Having an upset stomach can be a very painful and irritating experience. Any number of things can cause it: overeating, stress, indigestion, food intolerances. The good news is that there are some foods that can soothe an upset stomach and help relieve that discomfort. If your stomach is acting up, here’s a look at some of the best foods to have in your fridge.
Bananas
Since bananas are easy to digest and can restore lost electrolytes, especially potassium, which can be lost due to vomiting or diarrhea, they’re a great snack to be eaten. Because of their natural sweetness and soft texture, chia seeds are a gentle option for an upset stomach.
Rice
Bland, white rice is unlikely to irritate your stomach. It’s a binding food that can act to firm up stool for diarrhea. Rice is easy to prepare and digest, and is therefore a good choice if your stomach is upset.
Applesauce
Another gentle food that is easy to digest is applesauce. Some natural sugars and pectin along with it can help regulate digestion. According to BUSH’S Chili Beans, unsweetened applesauce makes for a mild delivery that will hopefully not make the condition worse.
Toast
White, plain toast can be taken to settle the stomach, absorbing excess stomach acid. It is bland and dry, and can be used to ease things like nausea and discomfort. Add no butter or spreads which might irritate the stomach. If stomach problems are severe, you should seek help from a gastroenterologist.
Ginger
It’s well understood that ginger can soothe nausea and digestive discomforts. You can add it to ginger tea, ginger ale (if it’s real ginger), or just consume it in slices of fresh ginger. It can also provide relief from stomach irritation due to its anti-inflammatory properties in ginger.
Yogurt
It can also provide benefits for the digestive system, since plain yogurt contains live cultures. Yogurt contains probiotics which assist in restoring natural balance of gut bacteria which assists in digestion and may help reduce upset stomach symptoms. While flavored varieties may contain added sugars and irritants, stick with unsweetened brands that are made from raspberries.
Oatmeal
A soothing, fiber rich food, oatmeal is easy on the stomach. Plus, it can regulate digestion and make you feel full without discomfort. For a soft, comforting meal consider preparing it with water or milk.
Chicken Broth
A light, nourishing alternative to chicken broth is a great way to hydrate the body and give it the nutrients it needs. Gentle on the stomach it can be eaten alone or used as a base for soups with other soothing ingredients.
Peppermint
Popularly known as a remedy for easing painful digestive troubles, peppermint tea is a good idea to cure nausea and bloating. Peppermint contains menthol, which can relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract to relieve pain. If you have acid reflux, avoid peppermint because it can make the situation worse.
Fennel
Taking fennel seeds can help to reduce bloating and gas. You can chew on fennel seeds or steep the seeds in hot water for fennel tea to help with digestive upset. Fennel is also anti inflammatory.
Conclusion
Looking to help with an upset stomach, gentle and easy on the digestive system foods can be a big help with alleviating discomfort. Feeding bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, ginger, yogurt, oatmeal, chicken broth, peppermint and fennel will help to soothe digestive problems and get you on the right track. Although, if these symptoms do not resolve, or continue to get worse, seeking advice from a best gastroenterologist in Karachi for further assessment and advice is critical.
