Upset Stomach - What to Eat

An upset stomach is our body's way of responding to unwanted invaders or irritants in the stomach. It causes a feeling of nausea and may eventually lead to vomiting, which is nothing but a way of ejecting the unwanted irritants from the stomach. Whether it's a chronic or simple stomach upset, the severity of the illness depends on the causes behind the disorder. Virus infection, food poisoning, motion sickness, migraine, certain medications, etc. are some common upset stomach causes. 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.

Upset Stomach - What to Eat
'What to take for upset stomach' is the most obvious question that comes to our mind when we have an upset stomach. However, following the brat diet is the old tried and tested way to calm an upset stomach. This diet comprises Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast (BRAT) as it's recommended to have bland foods that soak up the digestive acids during a stomach upset. Along with this, here are some other food items that can be consumed to cure an upset stomach.

• Peppermint: Peppermint tea (not very sugary) is one of the best soothing foods for an upset stomach. It calms down the nausea in no time and brings immediate upset stomach relief. It's also ideal for women who suffer from morning sickness as it has no side effects.
• Ginger: Ginger, as we all know, is excellent for our digestive system and can squelch nausea completely. Being rich in antioxidants, it benefits our entire body. Whether eaten raw or used in tea or meals, it is one of the upset stomach cures that keeps you from falling sick.
• Rice: Rice, being a light food, is easy to digest and is ideal for someone who is getting back to eating solid food after having a stomach upset.
• Crackers: Eating crackers is another way of calming an upset stomach as they are light and easy to digest. Being low in sodium and unhealthy fats, crackers work best for pregnant women who experience morning sickness.
• Bananas: Bananas are considered to be one of the best foods for an upset stomach as they are light, filling, easy to digest and provide one with essential nutrients that the patient may have lost during the sickness.

Along with these, yogurt, skinned baked or broiled chicken, oatmeal, soft fruits and vegetables are some other food items that can bring a soothing effect to an upset stomach.

Upset Stomach - What Not to Eat
While taking care of what we should eat during a stomach upset, we also need to keep a track of food items that can exacerbate the condition and so should be avoided.

• Dairy: Eating dairy products, like, cheese, milk, etc. can actually worsen the situation as cheese can cause constipation and milk can lead to diarrhea in a person having an upset stomach.
• Caffeine: Caffeine in drinks, like, coffee or tea should be completely avoided as it is hard on the stomach and can lead to serious stomach upsetting.
• Spicy Foods: Greasy, fried, fatty and extremely spicy foods can cause havoc to the stomach even under normal conditions, hence should be strictly avoided when you have an upset stomach.
• Nuts: Though nuts or dried fruits are good for health, they are hard to digest and can disturb the digestive tract. Hence, one should stay away from them if having an upset stomach.
• Tomatoes: Though the lycopene in tomatoes is of tremendous nutritional value and should be consumed on a regular basis, the acidity in the fruit can exacerbate an already upset stomach. Therefore, one should limit tomato consumption until he/she is fully recovered.

Chocolates, baked beans, onions, cauliflower, are some other food items that should be avoided when you are suffering from an upset stomach.

Drinking a mixture of ½ tsp of baking soda dissolved well in ½ glass of water is considered to be one of the best remedies for upset stomach. It helps in relieving the discomfort and rumble of acid indigestion or heartburn. Relaxing, taking a warm bath, drinking warm water or herbal teas also help in curing an upset stomach.

I am sure this article, 'upset stomach - what to eat' must have given you a fair idea of dos and don'ts when you have an upset stomach. Avoiding stress by meditating, exercising, never skipping meals, chewing food properly, keeping your body hydrated by having enough liquids, especially water, are some methods to prevent the risk of an upset stomach.