10 Natural Ways To Settle Your Stomach (Slideshow)

Stomach disorders affect more than 60 million people in the U.S. each year, and every day 1 in 18 Americans have heartburn. Whether it's IBS or newfound gluten intolerance, tummy troubles are on the rise and there is more than one way to help ease the pain.

Natural remedies have been placating disruptive digestive tracts for hundreds of years, and (if you get the go-ahead from your doctor) these methods may be just as effective as the over-the-counter meds you've been taking.    

Bland food like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) help soothe upset stomachs caused by indigestion, acid reflux and diarrhea. There are other variations of the diet like BRATCH, which includes chicken, or BRATT, which includes tea.

Ginger is a miracle worker for nausea and indigestion, and even helps reduce gas. Ginger in any form will do the trick, including tea or freshly grated or candied ginger. Unless you're drinking the natural stuff, most ginger ale doesn't actually contain any ginger.

Mint (peppermint, spearmint, etc.) aids in digestion and settles sour or upset stomachs by relaxing the stomach muscles. Brew a cup of peppermint tea using about one heaping teaspoon of loose peppermint leaves; steep in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, or until you reach the desired flavor.

Probiotics are the same type of good bacteria that naturally occur in your stomach. Eating food like yogurt, kimchi, and kefir, or taking a probiotic pill, helps produce more of the good bacteria, which in turns helps with overall stomach health.

Prebiotics are the sidekick to probiotics. They help encourage the growth of the good bacteria found in your stomach (and probiotics). You can find prebiotics in garlic, asparagus, onions, and Jerusalem artichokes.

Chamomile is used as a cure-all in many cultures. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and may relieve heartburn and gas.

Aloe vera juice has cooling, anti-inflammatory properties and may help repair the internal damage done by stomach ulcers. Not a far stretch from the external uses (calming irritated and sunburnt skin) for which aloe is commonly employed.

Dandelion greens make for a great side dish, but they are also used for their medicinal properties. Native Americans and traditional Chinese medicine utilize dandelion greens to treat stomach issues such as heartburn or upset stomach.

Papaya is no longer just for your fruit salad. This tropical fruit has been used in Ayurveda traditional medicine for hundreds of years. It aids in both digestion and soothing an upset stomach, and also helps prevent excessive gas.

When you have tummy troubles, it's best to avoid carbonated beverages, processed meats, other types of processed foods, and overeating generally.