What To Eat When You Have An Upset Stomach

Heres The Best Way To Cure An Upset Stomach

A stomach ache can strike for all kinds of reasons, from contaminated food to chronic disease. It passes, sure, but the pain, headache, diarrhea, vomiting and other classic symptoms of stomach flu ensure a crummy couple of days

It can be tough to know what to put in your body when youre dealing with an upset stomach, but there are a few surefire foods. Ginger, scientifically, is a good place to start. Ginger and also turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family, seem to be anti-inflammatory, says Dr. Emeran Mayer, a professor of digestive diseases at UCLA. Both ginger and turmeric are roots, he says, and may have developed special antibacterial properties in order to withstand contamination from microorganisms in soil. Skip the sugary commercial ginger ales, which contain little real ginger, and sip water infused with ginger or turmeric instead, he advises.

Once youve stopped vomiting and your stomach feels a bit better, you will want to eat. But dont sit down for a big meal nibble food throughout the day instead, Murray explains.

Another issue is that nearly all the research linking probiotics to relief of gut-related issues has looked at freeze-dried probiotics in capsules or tablets, Mason says. Eating yogurt or Kefir or other probiotic foods to relieve symptoms may be effective, but that hasnt yet been shown.

When To See A Doctor

An upset stomach and diarrhea are usually nothing to worry about. Consult your doctor if the symptoms donât go away after two days or if they begin to get worse in that time. Additionally, consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• You feel dehydrated, including feeling excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• You have severe abdominal or rectal pain
• You have a fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit

Foods That Help Relieve Nausea

Eating may be the last thing you feel like doing when your stomach is upset, but some foods actually ease the symptoms. Consider giving these a try.

Most everyone has felt queasy at some time, whether it was testing for a college entrance exam, dressing for a first date, or navigating a new parking lot. But nausea takes that unpleasant sensation one step further. In fact, Stephen B. Hanauer, MD, medical director of the digestive health center at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, describes it as the awful symptom we feel when we need to vomit and the outcome is predictable. You throw up, Dr. Hanauer says.

Nausea can also indicate a serious emergency, especially if its chronic or accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, severe abdominal cramping, fainting, or confusion. Call 911 if you faint from nausea or vomiting, and go to the ER if you arent able to keep food down, Hanauer advises. Its important to find out the cause of your discomfort. Medications, opioids, inflammation of the stomach and intestine, and brain disorders can cause it, he says.

For milder symptoms, such as nausea due to morning sickness, eating low-fat foods that are easy on the stomach or drinking ginger ale may help to ward off cold sweats, a sour stomach, and dizziness. Here are some foods that may help.

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Dry Cereal Crackers And Pretzels

To avoid triggering nausea and vomiting during the stomach flu, dry foods like cereal, plain crackers, and pretzels are safe options .

Since theyre free of spices, low in fat, and low in fiber, theyre gentle on your tummy.

Theyre also made up of simple carbs, which are quickly and easily digested .

Whats more, these refined grains are often fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, which may help you get closer to meeting your daily nutrient needs while ill .

Summary

Dry cereal, crackers, and pretzels may be better tolerated during the stomach flu, as theyre easy to digest, free of spices and low in fat and fiber.

Chamomile Can Help With Vomiting And Intestinal Pain

• Chamomile is a traditional cure for unsettled stomachs. Its a flowering herb with small white blooms.
• Chamomile can be dried and used as a tea, or it can be taken orally as a supplement.
• Historically, chamomile has been used to treat gas, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, among other digestive issues.
• Despite its widespread use, just a few studies back up its efficacy in treating digestive problems.
• Chamomile pills were found to lower the severity of vomiting after chemotherapy treatments in one small trial, but its unclear whether theyd have the same effect on other types of vomiting.
• Chamomile is also typically included in herbal remedies for babies who suffer from indigestion, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
• However, because chamomile is sometimes combined with other herbs in these concoctions, its impossible to tell if the positive benefits are due to chamomile or a mixture of the other plants.
• Although chamomiles gut-soothing properties are well-known, research has yet to prove how it aids in the relief of stomach trouble.

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How Ginger Helps Nausea And Vomiting During Pregnancy

Ginger is also a popular nondrug treatment for morning sickness. The available evidence suggests ginger is safe and effective for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. A randomized, controlled trial involving 291 women less than 16 weeks pregnant was undertaken in Australia. The study showed ginger in early pregnancy reduced symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Ways To Treat Diarrhea

Look for liquids with sugar and salt Pedialyte or full-salt soups work well, he says. If your urine is not clear, or you are not making much urine, you are not drinking enough.

In terms of diarrhea treatment, Higgins says, if you dont have an infection and are not seeing blood, you can take over-the-counter loperamide to slow your bowel movements. But this kind of medication should only be taken for a day or two.

If diet and simple remedies arent working, and if symptoms persist for more than a few days and include bleeding, gas, and bloating, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can determine whether the diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, and can recommend treatment.

Additional reporting by María Villaseñor.

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Can Anything Make An Upset Stomach Feel Better

There are few things in this world that are worse than an upset stomachespecially when its accompanied by nausea and vomiting. And whether its due to a stomach bug or food poisoning, you have one main goal: to feel better ASAP.

Unfortunately, theres no real cure for either stomach issuemost docs will tell you the best treatment is to just wait for your symptoms to run their course. But some foods can make you feel a bit better while youre on the road to recovery. Here, doctors recommend TK foods to help soothe your upset stomach so you can finally get back to normal.

When To Contact A Clinician

Persistent or severe abdominal pain, especially if unrelieved by vomiting or passing a bowel movement

Fever greater than 101 degrees F, not relieved by acetaminophen, or any fever that lasts more than three days

Vomiting or diarrhea without any improvement for more 24 hours

Blood in vomit or stools

No urination for more than 8 hours, or painful urination

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Nutrition For Nausea Vomiting Or Diarrhea

Nutrition for nausea, vomiting or diarrhea consists of foods that are bland and gentle on the stomach. If you have nausea or vomiting, it may be hard to hold down food. Some foods may even make your symptoms worse. If you are experiencing diarrhea, the diet suggested below may help solidify your stools.

You may have heard of the BRAT diet which stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast. The BRAT diet was often recommended for nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but is no longer because of how restrictive it is. Below are lists of foods to focus on and avoid when experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, but there are many more foods that can be included.

Don’t Eat: Raw Fruits And Vegetables

Theyâre great when youâre healthy. But when you have an upset stomach, the fiber in them â which normally makes your poop easy to pass â can make things worse. Itâs best to wait until you feel better to add them back into your diet. Start with small portions of cooked vegetables and juices.

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Lime Or Lemon Juice Baking Soda And Water

Some studies suggest that mixing lime or lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda can help relieve heartburn and indigestion by reducing stomach acidity.

Pros and cons

While this home remedy may help with an upset stomach, it may not taste pleasant. Additionally, consuming too much baking soda

Basil leaves also contain high linoleic acid levels, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Pros and cons

Basil is usually available to purchase in grocery stores, gardening stores, and online.

However, those in food deserts may have to rely on online stores if they find it difficult to source fresh basil.

How Do I Know If My Stomach Pain Is Serious

According to the National Health Service, a person should seek immediate medical attention if their stomach ache is very severe or has a sudden onset.

People should contact a healthcare professional immediately if they notice other symptoms, such as vomiting blood, having difficulty passing urine or feces, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and jaundice.

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Energy And General Health

Having diarrhea causes your body to lose a lot of water, and preventing dehydration is especially important to your well-being when you are following the diarrhea diet. Babies, young children, and the elderly are especially at risk.

While you may not feel up to guzzling down glass after glass, be sure to sip on water or another approved beverage as frequently as you can. If the balance of fluid and salts in your body is off, not only will you continue to feel rundown and generally unwell, but it can lead to potentially serious complications.

Foods To Eat If You Have An Upset Stomach

If theres one thing that everyone can agree on, its that stomach pains are the worst. Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, gaswhatever gastrointestinal ailments youre prone to, none of them are fun. Because when you arent feeling well in the tummy region, you cant sleep, you cant think, and, most importantly, you cant really eat.

However, there are certain foods that, if you manage to choke em down, will actually help ease those stomach pains. Dr. Lisa Ganjhu, D.O., gastroenterologist and clinical associate professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, tells SELF that everyones gastrointestinal tracts are different. This means that certain foods will help some more than others, and youll have to go through a bit of trial and error to figure out what works best for you. But overall, she says, a good rule of thumb is to avoid foods with lots of fiber , and foods with a lot of salt, sugar, or spice, as those can tend to stimulate your GI tract in an offensive way. Opt for one of these six foods instead.

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Stomach Pain From Eating Fried Foods

There are many conditions and medications that can cause diarrhea, some related to cancer and some due to other health problems. Common causes may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy treatments, radiation therapy to the pelvic area, and certain medications. Sometimes there are certain types and locations of tumors that may cause diarrhea.

Sometimes diarrhea can be caused by excess intestinal fluids around something that is partially blocking the intestine, such as hard stool or part of a tumor. If hard stool obstructs the bowel, this is referred to as an impaction.

Depending on the type of treatment given, diarrhea may begin within hours, or weeks after receiving chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Radiation therapy may also cause diarrhea over a period of time. Sometimes treatment-related diarrhea can last up to several weeks or months after treatment ends.

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What Are The Causes Of An Upset Stomach In Dogs

There are many possible causes of upset stomach in dogs.

The two most common causes of gurgling stomachs are indigestion and gastroenteritis. Indigestion is simply an upset stomach, and it may be caused by eating too quickly, eating too much, or by a food allergy. If your dog has eaten a large meal or quantities of rich food, he may develop an upset stomach. This can cause nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive gas. Symptoms often resolve in a day or two. Its not dangerous to dogs, but it does make them uncomfortable.

Parasites such as worms can cause dogs to have an upset stomach and diarrhea, with accompanying gurgling sounds. If you notice your dog scooting his butt across the carpet, that could be a sign of worms.

IBD causes chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort, excessive gas, and gurgling sounds from the stomach region.

Dogs with pancreatitis may show signs such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, and fever. There may also be gurgling in the stomach area because of trapped air or gas.

References:

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The 14 Best Foods To Eat When You Have An Upset Stomach According To Nutritionists

Saltines are a solid choice. Ginger ale? Not so much.

Whether you’ve got a stomach bug, a condition like irritable bowel syndrome , or just drank too many margs last night, your first instinct is probably to load up on saltine crackers and ginger ale.

After all, no one wants to eat the wrong thing and make an already angry stomach even…angrier.

“When your stomach is upset, you want to make sure you’re doing everything to mitigate the symptoms and feel better,” says dietitian Valerie Goldberg, RD.“You want easy-to-digest food. It’s best to avoid anything high in fiber or fat, and to stick with simple carbohydrates and lean protein sources that the body can break down easily.”

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Since stomach issues can signal more serious underlying health problems, seek medical attention ASAP if an upset stomach lasts longer than three days or so, says Goldberg. In the meantime, though, the following gut-friendly foods can help ease your queasiness and minimize emergency sprints to the bathroom.

Other Tips For Treating Nausea

Besides consuming certain foods and beverages, you can take other steps to relieve your nausea :

• Eat something small every 12 hours. Avoid skipping meals, since an empty stomach can worsen nausea.
• Eat and drink slowly and in small amounts. This allows you to relax during meals and take time to enjoy your food. You may also want to avoid consuming liquids and solids at the same time.
• Do not lie flat after eating. Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after eating, as this can put pressure on your stomach, making nausea worse.
• Avoid food preparation. The smell while cooking and preparing food can worsen nausea. If possible, avoid or shorten the time spent in the kitchen.
• Keep your mouth clean. Nausea and vomiting can leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth, which may prevent you from eating. Rinse and brush your teeth regularly and use sugar-free mints to keep feeling fresh.

In addition, avoid the following types of foods when you feel nauseous (

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When And How To Eat If Youre Nauseated:

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  Eat small meals frequently. If you feel sick to your stomach between meals, try to eat 6 to 8 small meals during the day and a snack at bedtime.

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  Eat food cold or at room temperature, not hot, to reduce its smell and taste.

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  Dont eat in a warm room. The air may seem stuffy and stale and may make your stomach feel worse.

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  Rinse your mouth before and after meals. This helps get rid of any bad tastes in your mouth.

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  Sit up or lie back with your head raised for at least an hour after eating if you need to rest. Keeping your head up helps reduce nausea.

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What To Eat And What To Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

Some foods can make diarrhea worse, and others can keep you nourished while you’re getting better. Learn what to eat and drink to get through a bout of diarrhea.

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Occasional diarrhea is nothing to worry about. The causes of diarrhea can range from a stomach flu to a specific meal or ingredient you ate that didnt sit well. Because certain foods can worsen symptoms, it’s good to know the foods you should eat when you have diarrhea and what you should avoid.

You want to eat plain, simple foods, especially in the first 24 hours, says Peter Higgins, MD, PhD, the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

It is best to eat thicker, bland foods, including oatmeal, bananas, plain rice, and applesauce, he says.

Other bland foods that are easy to stomach include:

• Boiled potatoes
• Plain crackers, such as saltines
• Baked chicken without any skin or fat

A review published in November 2011 in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology suggested that foods with probiotics often called good bacteria may shorten the duration of a bout of diarrhea. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, probiotics work by releasing “chemicals which break down the damaging toxins produced by unhealthy bacteria causing illnesses such as diarrhea.”

Probiotics have become very popular and are found in a number of foods, including:

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