What to Do When You Have an Upset Stomach and Don't Know What to Do

When the Stomach Refuses to Cooperate – What's Behind the Feeling of Nausea?

"I have a queasy stomach." This phrase is a common part of everyday language, and almost everyone has used it at some point. That unpleasant state when you feel uneasy, have the sensation that your "stomach is turning," and consider whether it's better to head toward the bathroom, is not uncommon. Although it may seem trivial, the feeling of nausea can surprisingly have a wide range of causes – from innocent discomfort to a signal of a more serious health issue.

What Does "Queasy Stomach" Actually Mean?

This colloquial expression refers to a state where a person experiences a feeling of nausea or mild pressure in the stomach area, often accompanied by a lack of appetite, weakness, and sometimes the urge to vomit. It is a subjective sensation that can be a reaction to various physical and psychological stimuli. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom that accompanies a variety of different conditions.

In medical terminology, this condition corresponds to the term "nausea," which is a form of discomfort that sometimes (but not always) leads to vomiting. Understanding the causes behind this unpleasant feeling is key to effectively combating it.

The Most Common Causes of Nausea and Feeling of Queasiness

At first glance, nausea might seem like a simple problem with a simple solution – we ate something bad, it makes us feel unwell, and after some time, we feel better. However, the reality is more complex. Queasy stomach and feeling of nausea can be caused by a variety of factors that often appear unrelated.

1. Digestive Problems

The most common cause tends to be digestive tract disorders – from mundane overeating or consuming spoiled food, through stomach irritation by alcohol, spicy foods, or medications, to more serious conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach ulcers, or infections caused by bacteria (such as Helicobacter pylori).

Especially in children and the elderly, a common cause of nausea can be viral or bacterial gastroenteritis, better known as "stomach flu." This causes not only nausea but also vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

2. Hormonal Changes – Including Pregnancy

One of the most well-known conditions where queasy stomach during pregnancy occurs is so-called morning sickness. It affects approximately 70–80% of pregnant women, mostly during the first trimester. The hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which sharply rises in the body, is primarily responsible for the nausea. Interestingly, nausea can also be a positive sign – studies suggest that women with more pronounced nausea often have a lower risk of miscarriage.

Apart from pregnancy, hormonal changes related to menstruation, menopause, or thyroid disorders can also contribute to nausea.

3. Psychological Causes

Nausea doesn't have to be just a physical matter. Stress, anxiety, panic, or intense emotional tension can trigger somatic symptoms – and the stomach is one of the first organs to react to psychological stress. It is no coincidence that people say "they have nerves in their stomach."

A typical example is the situation before an important presentation, exam, or interview, where our stomach literally "turns." In these cases, it is not a physical illness but a reaction of the autonomic nervous system, which manifests as nausea, dry mouth, or stomach pain.

4. Motion and Position Changes – Motion Sickness

Especially children, but also more sensitive adults, often suffer from so-called motion sickness. It appears during travel by car, train, boat, or plane and is related to the discrepancy between what we see and what our vestibular apparatus in the ear registers. The result is the typical feeling of nausea during travel – and sometimes even actual vomiting.

Solutions include sitting in the front, looking at the horizon, getting plenty of fresh air, and in some cases, natural remedies like ginger or mint.

5. Medications and Toxins

Many medications can have nausea as a side effect. These include antibiotics, analgesics (especially those from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and also drugs used in chemotherapy. Vomiting and nausea can also be symptoms of intoxication – for example, after consuming alcohol, nicotine, or other substances.

What to Do When the Stomach is Queasy?

The solution depends on the cause. If it's a one-time nausea, it's advisable to give the body rest, stay in a calm environment, avoid strong odors, and choose light food, or possibly fast. Herbal teas, such as ginger, mint, or chamomile, can help – they have a calming effect on the digestive tract.

For chronic or recurring issues, consulting a doctor is advisable. It's particularly alarming if nausea is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss, blood in the stool, severe pain, or unexpected fatigue.

Natural Helpers When the Stomach Rebels

In many cases, nausea can be managed without medications – natural remedies are not only gentler on the body but often very effective as well. Ginger is considered one of the best natural remedies for nausea – whether in the form of tea, candied root, or capsules. It helps relax the muscles of the digestive tract and reduce the urge to vomit.

Similarly, peppermint works, which has a cooling and calming effect. In aromatherapy, essential oils – such as lavender or lemon – have proven effective, especially for stress-related nausea.

Last but not least, lifestyle plays an important role – regular exercise, adequate sleep, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and mindful rest have a positive impact on both the digestive and nervous systems. Nausea is often a signal that the body needs to slow down.

A Practical Experience – When the Body Says Enough

Imagine the situation: a young woman, a thirty-year-old manager, working at full capacity, often late into the night, without regular meals and minimal rest. In recent weeks, she has been troubled by frequent feelings of nausea, especially in the morning and after meals. After several visits to the doctor, it turns out that it's not any "physical" illness – but burnout syndrome and anxiety, which manifest precisely through digestive issues. After implementing mindfulness techniques, changing her routine, and making slight dietary adjustments, the issues subside.

"I've learned to listen to my body," she says. "And when my stomach indicates that it's too much, I take it seriously."

This story illustrates how complex the cause of such a seemingly trivial problem, like a queasy stomach, can be. It's often not just about what we ate, but also about what we experience, how we live, and how we treat ourselves.

Whether the nausea is caused by inappropriate food, stress, pregnancy, or another factor, one thing is certain: the stomach is not just an organ for digestion, but also a barometer of our psychological and physical well-being. And it's worth listening to – often, it tells us more than we admit.