Upset stomach or abdominal pain basically happens due to inflammation of the stomach lining, food poisoning, and intestines caused by viruses. The symptoms of an upset stomach involve nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Typically, home treatment is enough for an upset stomach. However, if symptoms get extreme or prolonged, then medical care is required. Some foods and drinks can alleviate an upset stomach while some other foods and drinks can worsen symptoms of an upset stomach.
10 Best Foods to pacify and heal an upset stomach
White Rice
With an upset stomach, you need to eat bland and easy-to-digest foods. White plain rice can be your best option. White rice is a refined carbohydrate and low in fiber that can help stop the common symptoms of diarrhea. But try to avoid eating brown rice because it is hard and hard to digest easily.
Papaya
Papaya is a sweet, orange-fleshed tropical fruit that can be consumed as a natural remedy for indigestion. It contains papain-a powerful enzyme that breaks down proteins in the food you eat, making them easier to digest and absorb. People who do not produce enough natural enzymes to digest their food properly can consume additional enzymes, like papain to relieve their symptoms of indigestion.
Chamomile
Chamomile has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for upset stomachs. It is an herbal plant with small white flowers which can be dried and brewed into a tea or taken by mouth as a supplement. You can use it for a variety of intestinal troubles, including gas, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Licorice
You can eat licorice or yastimadhu which is a popular remedy for indigestion. It may also prevent painful stomach ulcers. In the past, people consumed licorice root. Many people take it as a supplement called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). A study has shown that DGL soothes stomach pain and discomfort by decreasing inflammation of the stomach lining and increasing mucus production to protect the tissues from stomach acid.
Flaxseed for constipation
Flaxseed or linseed is a small, woody seed that can help regulate bowel movements, and treat constipation, abdominal pain. Talking about one ounce (4 ml) of flaxseed oil per day for two weeks, a constipated adult can improve bowel movements and maintain better stool consistency than they did beforehand.
Green Bananas
Generally, infection or food poisoning causes an upset stomach which often leads to diarrhea. Several studies have found that cooked or boiled green bananas can help reduce the amount, severity, and duration of diarrhea. Green bananas have powerful antidiarrheal effects because of the special type of fiber they contain.
Toast
Toast is made from white flour or maida which is another example of bland, low-fiber food that can help neutralize excess stomach acid and stop diarrhea. But don’t take toast made from fiber-rich whole grains like wheat as they can make diarrhea-related symptoms worse.
Applesauce
Apples contain antioxidants namely polyphenols that may help ease inflammation related to IBDs. Various reviews show that dietary polyphenols may help to regulate a person’s immune response and ultimately control inflammation. It also protects the lining of the gut from damage.
Bananas
Bananas are great for replenishing potassium and other electrolytes that a person may lose because of vomiting or diarrhea. For this reason, bananas are recommended for an upset stomach with diarrhea.
Ginger
If you feel nauseated because of an upset stomach, you can take ginger. Ginger with tea, hot water, or only plain ginger may help to settle an upset stomach. Besides, it has anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce IBDs.
Best Drinks to pacify and heal an upset stomach
Soup
Soup is great for an upset stomach. The high salt content of soup can keep you hydrated. Soup or broth which is not cooked in fat is very easily digested. Most importantly, it is well-tolerated and you don’t get nauseous.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas without caffeine can stimulate acid reflux and can heal an upset stomach. You can take any herbal tea but Chamomile and ginger tea are the best for you.
Coconut Water
As coconut water has natural sugar, it provides calories, as well as electrolytes like potassium. Besides, it is rich in a good amount of vitamin C. Drinking coconut water can ease your upset stomach.
Plain Water
As a person loses a lot of fluids through diarrhea or vomiting, he or she needs to drink enough fresh drinking water along with other fluids. It also helps to reduce constipation.
Worst foods that can hurt an upset stomach
Insoluble fiber
As insoluble fiber does not absorb much water, it does not change consistency much when wet. Therefore, taking insoluble fibers like wheat bran, whole grains, and vegetables can worsen diarrhea because it speeds up the movement of food through the intestines.
Dairy products
Avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt when you are in an upset stomach. Dairy products contain lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, then you wil be unable to digest dairy products. The lactose intolerant people may experience the following symptoms shortly after consuming dairy products:
-bloating
-stomach rumbling
-flatulence
-stomach pain and cramping
-nausea
-diarrhea
Fried foods
If you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, then avoid fatty and fried foods. These foods are difficult to digest and can worsen a bloated stomach.
Examples of fried foods:
-fast foods
-high-fat meats
-cream
-sour cream
-foods with added butter, margarine, or oil
Spicy Food
You should avoid spicy foods, peppers, and spicy curries on an upset stomach. These kinds of foods may cause the reflux of stomach’s gastric juices into esophagus. It may lead to heartburn.
Raw fruits and vegetables
Of course, you can eat raw fruits and vegetables when your stomach is fine and healthy. But when you have an upset stomach, these foods can worsen your condition.
Worst Drinks that are harmful to an upset stomach
Soda
Don’t take soda with an upset stomach as the bubbles can be a problem because gas gets into your digestive system.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol on an upset stomach may irritate your gut. It may result into stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Caffeine
Caffeine increases stomach acidity levels, causing you to feel nauseous. It also aggravates diarrhea symptoms. So when you have a bloated stomach try to avoid this beverage.
Source: United News of Bangladesh