6 Ways to Soothe Your Stomach

Tummy troubles are never pretty, but they can be remedied with these options.

Over-the-Counter Antacids

When to use them: When you get that roiling feeling.

What they do: Antacids, such as Tums and Rolaids, contain an element like calcium or magnesium to neutralize the acid secreted by your stomach lining. Products such as Pepcid and Zantac, called H2 blockers, also help reduce the amount of acid that your stomach produces, alleviating reflux symptoms. Be sure to use antacids as directed; you should take them to treat occasional pain, not pop them like Tic Tacs. “Once in a while, sure, it’s fine to use antacids,” says Larry Weiss, a physician in San Francisco and a former consultant to the cruise industry on infectious stomach viruses. “But if you’re taking them on a regular basis, you should talk to your doctor to find out exactly what the problem is.”