Few things are more irritating than an upset stomach, and given how the crypto markets have been churning the last few weeks, there's plenty of indigestion going around. However, there are ways to get through the discomfort, with some of them being far more effective in the long run than others.

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First, understand that the term "upset stomach" is a misnomer. What most people feel as a bloated feeling or cramping is really coming from their intestines, whether it be the upper tract or lower region. The typical food reaction happens more often in the intestines than in the stomach itself. That said, if a person is suffering from an ulcer, for example, that easily could be in the stomach itself. The difference, believe it or not, is that gut pain and cramping tends to be lower and in the front and sides of the belly while actual stomach pain can feel like heartburn, higher up the thorax and even the chest area.

Second, by the time people are feeling a problem, it's usually due to gas build up or intestinal cramping. If the stomach truly wants to get rid of something, people suffering will know it. The most common symptom is nausea and the need to vomit. Diarrhea is another symptom. These symptoms involve the body doing what it does naturally, trying to get rid of whatever contaminant is causing a problem. However, because these processes can take a tremendous amount of fluid to work, dehydration is also real risk.

The primary thing most should do is try to continue to stay hydrated. Even if it means just sipping water, hydration is critical to keeping your organs working, and it helps the body do its thing. Gatorade has long been a common product I've used because it provides both liquid, as well as potassium and salt, key minerals needed for internal balance and water absorption. In my experience, it tends to work better than just straight water, and it tastes better, quite frankly.

There's no need to eat when your digestion is messed up. Believe it or not, a person can easily go a number of days and even a week without eating. You might feel darn hungry, but it won't kill you unless you have a medical condition that needs a certain amount of intake daily. Check with your doctor to be sure. However, hydration is critical. While people can last maybe three days without it, you'll be close to hospitalization after a day.

Once your body has finished purging, either way, you'll notice the internal gas production will also die down. This is a good thing. It means you've likely gotten rid of the problem and now need to recover. Again, don't be so quick to eat. Simple bread and liquids are key here. Focus on rest, letting your body recover, and sipping every 20 minutes. You'll find this path tends to be easier and better as your internal balance comes back. Usually, after a good nap or night's sleep, you're going to feel a lot better.

If you do need to eat something more, bananas and vegetables tend to be light on the stomach versus anything in the heavy protein category like meat or cheese. Avoid dairy products, any legumes (i.e. beans) and definitely don't eat processed foods like potato chips or candy. These will all make your stomach work, triggering more cramping.

There are plenty of over-the-counter products like Imodium and Pepto-Bismal. These medicines will help with nausea but they also work by basically plugging up the body's digestive system. It can be counter-effective when your body is instead trying to get rid of the problem. However, these aids can help when the purging gets too severe, and one needs to just rest. Most folks who have had to deal with Montezuma's Revenge on a trip to Mexico know what that can be like.

I'm not a doctor nor a medical expert. If you need medical advice, talk to a licensed physician first, especially if you have pain and daily issues. I only write from some four or five decades of dealing with an upset stomach now and then and finding out from experience what works. As I write this, I'm dealing with another stomach twist, and I'm just hydrating and relaxing to let things pass. I've found minimizing drugs and focusing on letting my body fix itself works far better in most cases. I just have to be patient instead of wanting an instant solution.