What’s Good For An Upset Stomach To Eat

Chamomile May Reduce Vomiting And Soothe Intestinal Discomfort

Chamomile, an herbal plant with small white flowers, is a traditional remedy for upset stomachs.

Chamomile can be dried and brewed into a tea or taken by mouth as a supplement.

Historically, chamomile has been used for a variety of intestinal troubles, including gas, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting .

Yet despite its widespread use, only a limited number of studies support its effectiveness for digestive complaints.

One small study found that chamomile supplements reduced the severity of vomiting after chemotherapy treatments, but its unclear whether it would have the same effects on other types of vomiting .

An animal study found that chamomile extracts relieved diarrhea in mice by reducing intestinal spasms and decreasing the amount of water secreted into the stool, but more research is needed to see if this applies to humans .

Chamomile is also commonly used in herbal supplements that relieve indigestion, gas, bloating and diarrhea, as well as colic in babies .

However, since chamomile is combined with many other herbs in these formulas, its difficult to know whether the beneficial effects are from chamomile or from a combination of the other herbs.

Although the gut-soothing effects of chamomile are widely recognized, research has not yet shown how it helps to relieve stomach upset.

Summary Chamomile is a commonly used remedy for stomach and intestinal discomfort, but more research is needed to understand how it works.

Beware Gut Symptom Triggers

Some people find particular foods cause them problems. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, salad dressings and fizzy drinks, can trigger heartburn, while wheat and onions may cause irritable bowel syndrome.

And if you cannot digest lactose, the sugar in milk, you’ll develop wind and diarrhoea after drinking milk or eating dairy products, including cream, cheese, yoghurt and chocolate.

Try to stay away from foods and drinks that trigger your digestive symptoms. Keep a food diary to work out which foods cause your symptoms.

Keep Your Belly Happy

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help keep your digestive system healthy and your immune system strong and ready to fight off bugs that might upset your stomach. And watch for triggers â anything from foods that have acid like tomatoes, to fizzy drinks, to stress at work.

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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 aren’t 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.

What You Should Eat

• Semi-solid Foods

  If your body is rejecting solid foods, dont force yourself to eat. Instead, consume semi-solid foods such as soup or coconut water. Your body should be able to keep them down and they will help replenish essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and sodium that your body can lose when you have irregular bowel movements.

• White Rice

  Foods that are bland and easy to digest are good to eat when you are fighting an upset stomach. Plain white rice is your best bet. Avoid eating brown rice as it can be hard for your stomach to digest. White rice, being a refined carbohydrate, is also low in fibre and will help stop the common symptoms of diarrhoea.

• Toast

  Toast made from white flour or maida is another example of a bland, low fibre food that can help neutralise excess stomach acid and stop diarrhoea. Avoid eating toast made from fibre-rich whole grains such as wheat as they can make diarrhoea related symptoms worse.

• Bananas

  Bananas are easy to digest and are known to ease stomach pain. They have a natural antacid effect and can relieve symptoms such as indigestion. This high potassium fruit also increases mucus production in the stomach which helps prevent the irritation of the stomach lining.

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Choose The Right Drinks To Ease Digestion

Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, colas, tea and some fizzy drinks, boost acid in the stomach, leading to heartburn in some people.

Fizzy drinks in general tend to bloat the tummy, which can also lead to heartburn.

To make digestive problems less likely, choose drinks that are not fizzy and do not contain caffeine, such as herbal teas, milk and plain water.

If you cannot do without your coffee or tea, limit your intake to 1 or 2 cups a day.

Clear Liquids With Electrolytes Can Prevent Dehydration

When an upset stomach is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, its easy to become dehydrated.

Vomiting and diarrhea cause your body to lose electrolytes, the minerals that maintain your bodys fluid balance and keep your nervous system functioning correctly.

Mild dehydration and electrolyte losses can usually be restored by drinking clear liquids and eating foods that naturally contain electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium.

Water, fruit juice, coconut water, sports drinks, broths and saltine crackers are great ways to restore fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances associated with mild dehydration .

If dehydration is severe, drinking a rehydration solution containing an ideal ratio of water, sugars and electrolytes may be necessary .

Summary Drinking enough fluids and replenishing lost electrolytes is important for anyone suffering from vomiting or diarrhea.

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Symptoms Of An Upset Stomach In Dogs

The usual signs that your dog has an upset stomach are ones you see in people as well. Your dog will have nausea, accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.

If youve ever seen your dog eating grass, it means theyre trying to induce vomiting to get rid of whatever is causing the upset stomach. This is their instinctive way of expelling the offending substance and soothing a dogs upset stomach.

Other symptoms of an upset stomach to watch for are:

• Acid reflux
• Reduced water intake
• Salivating

Be mindful that some of these symptoms can point to other health problems. Therefore, its wise to keep a close eye on your dog to see if there are signs things are getting better or worse.

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.

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When To See A Doctor About Stomach Pain

If your stomach problems stick around for a few days or more, its time to call your doctor and talk to them about any irregular stomach pains or frequent pain, diarrhea, nausea or constipation.

“As you prepare for your appointment, keep track of what you eat or if theres anything about your lifestyle that may cause stomach pain,” Dr. McKee says. “Being aware of all noticeable symptoms you experience can help us determine the cause.”

Common Causes Of Upset Stomach In Dogs

There are many reasons your dog may have an upset stomach, though theres one common cause: they ate something they shouldnt have, says Kathy Backus, DVM, at Holistic Veterinary Services in Kaysville, Utah.

Dogs are curious like kids theyre always putting things in their mouth, she says. Vomiting and diarrhea are signs that a dogs body is trying to expel something that shouldnt be in their system. In a healthy dog, its a protective mechanism of the body thats totally normal.

These are a few things that can trigger an upset stomach in dogs:

• Ingesting something that they shouldnt

• Bacterial imbalances within the digestive tract

• Chronic conditions such as food sensitivities

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When And How To Eat If You’re Nauseated:

• 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.
• Eat food cold or at room temperature, not hot, to reduce its smell and taste.
• Don’t eat in a warm room. The air may seem stuffy and stale and may make your stomach feel worse.
• Rinse your mouth before and after meals. This helps get rid of any bad tastes in your mouth.
• 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.

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 aren’t able to keep food down,” Hanauer advises. It’s 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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What To Eat On An Upset Stomach

Having an upset stomach can be both frustrating and enfeebling, and can happen to anyone at any point in life. However, it’s not a severe disorder and can be taken care of by paying heed to the food items you include in your diet.

Having an upset stomach can be both frustrating and enfeebling, and can happen to anyone at any point in life. However, its not a severe disorder and can be taken care of by paying heed to the food items you include in your diet.

An upset stomach is our bodys way of responding to unwanted invaders or irritants in the stomach. It causes a feeling of nausea and may eventually lead to vomiting or diarrhea, which is nothing but a way of ejecting the unwanted irritants from the stomach. Whether its a chronic or simple stomach upset, the severity of the illness depends on the causes behind it.

Virus infection, food poisoning, motion sickness, migraine, certain medications, etc., are some common causes of an upset stomach. If a person experiences symptoms, like, dehydration and constant stomach ache, he/she is suffering from chronic upset stomach and immediately needs to consult a doctor. But a simple stomach upset can be cured by keeping a watch on what you eat and avoiding food items that can worsen the condition.

Liquids and More LiquidsFoods Allowed on an Upset StomachFoods to Avoid on an Upset Stomach

Gluten Free Oatmeal Bowl And Slippery Elm

“Stomach aches have so many different causes that it’s important to treat the cause, not the symptom,” says Home & Family’s natural lifestyle expert Sophie Uliano. “However, the main cause of most stomach discomfort is gas or bloating. This kind of discomfortalong with an irritated digestive trackrequires soothing foods, which contain a good amount of fiber to keep things moving. I recommend a small bowl of gluten-free oatmeal, made with rice or almond milk and slippery elm powder. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, and the herb slippery elm is mucilaginous, which means that it coats the whole of your digestive tract with a soothing and healing film.” To make this combo: Mix one cup of gluten-free oats with two cups of non-dairy milk in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Simmer for five minutes until the oats are cooked. Stir in one tbsp slippery elm powder. Top with cubed apple, walnuts, and a couple of chopped dates.

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Peppermint May Relieve Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

For some people, upset stomach is caused by irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. IBS is a chronic gut disorder that can cause stomach pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

While IBS can be difficult to manage, studies show that peppermint may help reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.

Taking peppermint oil capsules daily for at least two weeks can significantly reduce stomach pain, gas and diarrhea in adults with IBS (

19 ).

While the research is promising, additional studies need to determine whether peppermint leaf or peppermint tea have the same therapeutic effects .

Peppermint is safe for most people, but caution is advised for those with severe reflux, hiatal hernias, kidney stones or liver and gallbladder disorders, as it may worsen these conditions .

Summary Peppermint, especially when consumed as peppermint oil, may help reduce stomach pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea for those with irritable bowel syndrome.

Common Causes Of An Upset Stomach In Dogs

Your dog may have an upset stomach because they ate something they shouldnt have. Did you clear away the supper dishes and leave steak bones on the plates? Is the kitchen garbage secure? Some dogs cant help themselves when theres leftover people food within reach!

If youve had Riley or Rosie for a romp in the park, they may have ingested something when your back was turned. Dogs are masters at concealing what they shouldnt be doing.

The thing here is that outside substances could be poisonous or otherwise harmful. Plus, theres a list of people foods that dogs cant eat so if theyve eaten something like a discarded chocolate bar, it can be toxic.

There are other reasons for an upset stomach in dogs. For example, a dog may have a digestive tract problem due to an imbalance in gut bacteria. Digestive problems can occur when a dog doesnt have a balance of good and bad bacteria in their stomach.

Another explanation for an upset stomach in dogs is sensitivities or allergies to particular foods. A dog upset stomach can be caused by these chronic conditions.

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Licorice Can Reduce Indigestion And May Help Prevent Stomach Ulcers

Licorice is a popular remedy for indigestion and may also prevent painful stomach ulcers.

Traditionally, licorice root was consumed whole. Today, its most commonly taken as a supplement called deglycyrrhizinated licorice .

DGL is preferred over regular licorice root because it no longer contains glycyrrhizin, a naturally occurring chemical in licorice that can cause fluid imbalances, high blood pressure and low potassium levels when consumed in large quantities (

34 ).

Summary Ground flaxseed meal and flaxseed oil can help regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation in humans. Animal studies suggest they may also prevent stomach ulcers and intestinal spasms, but more research is needed.

Papaya Can Improve Digestion And May Be Effective For Ulcers And Parasites

Papaya, also known as pawpaw, is a sweet, orange-fleshed tropical fruit that is sometimes used as a natural remedy for indigestion.

Papaya contains papain, a powerful enzyme that breaks down proteins in the food you eat, making them easier to digest and absorb .

Some people do not produce enough natural enzymes to fully digest their food, so consuming additional enzymes, like papain, may help relieve their symptoms of indigestion.

There has not been a lot of research on the benefits of papain, but at least one study found that regularly taking papaya concentrate reduced constipation and bloating in adults .

Papaya is also used in some West African countries as a traditional remedy for stomach ulcers. A limited number of animal studies support these claims, but more human research is needed (

46 ).

In fact, one study found that the addition of cooked, green bananas was nearly four times more effective at eliminating diarrhea than a rice-based diet alone .

The powerful antidiarrheal effects of green bananas are due to a special type of fiber they contain known as resistant starch.

Resistant starch cannot be digested by humans, so it continues through the digestive tract all the way to the colon, the final portion of the intestines.

Once in the colon, it is slowly fermented by your gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids, which stimulate the bowels to absorb more water and firm up the stools .

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Stick To Simple Carbs Like White Rice And Crackers

If you aren’t vomiting or having serious diarrhea, you don’t necessarily need a liquid diet, but you should still aim for easy-to-digest foods. This means you’ll want to eat foods low in fiber since fiber can worsen diarrhea and nausea.

There are two types of fiber:

Whole grains, like oats and brown rice, are generally great for health because they contain both types of fiber. However, this is not what you want when you’re trying to relieve an upset stomach.

“Simple refined carbohydrates like white rice, white bread, or crackers are often better tolerated” by the digestive tract, says Smith. This is because refined grains are low in fiber and they pass more quickly through your digestive tract. This means refined grains won’t sit in your stomach for long periods of time, which can trigger nausea.

Some examples of simple carbs that you can eat on an upset stomach are:

• Pasta
• Crackers, such as saltines