11 Best Foods to Improve Stomach Pain!
The best stomach pain relief foods work, as stomach pain is a problem that can affect anyone at any time. Common symptoms include nausea , indigestion, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea , or constipation .
There are many reasons and treatments vary depending on the cause. Fortunately, a variety of foods can address and even help you feel better and skin faster .
Thinking about solving the problem of those who suffer from this great nuisance, we made a list of the 12 best foods for an upset stomach , check it out below.
Best Foods to Improve Stomach Pain:
It is a problem that can affect anyone and causes a lot of discomfort, so we have selected the best foods to combat this discomfort, check out:
1. Ginger:
Ginger can Relieve Nausea and Vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of an upset stomach .
Ginger , an edible, fragrant root with bright yellow flesh, is often used as a natural remedy for both of these symptoms.
Ginger can be enjoyed raw, cooked, soaked in hot water, or as a supplement, and it is effective in all forms.
It is often taken by women who suffer from morning sickness, a type of nausea and vomiting that can occur during pregnancy.
A review of 6 studies including over 500 pregnant women found that taking 1 gram of ginger a day was associated with 5 times less nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Ginger is also helpful for people undergoing chemotherapy or major surgery, as these treatments can cause severe nausea and vomiting.
Taking 1 gram of ginger daily, before undergoing chemotherapy or surgery, can significantly reduce the severity of these symptoms.
2. Chamomile:
Chamomile can reduce vomiting and relieve intestinal discomfort.
An herbaceous plant with small white flowers, it is a traditional remedy for stomach problems, including upset stomach .
Chamomile can be dried and made into a tea or taken orally as a supplement.
Historically, chamomile has been used for a variety of intestinal problems, including gas , indigestion , diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
However, despite its widespread use, only a limited number of studies support its effectiveness for digestive complaints.
A small study found that chamomile supplements reduced the severity of vomiting after chemotherapy treatments, but it’s unclear whether it would have the same effects on other types of vomiting.
An animal study found that chamomile fights diarrhea in mice by reducing intestinal spasms and decreasing the amount of water secreted in the feces, but more research is needed to see if this applies to humans.
Chamomile is also commonly used in herbal supplements that relieve indigestion, gas, bloating and diarrhea, as well as colic in babies .
However, as chamomile is combined with many other herbs in these formulas, it is difficult to know whether the beneficial effects are from chamomile or a combination of other herbs.
While the soothing effects of chamomile are widely recognized, research has yet to show how it helps relieve stomach discomfort.
3. Peppermint:
Peppermint can relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
For some people, it’s caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a chronic intestinal disorder that can cause stomach pain , bloating, constipation, and diarrhea .
While the syndrome can be difficult to control, studies show that peppermint can reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.
Taking peppermint oil capsules daily for at least two weeks can significantly reduce stomach pain , gas, and diarrhea in adults with irritable bowel syndrome .
Researchers believe that peppermint oil works by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing the severity of intestinal spasms that can cause pain and diarrhea.
While research is promising, further studies need to determine whether peppermint leaves or peppermint tea have the same therapeutic effects.
Peppermint is safe for most people, but caution is advised for those with severe reflux , hiatal hernias , kidney stones , or liver and gallbladder disorders, as it can make these problems worse.
4. Licorice:
It can reduce indigestion and can prevent stomach ulcers;
Licorice is a popular remedy for indigestion and can also prevent painful stomach ulcers.
Traditionally, licorice root was consumed whole. Today, it is most commonly taken as a supplement called deglycyrrhizinated licorine (DGL).
DGL is preferable to licorice root , as it no longer contains glycyrrhizin, a natural chemical in licorice, which can cause fluid imbalance, high blood pressure , and low potassium levels when consumed in large amounts.
Animal and test-tube studies show that DGL soothes stomach pain and discomfort by decreasing inflammation of the stomach lining and increasing mucus production to protect tissues from stomach acid.
This can be especially helpful for people who suffer from excess stomach acid or acid reflux .
DGL supplements can also relieve indigestion caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria known as H. pylori.
Several studies have shown that DGL supplements can eliminate H. pylori overgrowth, reducing symptoms and even promoting healing of stomach ulcers.
Overall, licorice is a calming herb for the intestinal tract and can reduce inflammation and infections that can contribute to an upset stomach .
5. Flaxseed:
Flaxseed relieves constipation and stomach pain .
Flaxseed, also known as flaxseed , is a small, fibrous seed that can regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation and abdominal pain.
Chronic constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week and is often associated with abdominal pain and discomfort.
Flaxseed, consumed as ground flaxseed meal or flaxseed oil , has been shown to relieve uncomfortable symptoms of constipation.
Constipated adults who took about 4 ml of flaxseed oil a day for two weeks had more bowel movements and better stool consistency than before.
Another study found that those who ate flaxseed muffins every day had 30% more bowel movements per week than those who did not consume the muffins.
Animal studies have found additional benefits of flaxseed, including preventing stomach ulcers and reducing intestinal spasms, but these effects have yet to be replicated in humans.
6. Papaya:
Papaya can improve digestion and can be effective for ulcers and parasites:
Papaya, also known as papaya, is a sweet, orange-fleshed tropical fruit that is sometimes used as a natural remedy for indigestion.
Papaya contains papain, a powerful enzyme that breaks down the proteins in the foods you eat, making them easier to digest and absorb.
Some people don’t produce natural enzymes to fully digest their food, so consuming additional enzymes like papain can alleviate your indigestion symptoms.
There hasn’t been much research on the benefits of papain, but at least one study found that taking papaya concentrate regularly reduces constipation and bloating in adults.
Papaya is also used in some West African countries as a traditional remedy for stomach ulcers. A limited number of animal studies support these claims, but more human research is needed.
Finally, papaya seeds have also been consumed orally to eliminate intestinal parasites , which can live in the intestines and cause severe abdominal discomfort and malnutrition.
Several studies have shown that the seeds have anti-parasitic properties and can increase the number of parasites transmitted in children’s feces.
7. Green Bananas:
Green bananas help relieve diarrhea.
An upset stomach caused by an infection or food poisoning is often accompanied by diarrhea.
Interestingly, several studies have found that giving uncooked green bananas to children with diarrhea can reduce the amount, severity, and duration of these episodes.
In fact, one study found that adding cooked green bananas was nearly four times more effective at eliminating diarrhea than a rice-based diet alone.
The powerful anti-diarrheal effects of green bananas are due to a special type of fiber known as resistant starch.
Resistant starch cannot be digested by humans, so it continues through the digestive tract all the way to the colon, the final destination of the intestine.
Once in the colon, it is slowly fermented by gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids, which stimulate the intestines to absorb more water and firm up the stool.
While these results are impressive, more studies are needed to see if green bananas have the same anti-diarrheal effects in adults.
Also, because resistant starches are converted to sugars as the banana ripens, it is not known whether overripe bananas contain enough resistant starch to have the same effects.
8. Pectin supplements:
Pectin supplements can prevent diarrhea and dysbiosis.
When a stomach problem or foodborne illness causes diarrhea, pectin supplements can speed recovery.
Pectin is a type of plant fiber found in large amounts in apples and citrus fruits . It is often isolated from these fruits and sold as its own food product or supplement.
Pectin is not digested by humans, so it remains within the intestinal tract, where it is very effective at firming stools and preventing diarrhea.
In fact, one study found that 82% of sick children who take daily pectin supplements recover from diarrhea within 4 days, compared to only 23% of children who do not take pectin supplements .
Pectin also relieves stomach discomfort by promoting the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract.
Sometimes people develop uncomfortable symptoms of gas, bloating, or abdominal pain due to an imbalance of bacteria in their intestines.
This can happen for a variety of reasons, but it’s especially common after intestinal infections, after taking antibiotics, or during times of high stress .
Pectin supplements can rebalance the gut and reduce these symptoms by increasing the growth of good bacteria and reducing the growth of harmful bacteria.
While pectin supplements are effective in relieving diarrhea and promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria, it is not known whether natural foods rich in pectin would have the same benefits. More research is needed.
9. Foods rich in probiotics:
Foods rich in probiotics can regulate bowel movements.
Sometimes an upset stomach can be caused by dysbiosis, an imbalance in the type or number of bacteria in your gut.
Eat foods rich in probiotics, the bacteria that are good for your gut. They can correct this imbalance and reduce symptoms of gas, bloating, or irregular bowel movements.
Foods containing probiotics that benefit gut health include:
Yogurt : Several studies have shown that eating yogurt containing live, active bacterial cultures can relieve both constipation and diarrhea.
Buttermilk : Buttermilk can relieve antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and it can also relieve constipation.
Kefir : Drinking 2 cups (500 ml) of kefir a day for a month can help people with chronic constipation experience more regular bowel movements.
Other foods that contain probiotics include miso, natto, tempeh, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha , but more research is needed to determine how they affect gut health.
10. Mild carbohydrates:
Mild carbohydrates may be more easily tolerated.
Mild carbs like rice , oatmeal , crackers and toast are often recommended for people suffering from stomach problems.
While this recommendation is common, there is little evidence to show that they actually help with symptom relief.
However, many people report that these foods are easier to eat when you are not feeling well.
While bland carbs can be tastier during an illness, it’s important to expand your diet again as soon as possible. Restricting your diet too much can prevent you from getting enough of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to heal.
11. Electrolytes:
Clear fluids with electrolytes can prevent dehydration :
When an upset stomach is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, it’s easy to become dehydrated.
Vomiting and diarrhea cause the body to lose electrolytes. Minerals that maintain the body’s fluid balance and keep the nervous system working properly.
Mild dehydration and electrolyte losses can usually be restored by consuming fluids as well as foods that naturally contain electrolytes such as sodium and potassium .
Water, fruit juice, coconut water , sports drinks, broths, and crackers are great ways to restore fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances associated with mild dehydration.
If dehydration is severe, drinking a rehydration solution containing an optimal ratio of water, sugars and electrolytes may be necessary.
Final considerations:
There are many foods that can relieve an upset stomach. Herbs and spices like ginger , chamomile, mint, and licorice have natural stomach-relieving properties, while fruits like papaya and green bananas can improve digestion.
Avoiding fermentable foods helps some people eliminate gas, bloating and diarrhea, while probiotic foods like yogurt and kefir can regulate bowel movements.
When an upset stomach is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, hydrate and replenish electrolytes.
Although it is very common to experience stomach discomfort from time to time. Eating these foods can help you feel better and recover.