11 Best Foods For An Upset Stomach And What To Avoid

In this article I am going to share some tips on how to deal with one of life’s most unpleasant experiences: an upset stomach.

We’ve all been there, am I right? Whether it’s from something we ate or just a case of the tummy troubles, an upset stomach can make us feel downright miserable.

But fear not, my friends, because I’ve got your back. In this article, I’m gonna share with you the 11 best foods to eat when you’re dealing with an upset stomach, as well as what to avoid like the plague.

So grab a seat and get ready to take some notes, because I’m about to lay down some knowledge on you. Let’s get started!

What may cause an upset stomach?

Now, before we get into the good stuff, let’s talk about what can cause an upset stomach in the first place.

Look, there’s a whole host of things that can make your tummy go all topsy-turvy, so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.

Maybe you ate something that was a little past its prime, or maybe you’re dealing with some stress that’s messing with your digestion. Perhaps you’re one of those folks who just has a sensitive stomach, and anything can set you off.

Whatever the cause may be, the result is always the same: discomfort, pain, and sometimes even nausea. But don’t worry, my friends, because in this article I’m about to reveal the 11 best foods for an upset stomach – as well as some of them to avoid.

Best Foods For An Upset Stomach

Bananas

When it comes to upset stomachs, bananas are like the superheroes of the food world.

You know why? Because they’re packed with all sorts of nutrients that can help soothe your tummy troubles in no time.

Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is essential for balancing fluids in your body and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Plus, they’re rich in fiber, which can help regulate your digestive system and keep things moving smoothly.

And if that wasn’t enough, bananas also contain natural antacids that can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn.

So if you’re feeling queasy, grab yourself a banana and let the healing begin.

Ginger

That’s right, Ginger. This little root has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for all sorts of digestive issues.

But why, you may ask? Well, for starters, ginger contains compounds that can help relax the muscles in your digestive system, which can ease nausea and vomiting.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in your gut and improve digestion.

And if that wasn’t enough, ginger also contains compounds that can help kill off harmful bacteria in your stomach and prevent infections. So, grab yourself some ginger tea or add some fresh ginger to your meals, and let the healing powers of ginger do their thing.

Read Also: Top 14 Ginger Health Benefits, Nutrition Value and Possible Side Effects

Rice

When you’re dealing with an upset stomach, sometimes the simplest foods are the best. That’s where rice comes in.

I’m talking about plain, white rice, nothing fancy. This humble grain is a great choice for anyone dealing with tummy troubles.

Rice is super easy to digest, so your stomach won’t have to work too hard to break it down.

Plus, it can help absorb excess stomach acid, which can help ease heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms.

And if you’re feeling weak or low on energy, rice is a great source of carbs that can help give you a little boost.

So, the next time you’re feeling under the weather, grab yourself a bowl of rice and let its soothing powers work their magic.

Toast

Sometimes, you just need something bland and gentle to eat, and that’s where plain toast comes in.

This humble breakfast staple is a great choice for anyone who’s feeling queasy or dealing with acid reflux.

Why? Well, for starters, toast can help absorb excess stomach acid, which can help reduce heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Plus, it’s a good source of carbs, which can provide some much-needed energy when you’re feeling weak or depleted.

Now, here’s the thing – you gotta make sure your toast is plain and simple, none of that fancy stuff with all sorts of toppings and spreads.

And be careful to avoid toast that’s too greasy or high in fiber, as that can irritate your stomach even more.

Chicken broth

Now, when your stomach is upset sometimes you just don’t feel like eating anything at all.

But, you still need to stay hydrated and nourished, and that’s where chicken broth comes in.

This liquid gold is a great choice for anyone dealing with an upset stomach or a cold.

Chicken broth is super easy to digest, so your stomach won’t have to work too hard to break it down. Plus, it’s a great source of hydration, which is essential when you’re feeling sick or dealing with diarrhea.

And, get this – chicken broth also contains some nutrients that can help support your immune system and fight off infections.

If for any reason you don’t have chicken laying around you can use vegetable broth. Or simply boil some vegetable peels and drink the water.

Related: Are vegetable and meat stock cubes healthy?

Peppermint

Peppermint is a fantastic food for an upset stomach!

Let me tell you, peppermint has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to ease nausea, bloating, and digestive issues.

The menthol in peppermint leaves has a soothing effect on the stomach muscles and can help relieve pain and discomfort.

Plus, it’s tasty and refreshing, so you can enjoy it in many different forms, from tea to candy to essential oils.

So, if your stomach is feeling all rumbly and grumbly, reach for some peppermint, and you’ll be feeling better in no time,

Flaxseed

Let me tell you about flaxseed, also known as linseed. Now, this small but mighty seed is a game-changer for your gut health.

You know what I’m talking about – when you’re feeling all constipated and bloated, that ain’t no fun, right?

But flaxseed can help regulate your bowel movements and relieve all that discomfort and pain. I’m talking about clinical studies, people!

Chronic constipation, fewer than three bowel movements per week – that’s no joke.

But flaxseed, whether you’re taking it as ground flaxseed meal or flaxseed oil, can help relieve those uncomfortable symptoms.

In fact, adults who took just one ounce of flaxseed oil per day for two weeks had more bowel movements and better stool consistency than before.

And get this – those who ate flaxseed muffins every day had a whopping 30% more bowel movements each week!

Plus, animal studies show that flaxseed can even prevent stomach ulcers and reduce intestinal spasms.

So, if you want to keep your gut in tip-top shape, consider adding some flaxseed to your diet. It just might be the answer you’ve been looking for, folks!

Chamomile

Chamomile is a herbal plant with small white flowers that’s been around since the dawn of time.

People have been brewing dried chamomile into a tea or taking it as a supplement to treat various intestinal troubles like gas, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

And let me tell you, it’s been quite effective for some folks.

Now, before you go running to your nearest grocery store to stock up on chamomile tea bags, you should know that only a limited number of studies support its effectiveness for upset stomachs.

Anyway, one study found that chamomile supplements reduced the severity of vomiting after chemotherapy treatments, but we don’t know if it has the same effects on other types of vomiting.

And let’s not forget about the mice – an animal study found that chamomile extracts relieved diarrhea in mice by reducing intestinal spasms and decreasing the amount of water secreted into the stool. But we need more studies to see if this applies to humans.

Now, here’s the deal folks, chamomile is commonly used in herbal supplements that relieve indigestion, gas, bloating, and diarrhea, as well as colic in babies

Licorice

Licorice root has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for indigestion and stomach issues, but today we’ve got something even better – deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL for short.

See, DGL is like the supercharged version of regular licorice root because it doesn’t contain glycyrrhizin, which can cause all sorts of nasty stuff like fluid imbalances and high blood pressure.

Instead, DGL soothes your stomach by reducing inflammation and increasing mucus production to protect your tissues from stomach acid.

And listen up, folks, if you’ve got stomach ulcers caused by the pesky H. pylori bacteria, DGL supplements can help eliminate that overgrowth, reducing your symptoms and even promoting healing.

Licorice is the bomb-diggity when it comes to soothing your intestinal tract and reducing inflammation and infections that might be causing your upset stomach.

Papaya

Papaya, also known as pawpaw is a natural remedy for indigestion and upset stomach that you don’t want to miss out on.

You see, papaya contains this powerful enzyme called papain that breaks down proteins in your food, making it easier to digest and absorb.

And let’s be real, some of us just don’t produce enough natural enzymes to fully digest our food, which is why papain can be so helpful.

Now, there’s not a ton of research out there on the benefits of papain, but at least one study found that taking papaya concentrate regularly reduced constipation and bloating in adults.

Plus, in some West African countries, papaya is a traditional remedy for stomach ulcers, and while there’s only a limited number of animal studies to support this claim, more research is definitely needed.

And get this, y’all – papaya seeds can even help eliminate those pesky intestinal parasites that can cause major abdominal discomfort and malnutrition. Studies have shown that the seeds have antiparasitic properties and can increase the number of parasites passed in children’s stools.

So, if you want to soothe your tummy troubles and get rid of some unwelcome guests, try some papaya today!

Kefir

This tangy, fermented dairy drink is packed with probiotics, which are good bacteria that can help keep your gut healthy and happy.

Kefir is made by adding kefir grains to milk, which causes fermentation and the formation of curds and whey. The resulting drink is a creamy, tangy beverage that’s loaded with probiotics.

Probiotics have been shown to help improve digestion, boost immunity, and even enhance mental health. They work by colonizing the gut with good bacteria, which can help keep bad bacteria at bay.

Some studies suggest that kefir may be particularly effective at reducing inflammation in the gut, which can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Kefir is also a good source of protein, calcium, and other important nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to any diet.

So, if you’re looking for a delicious way to improve your gut health and bring peace to your upset stomach, kefir may be just what you need.

Related: Healthy Gut 101: Probiotics & Prebiotics Benefits and How they Affect Your Gut [Infographic]

Foods To Avoid

When you’re dealing with an upset stomach, there are certain foods you need to steer clear of if you want to start feeling better.

Spicy Foods

Let’s start with spicy foods. Now, I know some of y’all love that extra kick, but trust me, it’s not worth the irritation and inflammation it can cause in your stomach.

Greasy or Fried Foods

Next up, greasy or fried foods. Listen, I know a plate of hot fries or fried chicken can be tempting, but they’re not gonna do your tummy any favors.

These foods can be tough to digest and make your stomach lining even more irritated.

Dairy

Dairy products can also be a problem, especially if you’re lactose intolerant. They’re hard to digest, and can worsen diarrhea.

So if you’re already feeling queasy, it’s probably best to avoid that milkshake or cheese pizza.

High-fiber foods

Now, let’s talk about high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, and veggies. They’re great for your overall health, but when your stomach is upset, they can be tough to digest and may even make your symptoms worse.

Caffeine & Alcohol

And let’s not forget about caffeine and alcohol, folks. These drinks can irritate your stomach and increase inflammation in your gut. Plus, they can dehydrate you, which is the last thing you need when you’re feeling sick.

Carbonated Drinks

Lastly, carbonated drinks like soda and sparkling water can make you feel even more nauseous and increase bloating. So, if you’re looking for something to drink, stick to plain water or herbal tea like peppermint or chamomile we mentioned before.

Tips for managing upset stomach symptoms

Now let’s talk about how to manage those pesky symptoms of an upset stomach. When your tummy’s not feeling its best, there are a few things you can do to help ease the discomfort and get back on track.

1. First and foremost, it’s important to stay hydrated – drink plenty of water, broths, or other fluids to help flush out toxins and keep your body functioning properly.
2. Secondly, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals, as this can help reduce the workload on your digestive system.
3. And, here’s a tip – avoid lying down immediately after eating, as this can lead to acid reflux and other uncomfortable symptoms. Instead, try standing or sitting upright for at least an hour after eating to allow your food to properly digest.
4. And finally, if your symptoms persist or are particularly severe, you may want to consider taking over-the-counter medications, such as antacids or anti-nausea medications, to help relieve your discomfort. Just be sure to follow the recommended dosage and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

So, my friends, there you have it – some simple but effective tips for managing the symptoms of an upset stomach. Stay hydrated, eat small meals, sit upright after eating, and consider over-the-counter meds if needed. Trust me, your tummy will thank you for it!

Bottom Line

Well, folks, we’ve covered a lot of ground today when it comes to the best foods to eat when you’re dealing with an upset stomach.

From bananas and ginger to rice, toast, and chicken broth, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious options out there that can help soothe your tummy and get you feeling better in no time.

And let’s not forget about peppermint – this refreshing herb can work wonders when it comes to reducing nausea and calming your digestive system.

But here’s the thing, my friends – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to managing an upset stomach.

Everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, it’s important to listen to your body and make dietary choices that work best for you.

And when in doubt, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized advice and guidance.

Remember, your health and well-being should always come first, and choosing the right foods to eat when you have an upset stomach is a crucial part of that. So, go forth, my friends, and take care of your tummies – they’ll thank you for it!

Read Also

• 18 Best Supplements for Gut Health: Improve Digestion, Immunity, and More
• Healthy Gut 101: Probiotics & Prebiotics Benefits and How they Affect Your Gut [Infographic]
• How 1 Teaspoon Of Chia Seeds Can Help Improve Your Gut, Brain, and Heart
• One Of The Most Effective Foods Often Used To Heal Stomach Ulcer, Detoxify Liver And Stop Inflammation
• Best foods for someone without a gallbladder

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