Upset stomachs can occur for a variety of reasons, including overeating, a stomach virus or simply eating foods that did not agree with you. Upset stomachs can disrupt your daily routine. While you may not always feel like eating with an upset stomach, certain foods can soothe the irritation and pain.
Nausea
If your upset stomach is just causing your nausea, there are a variety of foods you can eat in order to soothe this feeling. You should eat a small amount of bland foods that are low in fat. Try eating oatmeal, rice, bananas, a baked potato, pasta, crackers, pretzels or gingersnaps. Crackers are light and easily digested by your body. They are also low in salt content. Gingersnaps contain anti-nausea properties. Bananas are beneficial in helping to reduce the acid causing your stomach pain.
Upset Stomachs with Diarrhea
Diarrhea can increase the already unpleasant situation of an upset stomach. For the first day of an upset stomach with diarrhea, you should eat clear broths, dry toast, pretzels and crackers and drink plenty of clear liquids in order to stay hydrated. After two or three days of feeling sick, try to consume a plain or vanilla yogurt. Yogurt can help to replenish the good bacteria in your intestines, which can help to cut down on the nauseous feeling associated with an upset stomach.
Upset Stomach with Vomiting
An upset stomach with vomiting is generally the most difficult type of upset stomach to soothe. According to the Virginia Tech University Health Center, you should not eat for an hour or two after you vomit. After this time period is up, you should start by sipping clear liquids and eating ice chips. This can help replenish the water in your body, which can prevent dehydration. You should then begin eating light foods such as Jell-O or saltine crackers. These items are easily digestible and can help to replenish energy lost in your body as the result of being sick.
Other Considerations
If you are able to keep liquids down, a mixture of baking soda and water can help to calm your stomach and keep you hydrated. Mix a half of glass of water with a half a tsp. of making soda and drink slowly. This should provide relatively quick relief, according to HealthGuidance.org. You can also try licking on a peppermint in order to soothe the feeling of nausea. Herbal teas -- including peppermint, Chamomille and green -- can also help to cure an upset stomach with their anti-nausea properties.
