The BRAT diet is recommended to calm an upset stomach. BRAT is an acronym for the foods permitted on this diet: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These foods are easy to digest, unlikely to further upset your stomach and readily available. While the BRAT diet is effective at settling the stomach, do not eat any solid foods -- including the ones on the BRAT diet -- if you are experiencing periods of vomiting. Drink clear liquids, including electrolyte replacement drinks, until vomiting subsides.
Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, which makes them a valuable food when recovering from a bout of diarrhea or vomiting. Bananas stimulate mucus production in the stomach lining, according to Medline Plus, which creates a barrier between stomach acids and the lining of the stomach. Bananas also increase the firmness of stool.
Rice
Rice and rice cereal are another food choice on the BRAT diet. Depending on the age of the sufferer, infant's rice cereal and plain white rice are both good choices. Avoid whole grain and wild rice, which have a high fiber content and may lead to abdominal cramping when eaten on an already upset stomach.
Applesauce
Although raw apples aren't the best choice for the BRAT diet -- their high fiber content can aggravate stomach problems -- applesauce is recommended to help ease stomach upset.
Toast
Toast is a bland solid food that helps settle your stomach, making it easier to return to a normal diet. Eat it dry or with a light coating of fruit spread. Eat white bread, as the higher fiber in whole grain bread can lead to a relapse in symptoms. Skip butter or margarine.
Other Foods
Other foods that can ease stomach ailments and provide nutrition include saltine crackers, clear soups and boiled, undressed potatoes. Once you have kept these foods down successfully, add yogurt with active cultures to your diet. Steer clear of fatty, rich foods for several days after symptoms subside.
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