How to Quickly Get Rid of Feeling Sick? Effective Home Remedies and Tips

September 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), digestive issues and stomach upsets are among the most common reasons for seeking medical advice. Knowing how to quickly get rid of feeling sick is a valuable skill for managing those uncomfortable moments and getting back to your day.

Quick Summary

Find fast relief for nausea and an upset stomach by sipping clear, cold fluids, eating small amounts of bland foods like crackers, and getting fresh air. Utilizing home remedies like ginger or peppermint and practicing rest can effectively calm your digestive system and help you recover.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: Sip clear, cold fluids slowly to replace lost liquids and soothe your stomach.
Eat Bland Foods: Opt for gentle, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, and bananas to calm your digestive system.
Use Natural Remedies: Try ginger or peppermint in teas or candies, known for their anti-nausea properties.
Get Fresh Air: Move to a cool, well-ventilated area to alleviate a stuffy feeling that can worsen nausea.
Rest with Head Elevated: Lie down but keep your head propped up to prevent stomach acid from refluxing and causing more discomfort.
Distract Yourself: Engage in a low-energy activity like listening to music or watching a show to take your mind off the nausea.
Know When to See a Doctor: Seek medical advice for persistent symptoms, signs of severe dehydration, or if vomiting contains blood.

Understand the Causes of Feeling Sick

Understanding why you feel sick is the first step toward finding effective relief. The sensation can stem from a variety of causes, from a simple dietary indiscretion to more serious conditions. Common culprits include viral infections like the stomach flu, food poisoning, motion sickness, stress and anxiety, or even pregnancy. In some cases, feeling unwell can be a side effect of medication or a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

The Importance of Hydration

When you're feeling unwell, especially with nausea or vomiting, staying hydrated is paramount. Dehydration can worsen symptoms and prolong recovery. However, gulping down large amounts of fluid can upset your stomach further. The key is to take small, frequent sips of clear fluids.

Water: The most basic and best option. Small sips prevent overwhelming your stomach.
Electrolyte Drinks: If you've been vomiting, an electrolyte drink can help replenish lost minerals and salts.
Clear Broth: A low-sodium broth can provide hydration and some nutrients without irritating your stomach.
Ginger Tea: Many studies have shown ginger's effectiveness in soothing an upset stomach.

Soothing Foods for an Upset Stomach

If you can tolerate food, start with bland, easily digestible options. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is a classic for a reason. These foods are gentle on your stomach and unlikely to trigger further upset.

Best Foods to Eat When Nauseous:

Saltine Crackers: Plain, dry crackers can help absorb stomach acid.
Toast: Simple and easy to digest, with a satisfying crunch.
Bananas and Applesauce: These fruits are a good source of carbohydrates and are easy on the digestive system.
Plain Rice or Potatoes: Unseasoned and simple, these provide energy without overwhelming your stomach.

Foods to Avoid When Feeling Sick:

Fatty and Greasy Foods: Hard to digest and can aggravate nausea.
Spicy Foods: Can irritate the stomach lining.
Dairy Products: Can be difficult to digest for some people when their stomach is already sensitive.
Overly Sweet Foods: Can cause a spike in blood sugar and worsen nausea.

Comparison of Common Natural Remedies for Nausea


Remedy	How It Works	Best For	How to Use
Ginger	Contains compounds that relax stomach muscles and aid digestion.	Chemotherapy-induced nausea, motion sickness.	Tea, candies, or fresh root.
Peppermint	Menthol in peppermint helps calm stomach muscles.	Nausea from indigestion or general queasiness.	Tea, essential oil aromatherapy.
Acupressure	Stimulates the P-6 (Neiguan) pressure point on the wrist to help relieve nausea.	Motion sickness, pregnancy-related nausea.	Wear an acupressure band or apply pressure with your fingers.
Lemon	The neutralizing acids can help calm an upset stomach.	Nausea caused by motion sickness or strong smells.	Sniff a fresh lemon or sip lemon water.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Immediate Relief

Your actions and environment can have a significant impact on how quickly you recover from feeling sick. Simple changes can provide comfort and prevent symptoms from worsening.

Get Fresh Air: A stuffy, warm environment can make nausea worse. Open a window or step outside for some fresh, cool air.
Rest: Pushing yourself can prolong your illness. Lie down and rest, but elevate your head with a pillow to prevent stomach acid from coming up.
Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothing can put pressure on your abdomen, which can exacerbate feelings of discomfort.
Distraction: Sometimes, focusing too much on the unpleasant feeling can make it worse. Watching a movie, listening to music, or reading can help distract your mind.

When to See a Doctor

While most bouts of feeling sick resolve on their own with rest and home care, there are times when medical attention is necessary. If your symptoms are severe, persist for more than a couple of days, or are accompanied by other concerning signs, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.
Signs of severe dehydration, such as excessive thirst, little or no urination, and dizziness.
Fever, especially if accompanied by a stiff neck or headache.
Severe abdominal pain.
Vomit that contains blood or resembles coffee grounds.
A yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Conclusion

Dealing with the unpleasant sensation of feeling sick can disrupt your day, but a combination of gentle home remedies and practical tips can provide quick relief. By prioritizing hydration, choosing bland, soothing foods, and making small lifestyle adjustments, you can help your body recover more quickly. Remembering when to seek medical advice is also crucial for ensuring your health and well-being. By following these steps, you can take control of your symptoms and feel better in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fastest relief often comes from sipping cold, clear liquids like water or ginger tea and eating a few saltine crackers. Resting in a well-ventilated area with your head elevated can also provide quick comfort.

Yes, ginger is a well-regarded natural remedy for nausea. It contains compounds that help relax the muscles in your stomach and intestines, which can alleviate the feeling of sickness. You can consume it as tea, in candies, or chew on a small piece of fresh root.

When you feel sick, it's best to avoid fatty, greasy, or spicy foods, as well as dairy products and overly sweet items. These can be difficult to digest and may irritate your already sensitive stomach.

Lying flat can cause stomach acid to rise, which can worsen feelings of nausea and heartburn. It is better to sit upright or, if you must lie down, prop your head up with pillows to keep stomach contents settled.

Yes, stress and anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms, including nausea. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or light distraction can help calm your mind and, in turn, your stomach.

If you're vomiting, start with small sips of fluid every 15-20 minutes. Ice chips are also a great option as they melt slowly. A sports drink with electrolytes can help replace lost minerals, but dilute it with water to reduce the sugar content.

You should see a doctor if your symptoms don't improve within a couple of days, or if you experience persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, high fever, severe pain, or any blood in your vomit or stool.