The Impact of Fasting on an Upset Stomach

By Caspian Drummond

May 14, 2023

The Science Behind Fasting and Digestive Health

As an ancient practice, fasting has been utilized for various purposes, ranging from religious to health. Recently, fasting has gained popularity for its potential benefits on digestive health, especially in the context of an upset stomach. In this section, I will delve into the science behind how fasting positively impacts our digestive system and why it may help alleviate an upset stomach.

When we fast, our body undergoes several physiological changes that promote better digestion. For instance, fasting promotes autophagy, a cellular process that helps cleanse our body of waste products and toxins. This housekeeping process not only improves overall gut health but also aids in reducing inflammation—a common symptom of an upset stomach.

Moreover, fasting gives our digestive system a break from constantly breaking down and processing food, allowing it to heal and repair itself. This restorative period can alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

Intermittent Fasting and Upset Stomach Relief

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular form of fasting that involves cycling between periods of eating and not eating. This approach to fasting allows for more flexibility and has been associated with several health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and better digestion. In this section, I will discuss how intermittent fasting can help with an upset stomach and what type of IF schedule might be best for you.

By following an intermittent fasting schedule, you allow your digestive system to rest and recover during fasting periods, helping to alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach. Additionally, IF helps regulate gut hormones and improve gut microbiome diversity, leading to better overall digestive health.

There are various intermittent fasting schedules, such as the 16/8 method, the 5:2 method, and alternate-day fasting. It's essential to choose a schedule that best suits your lifestyle and health goals. Consulting with a healthcare professional can also help you determine the best IF schedule for your individual needs.

Fasting and Hydration: A Crucial Balance

While fasting can be beneficial for an upset stomach, it's crucial to maintain proper hydration during this time. Drinking water not only keeps our body functioning optimally but also helps flush out toxins and waste products from our digestive system. In this section, I will explain the importance of hydration during fasting and how to ensure you're getting enough fluids.

When fasting, it's essential to drink adequate water to prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate symptoms of an upset stomach. Dehydration can lead to constipation, bloating, and increased acidity in the stomach, further aggravating digestive discomfort.

While the exact amount of water needed varies from person to person, a good rule of thumb is to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. Herbal teas, bone broth, and electrolyte-rich drinks can also be consumed during fasting to help maintain proper hydration and support digestive health.

Fasting and the Gut-Brain Connection

Our gut and brain are intricately connected, with the gut often referred to as our "second brain." When our digestive health is compromised, it can impact our mental well-being and vice versa. In this section, I will discuss how fasting can help strengthen the gut-brain connection, ultimately leading to better digestion and an improved sense of well-being.

Fasting has been shown to positively impact our gut-brain connection by reducing inflammation, improving gut microbiome diversity, and promoting the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain health. These factors collectively help improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach, while also enhancing our mental well-being.

By incorporating fasting into our routine, we not only support our digestive health but also promote better mental health, leading to a more balanced and harmonious life.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While fasting can offer relief for an upset stomach, it's important to recognize when it's time to consult a healthcare professional. Persistent digestive issues may indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. In this section, I will discuss some signs that it's time to seek professional help for your upset stomach.

If your upset stomach symptoms persist despite fasting and other home remedies, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Signs that you should seek medical attention include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, blood in your stool or vomit, and unexplained weight loss.

Additionally, if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medications, it's crucial to discuss fasting with a healthcare professional to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

Conclusion: Fasting as a Tool for Digestive Health

In conclusion, fasting can have a significant impact on digestive health and offer relief for an upset stomach. By giving our digestive system a break and promoting cellular cleansing, fasting can alleviate symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Intermittent fasting, proper hydration, and maintaining a healthy gut-brain connection can further enhance these benefits.

However, it's essential to recognize when to consult a healthcare professional for persistent digestive issues and to ensure that fasting is appropriate for your individual needs. By using fasting as a tool for digestive health, we can better manage symptoms of an upset stomach and improve our overall well-being.

14 Comments

Bhanu pratap
May 15, 2023 AT 13:01

I tried fasting for 3 days last month after my stomach was acting up for weeks. Honestly? It was like hitting reset. No more bloating, no more that heavy feeling after eating. I didn't even miss food that much. My energy actually went up. If you're skeptical, just try 16/8 for a week. You might be surprised.
Meredith Poley
May 15, 2023 AT 22:32

Fasting heals your stomach? Sure. And eating sugar cures diabetes. The science here is thin at best and mostly anecdotal. Autophagy is real, but it doesn't magically erase gastritis or H. pylori. Stop selling snake oil as wellness.
Mathias Matengu Mabuta
May 16, 2023 AT 15:42

The notion that fasting 'gives the digestive system a break' is a myth propagated by wellness influencers who have never read a physiology textbook. The gut is not a machine that needs to 'rest.' It is a dynamic organ that functions continuously-even during fasting, gastric acid is secreted, peristalsis continues, and microbial activity persists. To claim otherwise is to misunderstand basic biology.
Lee Lee
May 16, 2023 AT 17:07

You know who benefits from this fasting hype? Big Pharma. They want you to believe you can fix chronic inflammation with a 16-hour window so you don’t ask for real diagnostics. Meanwhile, your microbiome is collapsing from lack of fiber, and they’re selling you probiotics with a $40 markup. Wake up. This is all engineered distraction.
John Greenfield
May 16, 2023 AT 17:20

Fasting doesn't 'alleviate' an upset stomach-it masks it. If your stomach is upset because of a tumor, an ulcer, or bacterial overgrowth, fasting won't fix that. It just lets you ignore the symptoms until you collapse in the ER. This isn't wellness. It's dangerous self-diagnosis.
Dr. Alistair D.B. Cook
May 17, 2023 AT 04:33

I've been doing 20:4 fasting for 4 years, and I can tell you this: my acid reflux vanished. Not because of 'autophagy' or 'gut rest'-but because I stopped eating every 3 hours. Constant snacking = constant acid production. Simple. No mysticism. Just math. And yes, I drink water. And yes, I still eat carbs. But not all day long.
Ashley Tucker
May 17, 2023 AT 18:49

This is why America is falling apart. People think they can fix their health by skipping meals like it's some kind of spiritual ritual. We used to have real doctors who prescribed medicine-not fasting as a lifestyle cult. If you're sick, see a professional. Don't let a blog post be your GP.
Allen Jones
May 18, 2023 AT 11:57

Fasting is a government mind-control tool. They want you to eat less so you're easier to manage. The FDA, WHO, and Big Food are all in cahoots. They're using 'autophagy' as a buzzword to get you to stop buying processed snacks. But what they're really doing is starving your immune system. I know because I saw it in a documentary on the dark web.
jackie cote
May 18, 2023 AT 13:24

Fasting can be a helpful tool for some people with mild digestive discomfort, but it’s not a cure-all. If you’re considering it, start slowly. Track your symptoms. Hydrate. Don’t skip meals if you’re underweight or pregnant. And if symptoms persist, see a GI specialist. No blog replaces clinical evaluation.
ANDREA SCIACCA
May 19, 2023 AT 10:37

Fasting is the only way to cleanse your soul AND your colon. The modern world is poison. They pump chemicals into your food, your water, your air. Fasting? It’s the last pure act of rebellion. I did a 7-day water fast last winter and I felt like a phoenix. My aura turned gold. I could hear the trees whispering. The government doesn’t want you to know this. They fear the awakened.
Camille Mavibas
May 19, 2023 AT 17:00

I started 16/8 after my stomach was killing me for months 🥲 turned out I was snacking all day-chips, candy, coffee with creamer. Fasting didn’t 'cure' me, but it made me stop mindless eating. Now I eat real food. I feel better. Not magic. Just awareness. 🌱💧
Shubham Singh
May 19, 2023 AT 17:18

Everyone talks about fasting like it's the answer. But what about the people who get worse? I fasted for a week after reading this same article. I fainted in the grocery store. My mom cried. My girlfriend left me. Now I eat three meals a day and I'm not ashamed. Your body isn't broken. You're just scared of food.
Hollis Hamon
May 20, 2023 AT 01:54

I’ve worked with patients who’ve tried fasting for IBS and GERD. Some benefit. Some don’t. The key isn’t the fasting window-it’s the quality of food when you break the fast. A burrito after 16 hours isn’t healing. A bowl of broth, greens, and lean protein is. Focus on what you eat, not just when you don’t.
Adam Walter
May 20, 2023 AT 04:41

Let’s not romanticize fasting. It’s not a spiritual cleanse-it’s a metabolic reset. The gut microbiome responds to nutrient scarcity by shifting composition, which can reduce inflammation. But this isn’t new. Ancient cultures fasted because food was scarce, not because they read a Medium post. The real breakthrough? Recognizing that chronic overconsumption, not 'toxins,' is the root problem. Eat less. Eat real. Move more. That’s the triad. Nothing else.