Nausea, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, and vomiting can make it hard to eat or drink anything. While some foods may make symptoms worse, others may help settle your stomach and keep you hydrated. Choosing the right foods for upset stomach symptoms may help you feel better and recover more comfortably.
Here are eight foods for upset stomach symptoms that may help you feel better.
Ginger may help relieve nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness, pregnancy, chemotherapy, or an upset stomach. You can eat ginger fresh, add it to food, or drink ginger tea.
Chamomile tea may help calm an upset stomach and reduce nausea. Some people also find that a warm cup of tea helps them relax. If you’re feeling nauseated, try sipping chamomile tea slowly.
Peppermint has been used for centuries as a remedy to settle an upset stomach. It may help reduce nausea, gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort. It works by relaxing muscles in the digestive tract. Peppermint is available as tea, candy, capsules, and oil. But peppermint may make heartburn worse in some people.
Plain white rice is easy to digest and may help settle an upset stomach. Because rice is bland and low in fiber, it may be easier to tolerate if you’re dealing with nausea, diarrhea, or indigestion. Avoid adding butter, spicy seasonings, or heavy sauces until you feel better.
Broth can help replace fluids lost through vomiting or diarrhea. Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth may also provide some nutrients when you don’t feel like eating solid foods. Sip broth slowly throughout the day to help stay hydrated.
Applesauce is easy to digest and may help improve diarrhea. It contains fiber that can help make bowel movements more regular. Because applesauce is made without the skin, it may be easier on your stomach than whole apples. Applesauce is also part of the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are often recommended for short-term stomach upset because they are bland and gentle on the digestive system.
Bananas are easy to digest and contain potassium, which may help replace electrolytes lost through vomiting or diarrhea. They can also provide energy when you don’t feel like eating much.
Toast and plain crackers, such as saltines, are easy to digest and may help settle an upset stomach. They may also be easier to tolerate when you’re feeling nauseated.
Some foods and drinks can make nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and indigestion worse. Until your stomach feels better, try to avoid:
Eating smaller meals and choosing bland foods for a day or two may help your digestive system recover.
An upset stomach often improves within a few days with rest, fluids, and bland foods. But it’s important to see a doctor if symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain last more than a few days, keep coming back, or become severe.
Seek medical attention if you have:
If nausea, stomach pain, or other digestive symptoms aren’t improving, the team at Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio can help identify the cause and recommend treatment options. Schedule an appointment today to learn what’s causing your symptoms and explore treatment options.
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