Introduction
An upset stomach is an uncomfortable and all too common ailment that can greatly disrupt your day-to-day life. Known medically as dyspepsia, it’s often characterized by symptoms such as bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, and heartburn. Fortunately, there are simple home remedies and foods that can help ease the discomfort and restore your appetite.
In this article, we’ll explore the foods and remedies that are best for an upset stomach. We’ll delve into the BRAT diet – a specific diet plan for digestive issues. You’ll learn about the best foods and practices to avoid, and how to find relief even with a busy schedule. So sit back, grab some herbal tea, and let’s get started!
7 Foods to Soothe Your Upset Stomach
When your stomach is upset, the right foods can provide much-needed relief. These 7 foods are known for their ability to soothe and settle an upset stomach.
1. Bananas – Bananas are high in potassium, which can help regulate the fluid levels in your body after an episode of diarrhea or vomiting. They also contain soluble fiber, which can help ease diarrhea and constipation.
2. White Rice – White rice is a bland and easily digestible food that can help absorb excess fluids and provide relief from diarrhea or vomiting.
3. Ginger – Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce nausea and vomiting, while also easing bloating and gas.
4. Peppermint – Peppermint can help relieve indigestion, gas, and bloating. Peppermint oil can also provide relief from abdominal pain and cramping.
5. Yogurt – Yogurt contains probiotics that can help regulate the digestive system. It’s also high in protein, which can help rebuild and strengthen the body after an episode of gastroenteritis.
6. Chamomile – Chamomile tea can help soothe an upset stomach due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It can also help alleviate anxiety symptoms that may accompany an upset stomach.
7. Chicken Soup – Chicken soup is a go-to remedy for many people when they’re feeling unwell. It can help rehydrate the body, provide nutrients, and deliver a soothing, warm sensation that can help alleviate abdominal discomfort.
10 Simple Home Remedies for an Upset Stomach
In addition to the right foods, there are many home remedies you can try to alleviate an upset stomach. Here are 10 simple remedies you can try:
1. Sip water or clear fluids – Drinking water or clear fluids, like tea or broth, can help prevent dehydration and keep the digestive system moving.
2. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle – Heat can provide a calming sensation to the abdominal area and help reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Meditate or try deep breathing – Stress can often exacerbate digestive issues. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
4. Try acupressure – Applying pressure to specific points on the body can help provide relief from nausea and abdominal pain.
5. Use essential oils – Oils like peppermint, ginger, and chamomile can be diffused or applied topically for their anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
6. Avoid unnecessary medications – Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories can sometimes worsen digestive symptoms. Try to avoid them unless absolutely necessary.
7. Rest – Resting can help your body regenerate and heal from digestive disturbances. Take a break from your regular activities and let your body recover.
8. Try probiotics – Probiotic supplements or foods containing probiotics can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, preventing further digestive disturbances.
9. Take a warm bath – Warmth and relaxation can help reduce tension in the body and alleviate abdominal discomfort.
10. Eat smaller meals more frequently – Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help regulate digestion and prevent further discomfort.
What Not to Eat When You Have an Upset Stomach
Equally important as knowing what to eat is knowing what not to eat when you’re feeling unwell. Here are some foods and beverages that can make an upset stomach worse:
1. Sweetened drinks – Sugar-sweetened drinks can worsen diarrhea and lead to dehydration. They can also exacerbate bloating and gas.
2. Fatty or oily foods – These types of foods can contribute to diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
3. Dairy products – Dairy can be difficult for some people to digest and can worsen digestive symptoms.
4. Spicy foods – Spicy foods can contribute to heartburn and acid reflux, which can exacerbate an upset stomach.
5. Alcohol – Alcohol can irritate the digestive system, leading to inflammation, nausea, and diarrhea.
The BRAT Diet: What is it and How Can it Help Your Upset Stomach?
The BRAT diet is a specific eating plan designed to help soothe and regulate the digestive system. It consists of four bland and easily digestible foods: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
These foods are low in fiber, fat, and spices, making them easy for the body to digest. They also contain important nutrients and calories necessary for the healing process. The BRAT diet is recommended for digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and morning sickness.
To follow the BRAT diet, consume small amounts of each of the foods throughout the day, until your stomach has settled. You can also try variations of the diet, like the BRATY diet (which includes yogurt) or BRATTY (which includes tea and crackers).
5 Ways to Soothe an Upset Stomach on a Busy Schedule
When you’re feeling unwell, the last thing you want to do is spend hours preparing food or remedies. Luckily, there are five quick and easy solutions to help soothe your stomach even if you’re short on time:
1. Drink peppermint tea – Peppermint is known for its stomach-soothing properties and can be readily available in the form of tea bags or drops.
2. Prepare a bland chicken soup – Keep ready-made soup on hand for a quick and easy meal that’s gentle on your stomach.
3. Try a spoonful of honey – Honey can help soothe an irritated throat but can also help ease nausea and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
4. Eat dry toast – Toasted bread may not sound appealing, but it’s a staple of the BRAT diet and can be a quick, easy, and effective solution for an upset stomach.
5. Use an herbal remedy – Herbs like fennel, chamomile, and ginger can be found in supplement form and can provide quick relief from digestive symptoms.
Conclusion
An upset stomach can make your life miserable, but with the right foods and practices, it can be managed and even prevented. We’ve discussed a range of foods that can help soothe and settle your stomach, along with simple home remedies and the BRAT diet. We also covered foods and beverages that should be avoided, and quick solutions for even the busiest of schedules.
Remember, everyone is different, and some solutions may work better than others. Try experimenting with different foods and remedies to find what works best for you. With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can soothe an upset stomach and get back to feeling your best.
