BRAT Diet
Short for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, the BRAT diet is helpful in reducing diarrhea that can accompany an upset stomach. The starch in these items bind food together in the digestive tract, creating firmer stools.
Bananas. Bananas can help to replenish potassium and other electrolytes that a person may lose as a result of vomiting or diarrhea. Bananas make up part of the “BRAT” diet, which some people recommend for an upset stomach with diarrhea. The acronym “BRAT” stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
Greek yogurt is packed with protein, which can help fuel your stomach and lessen the likelihood of cramps and nausea. The consistency of yogurt won't fill your stomach too much or add any additional discomfort after eating.
Therefore, it was formerly believed that milk would help ease the acidity of an upset stomach. It does for a few hours, by coating the stomach lining and acting as a buffer against excess acid. However, it then stimulates the stomach to produce more gastric acid, actually making the problem worse.
But in the case of an upset stomach, carbs are your best friend. Reach for simple, easy-to-digest carbs like saltine crackers, white bread, and white rice. These grains are experts at absorbing excess acid and giving you relief from diarrhea or vomiting.
Milk, cheese, and ice cream are all no-no's with an upset stomach. They're hard for your body to digest, in part because they're high in fat. Plain, nonfat yogurt may be OK sometimes, but start with a little and see how it goes.
Eggs. Prepared simply, eggs are one of the most easily digestible foods that you can eat to help ease nausea. Scrambled, poached or soft-boiled all do the trick, giving the body a lift of energy with minimal volume.
Bananas. Bananas are easy to digest and are known to ease stomach pain. They have a natural antacid effect and can relieve symptoms such as indigestion. This high potassium fruit also increases mucus production in the stomach which helps prevent the irritation of the stomach lining.
There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses. Treatment first involves self-care measures, such as staying hydrated.
Evidence suggests honey might help relieve gastrointestinal tract conditions such as diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis.
Pasta, white rice, and cereals such as cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, and cornflakes are OK. You may also try pancakes and waffles made with white flour, and cornbread. But don't add too much honey or syrup.
Bananas can help relieve an upset stomach by stimulating the production of mucus from the stomach lining. The mucus creates a barrier between the stomach lining and the acidic gastric substances that cause heartburn and stomach upset.
Avocado. Avocado is a superfood packed with fiber and essential nutrients, such as potassium, which helps promote healthy digestive function. It's also a low-fructose food, so it's less likely to cause gas.
Some people with chronic stomach discomfort are more sensitive to certain foods like dairy, spicy foods, soda, fried foods or alcohol. These foods can relax the muscle that keeps food from traveling backward, increase stomach acid production or keep the stomach full for too long.
Crackers. Foods high in starch — such as saltines, bread, and toast — help absorb gastric acid and settle a queasy stomach. "The bland nature of a cracker helps to satisfy hunger (excessive hunger can exacerbate nausea) without the strong smells or tastes that may increase nausea," says Palinski-Wade.
Toast. Toast is easier to digest than bread as the toasting process breaks down some of the carbohydrates. Toast can help decrease nausea and reduce heartburn, but not all toast is the same. Whole wheat bread is more healthful than white bread but is high in fiber and can be difficult for some people to eat.
Milk, Butter, Ice Cream, and Cheese Even if the diarrhea isn't caused by lactose intolerance — a difficulty processing lactose, a sugar found in dairy products — stay away from these foods when you have diarrhea. You may be temporarily sensitive to dairy products, even if you usually have no problem with them.
Clearing Soups
Chicken soup or miso soup are both good options to try. Another excellent option for an upset stomach is a clear broth soup. The broth will help keep you hydrated and accessible to your digestive system. Avoid soups that are too greasy or spicy, as these can worsen your symptoms.
According to most medical evidence, it can certainly worsen it. Some people just can't function without their morning cup of coffee. It might be bad news for people suffering from gastritis and other stomach conditions. Coffee affects the stomach strongly due to its presence of caffeine and being an acidic beverage.
Cocoa beans contain a large amount of chemicals called flavonoids. Scientists believe that these flavonoids can be used to create natural supplements to ease diarrhea symptoms. Dark chocolate contains high concentrations of cocoa and may offer mild relief.