, add a little honey and drink the tea.
8. Activated Charcoal
If you want quick relief from sour stomach symptoms, then try activated charcoal.
Activated charcoal can soak up the harmful acids and gases that accumulate in your gut. This in turn provides relief from indigestion, gas and a bloated stomach.
- One hour before eating your meal, take 1 capsule of activated charcoal with a full glass of water. After finishing the meal, drink another glass of water.
- Another option is to mix ½ teaspoon of activated charcoal powder in a glass of water and have it before eating your meal.
9. Bananas
Bananas are a bland food that you can eat whenever you suffer from a sour stomach or other stomach problems. They soothe the intestinal walls and minimize irritation from gastric acid.
Also, the high level of potassium in bananas works as a natural antacid, thus neutralizing the stomach’s pH.
Eat a banana either before or after your meals. You can eat 2 to 3 bananas a day. For best results, sprinkle cinnamon powder on the banana before eating it.
Apart from bananas, eating apples or ripe papayas is also beneficial.
10. Yogurt
Yogurt is another effective home remedy to soothe a sour stomach. Being gentle on your stomach, it is easy to digest. Plus, it provides energy and nutrition to the body.
Yogurt containing live active cultures is particularly good for relieving digestive troubles as it helps balance the gut bacteria that aid in digestion.
Make sure to read the label of your yogurt before purchasing to make sure you are buying plain probiotic yogurt with live and active cultures.
Additional Tips
- Eat a bland diet for a few days to reduce the symptoms of a sour stomach and help your gastrointestinal system recover.
- People who do not have lactose intolerance can drink a glass of cold milk to get relief from a sour stomach. If you are lactose intolerant, be careful of dairy foods.
- Avoid foods that are fatty and spicy.
- Avoid eating large, heavy meals. Stick to small meals, several times a day.
- Eat at a slower pace and chew your food thoroughly.
- Wait 1 to 2 hours after eating your meal before going to bed.
- Enjoy a walk or some other light exercise after a meal to help boost your digestive system and avoid the discomfort of a sour stomach.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your digestive system working properly.
- Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep everyday to refresh your body.
- Try to eat your meals, from breakfast to dinner, at the same time each day.
- Cut down on bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol and chewing tobacco.
- Avoid eating any kind of citrus fruits on an empty stomach.
- Exercise daily to increase the motility of your digestive system, which prevents constipation and bloating.
- Take steps to keep stress under control to avoid psychological factors taking a toll on your digestive health.
