What To Eat For Stomach Upset?

Most of us experience an upset stomach occasionally. The discomfort is usually temporary and not serious. A mildly upset stomach is generally caused by eating too much, too soon. Most people are relieved of it after a few hours. But, if the trouble starts after consuming food and is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting, the usual causes can be food poisoning and viruses.

Stomach upset: Causes & Symptoms

Some common causes of stomach upset include food poisoning, virus infection, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and certain medications. The chronic stomach upset can be caused by allergies to foods like wheat and milk, ulcers, certain cancers, and Crohn’s disease. Severe stomach upset can be due to appendicitis and pancreatitis. Gastrointestinal reflux can sometimes cause constant heartburn or severe abdominal pain. These reflect in symptoms such as nausea, constipation, vomiting, gas, heartburn, stomach ache, diarrhea, and dehydration.

Foods that Soothe Stomach Upset

Each of us has endless remedies to share when our stomach is troubled. Health Total experts recommend the following foods that have a soothing effect on your stomach:

Peppermint: It is one of the most soothing foods for an upset stomach and helps to calm nausea. Peppermint tea also helps in providing relief to women who are suffering from morning sickness.

Cardamom Seeds: It controls intestinal gas and lessens stomach upset.

Coriander Seeds: It helps to relieve indigestion and gas.

Fennel Seeds: These seeds relieve bloated stomach, indigestion, and gas.

Ginger: This spice prevents stomach ailments. You can have it raw or in the form of ginger tea.

Banana: It provides satiety, is light on the stomach and replenishes essential nutrients lost due to stomach ailments.

We all tend to skip food altogether while suffering from stomach upset. Skipping meals not only depletes our energy levels but also weakens our immune system, which helps to fight infections. However, if we

make the right choices and avoid the trigger foods, we can cope up with the stomach problems in a better way.

Tips to soothe an upset stomach

• • Avoid dairy products, caffeine, spicy foods, nuts, tomatoes, meat, alcoholic beverages and most importantly raw food (salads and fruits except banana and grated apple).
  • Eat-in moderation. Try to avoid long gaps and fasting as acid accumulation can cause stomach upset.
  • Avoid vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage when you have an upset stomach.
  • Don’t skip breakfast. Eat a couple of bananas for breakfast instead of skipping it.
  • Switch to green or herbal tea from normal tea or coffee.
  • Add buttermilk to your diet as it improves digestive flora of the stomach.
  • Rehydrate your system with coconut water or lime juice with rock salt.

• If you have an acid stomach (burning sensation) try eating half a cup of overcooked rice with curd. It can soothe your stomach immediately.
• Avoid drinking beer as it will double the stomach acids. Eat a salty broth of chicken or vegetables if you have nausea. The salt is especially good to restore electrolytes (if you are vomiting) and you stay hydrated.
• Avoid raw vegetable juices and raw fruit juices, especially citrus fruits.
• Avoid high-fibre bran biscuits and cereals if you have an upset stomach as you may not be able to tolerate fibre.

Besides these, yogurt, oatmeal, soft fruits, and vegetables are other options to relieve stomach upset. If symptoms persist for more than a day along with green coloured diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, and fever, consult your physician immediately.

ANJALI MUKERJEE, Nutritionist, Founder Director-Health Total, having health centers
in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune -manages obesity & other health related disorders.
Contact numbers: 96506 84061/+91 86575 61727
For further information, Visit www.health-total.com