Food That Is Easy on the Stomach

Written by Amy Kaminsky

17 October, 2013

Take it easy on your stomach if you are suffering from diarrhea, indigestion or a virus that has caused inflammation of your stomach, such as gastroenteritis. Foods that are easy to digest will help your body get the nutrients it needs with minimal or no discomfort. If your stomach continues to feel irritated for more than two days, consult a physician.

BRAT Diet

Physicians often recommend the BRAT diet for children who are suffering from stomach ailments or pregnant women who are suffering from nausea. BRAT is an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are low in fiber. Low-fiber foods are helpful in settling your stomach and making your stools more firm. Bananas are also helpful in replacing nutrients that may have been lost if you are throwing up or have diarrhea. However, if you are continuously throwing up, don’t start the BRAT diet until you can keep solid foods in your system. In the meantime, try to stay hydrated by drinking clear liquids.

Physicians often recommend the BRAT diet for children who are suffering from stomach ailments or pregnant women who are suffering from nausea.
However, if you are continuously throwing up, don’t start the BRAT diet until you can keep solid foods in your system.

Fruits and Vegetables

Rice and the BRAT Diet

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Some fruits and vegetable are easier on the stomach than others. Steer clear of acidic foods such as tomatoes. Cooked vegetables tend to be easier to digest than raw vegetables. Squash, zucchini and carrots are easy on your stomach. Melons such as honeydew, watermelon and cantaloupe are easy on your system and will help you stay hydrated. Peaches and apricots are two other fruits that are easily digestible. If you haven’t eaten much for a few days, ease back into larger amounts by starting with bite-size pieces and working your way back to your regular portion size slowly.

Some fruits and vegetable are easier on the stomach than others.

Bland Foods

Take it easy on your stomach by keeping foods plain. Avoid spices, flavors and toppings. Simple foods are easiest for your stomach to digest, especially after it has been traumatized. Plain soda crackers, mashed potatoes without butter or other toppings, rice and oat porridge are gentle to your gastrointestinal system. Again, eat in moderation until you feel your stomach return to its normal strength.

Take it easy on your stomach by keeping foods plain.
Plain soda crackers, mashed potatoes without butter or other toppings, rice and oat porridge are gentle to your gastrointestinal system.

Foods to Avoid

The Best Food for Diarrhea

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In addition to spices and strong flavors, avoid foods that are high in fiber if your stomach is upset. Fiber is tough on the intestinal tract. Also avoid foods that are high in fats. They will sit in your stomach longer, making you feel even more uncomfortable. Also stay away from foods that are high in sugar or greasy, and don’t drink caffeinated beverages, including coffee and tea.