Whether it is from eating something that doesn’t agree with you or a random case of nausea, we all get an upset stomach from time to time. The reasons may vary, but no one likes to have stomach issues. An upset stomach can manifest as bloating and nausea, or can be worse with vomiting and diarrhea. Whatever your troubles, it is never a fun experience. But what is the best way to get rid of these awful symptoms? There is always medication, which targets certain ailments like flatulence, or other meds like antacids. But too much medication is never a good idea. Another alternative is going the natural route, and this includes following the age-old mantra: “Let food be thy medicine.”
You may be surprised that adding more guests to the stomach party can actually simmer things down. But yes, there are certain foods that can calm that queasy feeling. If you are ready to learn more about these nausea hacks, check out these 9 foods that soothe an upset stomach.
Ginger
Ginger is a great food to use for nausea and vomiting. You can use it cooked or steeped in hot water as a tea, or even chew on a piece of raw ginger root. There are also supplements you can take as well.
Flax Seed
Flax seed, or linseed, can help improve bowel movements and dissipate constipation and pain. It is usually ground into a fine powdery meal, and it can be added to soups, smoothies, or baked goods. You can also consume flax seed as an oil.
Papaya
Papaya is a great fruit for indigestion, and it is a joy to consume. The enzyme in papaya called papain breaks down proteins in food and makes it easier for your body to digest and absorb them. Papayas are easy to incorporate into your diet, as they can be added to smoothies or breakfast bowls, or just eaten solo as a snack.
Green Bananas
Would you believe that unripe bananas are actually good for diarrhea? Studies have found that cooked green bananas are good for helping children deal with diarrhea. The superstar of green bananas is the fiber it contains called resistant starch.
Peppermint
Peppermint is great for one of the worst forms of stomach issues: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a very troublesome disorder of the gut that causes symptoms like stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea and bloating. Studies have shown that peppermint calms these symptoms.
Chamomile
This herbal plant is best known as a tea, and it can work wonders for an upset stomach. You can brew the flower or take it by mouth as a supplement. Studies have shown that it can work for vomiting as severe as what chemotherapy patients experience. Chamomile is known for its calming effects in general, but that also extends to its calming effect on the stomach too.
Licorice Root
This herb is a powerhouse for gut health. It is used as a natural cure for indigestion, and it can be brewed as a tea or consumed as a supplement. Licorice root has even been used to prevent stomach ulcers.
Probiotic Rich Foods
Increasing probiotics in your diet can really help increase stomach function. Probiotics are full of good bacteria that can help regulate dysfunction caused by an imbalance in gut bacteria. Foods that are rich in probiotics include yogurt, buttermilk, tempeh, miso, sauerkraut, kombucha, and a fluid called kefir.
Bland Carbs
Bland carbohydrates are great for stomach regulation, some studies show. This slows down symptoms like nausea and general upset stomach. Bland carbs include foods like rice, crackers, oatmeal and rice cakes.
