HomeGuidesNutritionSoothe An Upset Stomach: Check These 7 Foods

Soothe An Upset Stomach: Check These 7 Foods

Soothe An Upset Stomach

Of course, every health problem is difficult to deal with. However, upset stomach is one of the embarrassing and awkward health problems, especially, when you have to run to toilet every now and then. It makes performing the usual day to day chores difficult. And, when the upset stomach is followed by cramping, nausea and severe pain, it is near to impossible to even sit. Though, there is no substitute of medical advice and treatment, some food items can help in lessening or managing the symptoms of upset stomach. And, if you are dealing with digestion, then these food items will certainly help.

  • Bananas

Bananas

There is a reason why bananas are considered the go to food for athletes and bodybuilders. The bananas are easily digestible and quickly give your body important minerals. They are the best option when you can eat little else and are in desperate need of energy and essential nutrients. The bananas are the first item in the “brat” diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) that has been used from centuries to soothe upset bellies. Also, it is loaded with potassium, which you might need if you’re dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhea. Plus, bananas act as a prebiotic and stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes that are fundamental in absorption of nutrients.

As bananas have high fiber content, it can ease the constipation problem by normalizing the bowel movement. And, they are a natural antacid that can provide relief from acid reflux and heartburn. And, lastly, it relieves stomach ulcers by coating the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids.

  • Papaya

Papaya

Papaya is an excellent option in tackling digestive disorders and can assist in dealing with any disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract. The papaya contains a powerful enzyme papain that helps to dissolve and digest protein. This incredible enzyme can break and dissolve the toughest meat fibers, due to which it is used in restaurants and is the major ingredient in commercial meat tenderizers. It has also been found that papaya can be effective in easing heartburn, and treating dyspepsia and gastric catarrh. Plus, papaya improves appetite as well.

Papain’s effectiveness doesn’t only extend to digesting protein only. It can also break down gluten, which may be helpful for those suffering from Celiac disease. Due to the same reason, those who have difficulty in digesting starchy foods such as breads, cereals and potatoes, might find relief by including papaya in their daily dietary intake. Lastly, the papaya can help in settling a nervous and upset stomach and the queasy feelings often associated with travel and motion sickness.

  • White Rice

White Rice

When you are struggling to hold anything down, it is a good idea to stick to bland and simple food items such as white rice, toast or boiled potatoes. The best thing about such food items is that they are easy on stomach and can be easily digested. Also, they can provide the necessary energy and calories in the quickest possible time. Also, rice absorbs acids and gases in the stomach and solidifies stools, ending diarrhea and an upset stomach.

The rice tea is an excellent homemade remedy to settle an upset stomach or treat diarrhea. Boil half a cup of rice in six cups of water for about fifteen minutes. Strain out the rice and flavor the water with a dash of sugar or honey. And, drink it warm.

  • Ginger

Ginger

The ginger root contains antioxidants such as gingerols and shogaols. These chemicals relax the intestinal tract, preventing motion sickness and relieving the nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Also, they decrease the free radicals production and also their damage to the body. Ginger root can also be used to treat motion sickness. Although, it is still not clear how ginger helps in dealing with motion sickness, it is believed to act directly on both the stomach and the brain. Plus, the pregnant women are recommended ginger capsules, ginger tea, or ginger ale for dealing with morning sickness associated with pregnancy. In fact, the success rate of ginger root in dealing with nauseous symptoms in such cases is around 75 percent.

Additionally, the ginger root helps the food flow smoothly through the digestive tract, which allows the body to absorb the nutrients better in the food. Also, it stimulates the production of saliva, bile, gastric juices, which in turn aids in better digestion and prevent gas. And, it is a great carminative that assists in eliminating the extra gas from the intestinal tract and diminishes the risk of having any digestive problems.

  • Applesauce

Applesauce

Like bananas, apples are also a good source of pectin, which helps in reducing the symptoms of diarrhea. The applesauce has a good fiber content, which can add roughage to the diet for a good bowel movement. Usually, the high fiber food isn’t recommended for those suffering from diarrhea. However, applesauce is gentle on your stomach in comparison to other high fiber food items. Go for an unsweetened applesauce as it will be easier on your stomach. However, in case, you are suffering from constipation, go for an apple.

  • Herbal Tea

Herbal Tea

There are several different types of herbal tea that can settle an upset stomach. For example, the peppermint tea is pretty effective in dealing with an upset stomach, cure bloating, indigestion and flatulence which is basically when a lot of gas builds up in your stomach. It has been found that various oils in the peppermint stimulate the gallbladder to produce and release bile that assists in digestion. Also, it has a soothing effect on the liver, which further assists in improving digestion.

Chamomile tea also has a positive effect on the stomach related health problems. It can relieve abdominal pain. It soothes the walls of the intestines, easing sudden sharp and intense pains, and eliminating gas. Also, it can aid in the elimination of toxins through the liver and breaking down fats in the small intestine. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe gastritis and help prevent ulcers.

  • Yogurt

Yogurt

Although having any dairy product isn’t a good idea when you have an upset stomach, but plain yogurt is an exception. The yogurt soothes your stomach by countering acidity and soothing the inflammation. However, it is important that you buy yogurt that is labeled as having “active cultures.” These cultures will increase the concentration of good bacteria in your gut, which will aid in digestion and reduce the uncomfortable feeling of being bloated. Always go for a plain organic yogurt. Your stomach might find it difficult to handle the flavored and sweetened frozen yogurt.

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