The term "sick stomach" usually refers to indigestion, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Staying well-hydrated and eating appropriate foods can help you regain your strength and boost your body's ability to heal from present illnesses. Fortunately, a variety of foods suit such a diet, depending on the specifics of your condition. For best results, particularly if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, seek guidance from a qualified health-care professional.
Nausea
If you are experiencing nausea, Schiffert Health Center at Virginia Tech University recommends eating small amounts of food every one to two hours. In this case, your dinners may consist of two small snacks, spaced an hour or two apart. Suitable foods include bland, low-fat foods, such as white bread, plain baked potatoes and oatmeal, and clear liquids, such as soup broth. Adding ginger to your meal, in fresh, dried or tea form, can help due to its anti-nausea properties.
Diarrhea
To ward off diarrhea, choose meals low in fiber -- an indigestible carbohydrate that stimulates bowel function. Low-fiber dinner components include white rice, white bread, egg noodles, soda crackers and low-fiber cereals, such as puffed rice or wheat. MayoClinic.com also recommends drinking plentiful amounts of fluids, such as water, broth and juices. Avoid apple and pear juices, however, which can worsen your symptoms. Fatty foods and dairy products can also exacerbate diarrhea, so stick to lean, nondairy protein sources, such as egg whites, skinless chicken breasts and soy milk, until your symptoms dissipate.
Vomiting
When vomiting accompanies your sick stomach sensations, replenishing fluids and electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, is important. If you feel up to eating, stick to small amounts of mild, low-fat foods, such as chicken noodle soup and soda crackers. If your symptoms derive from gastritis, or inflammation of your stomach lining, fiber-rich foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, can help reduce your symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Otherwise, stick to liquids, such as clear soda, sports drinks, soup broth, ice cubes and water.
Indigestion
Indigestion, which is also called an upset stomach and can accompany gastritis, is a general term for abdominal discomfort. For improved symptoms, MayoClinic.com recommends eating smaller, more frequent meals, chewing your food thoroughly and slowly and avoiding foods that worsen your symptoms. Common symptom triggers include carbonated beverages, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods and fatty foods. Useful alternatives include water, caffeine-free herbal tea, mildly seasoned soups, casseroles and rice dishes and baked or broiled fish, skinless poultry and lean red meat. A suitable dinner might consist of a skinless, baked chicken breast, plain brown or white rice, steamed vegetables and a glass of skim or soy milk.
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