Recovering From an Upset Stomach? Eat (And Avoid) These Foods

I don't know about you, but having the stomach flu is one of the worst common "sicknesses" I can think of. Whether you are paying tribute to the porcelain god from one end or the other (or both), a stomach flu bug or a bout of food poisoning is enough to make you never want to eat again ... EVER. Luckily there are some foods to get you on the way to your old self in no time. Keep reading for the foods to eat (and the ones to avoid) when recovering from a stomach bug.

dog food for sensitive stomachs

1. Peppermint

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

If you have an upset stomach, peppermint tea will help ease your nausea and can also quell your upset stomach. The peppermint you choose should not be too sugary and is best consumed in a tea form. Peppermint tea is one of the most soothing foods for an upset stomach and will calm your nausea in no time. Peppermint tea is also ideal for women who are suffering from morning sickness as it does not have any negative side effects but is very effective for squashing nausea.

2. Ginger

Another food that is excellent for your digestive system and can quell nausea is ginger. Ginger is also loaded with antioxidants and is good for your entire body. You can eat ginger raw or you can also use it in meals. If you are suffering from nausea, you can drink ginger tea as this, like peppermint tea, can keep you from getting sick.

3. Rice

Rice is easy on your system and is an ideal food for someone who is getting back into eating solid foods after being sick. Rice is filling but is also a light meal and is easy to digest. Rice can be made with chicken broth as a remedy for curing a cold and as a simple way to get some bland food into your stomach.

4. Crackers

Eating crackers is another way that you can help ease your way back into solid foods if you have been sick and have not been on solid foods for some time. Crackers are often recommended for pregnant women who experience morning sickness. Just make sure you choose crackers that are low in sodium and free of unhealthy fats.

5. Bananas

Bananas are easy to digest and are often one of the first foods given to babies (who simply by their young nature have sensitive stomachs). Like rice, bananas are filling without upsetting your stomach. Bananas are also one of the best foods for an upset stomach as they are not heavy, but do provide you with needed nutrients that you may have lost when sick (such as potassium).

When you have an upset stomach, you will want to avoid these foods:

1. Dairy

Eating dairy after an upset stomach may seem like a way to calm down the stomach, but usually produces an opposite effect. Cheese is very binding and may cause constipation, while milk may cause (or worsen) diarrhea.

2. Caffeine

Caffeine (such as that contained in drinks like coffee or tea, or in chocolate) is hard on your stomach to begin with, so you for sure don't want to jump right into these drinks/food when recovering from a troubled tummy. Once you're back on your feet you can go back to your morning cup of java or give in to your chocolate cravings. Until then - hold off.

3. Spicy Foods

Much like caffeine, spicy foods can wreak havoc on your stomach in a normal situation, much less when you're already sick. If you're a fan of Mexican, Italian, Asian, or Indian fare, you should definitely stay away for at least a few days. You'll enjoy those foods much more when you're back to your healthy self!

4. Nuts

Nuts are hard to digest for certain people and although they are good for you, they can disturb your digestive tract even more if it is already in distress. Stay away from nuts when you are suffering from a stomach bug.

5. Tomatoes

The lycopene in tomatoes is a tremendous nutrient that you should be getting on a regular basis, but the acidity in this fruit can aggravate an already upset tum. Save your tomatoes and tomato-based foods for when you're fully recovered!

Don't let the stomach flu (or food poisoning, or morning sickness) get you down! By getting the "good" foods and avoiding the "bad" you can recover safely and quickly (and with fewer trips to the bathroom).

Recovering From an Upset Stomach? Eat (And Avoid) These Foods

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs