We've all likely experienced stomach upset at one point or another. That being, it's safe to say that an upset stomach is not something that anyone enjoys. When it comes to tummy troubles, hard-to-digest, salty and spicy foods are often the offender for bloat and other uncomfortable symptoms like cramping and diarrhea. While we may be aware of the food causing stomach sensitivity, it's difficult not to eat these foods when they taste delicious. If you are eager to relieve a sensitive stomach but are not ready to say goodbye to your late-night ice cream indulgence, then we recommended adding more stomach-soothing foods to your diet. By increasing the amount of stomach-soothing foods you consume, you can help your body beat the bloat and support easier digestion.
Keep scrolling as our Bob’s Red Mill food experts talk you through several bloat-banishing foods and the best upset stomach remedies.
Promote Healthy Digestion with Pineapple
If you're aspiring to reduce signs of bloating and help boost your body's digestive health, reach for a fresh slice of pineapple. Packed with good-for-you nutrients, pineapple contains a protein known as bromelain, which aids in the digestive process. Breaking down proteins enables food to be digested more efficiently and can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
If munching on a pineapple isn't your snack of choice, there are many ways to get creative with this fruit. Pineapple can be juiced, added to smoothies, baked into sweetbreads and even used as a topping on oatmeal or yogurt. The next time you feel a bit of stomach upset coming on, search for a pineapple-filled recipe that suits your taste preferences. From smoothies to muffins, the options are endless!
Recipe to Try: Blue Island Smoothie Bowl
Turn your breakfast smoothie into an island-inspired dish with this Blue Island Smoothie Bowl Recipe. A true taste of the tropics, this smoothie bowl combines blue spirulina, coconut milk and pineapple to create a tummy calming meal that's great for you. It's rich in essential vitamins and nutrients like protein, calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and iron—all essential to excellent health and digestion.
Balance Healthy Gut Bacteria with Yogurt
The truth is, a lot is going on in that stomach of yours. While insufficient sleep, alcohol consumption and an inactive lifestyle can harm your gut bacteria, making healthy choices—especially when it comes to food—can help it. If you're hoping to beat the bloat and promote healthy gut flora, then we recommend adding yogurt to your grocery list. Yogurt contains tens of thousands of live and active cultures that are extremely rich in probiotics. The specific probiotics found in yogurt have been linked to healthy digestion and decreased bloating.
This being said, if you're lactose intolerant, even with the many benefits, it's best to steer clear of traditional yogurts. But this doesn't mean you have to give it up altogether. Luckily, there are several dairy free versions of classic and greek yogurt on the market, most of which contain just as many helpful probiotics.
Recipe to Try: Blueberry Yogurt Pancakes
While pancakes may not be the first dish that comes to mind as you're searching for stomach calming foods, when made with easy to digest and healthy ingredients, it's an excellent dish to turn to while struggling with an upset stomach. By adding yogurt into this whole-grain Blueberry Pancake Recipe, you can boost your intake of good gut bacteria without compromising the flavor of your breakfast. Dairy or dairy free varieties work well in this recipe, and Whole Wheat Pastry Flour is used as a nutrient-rich base. Alternatively, try an organic pancake mix for a quick and easy pancake breakfast.
Prevent Bloat with Protein: Lean Meats and Grains
One of the leading causes of bloating is water retention, and contrary to what it sounds like, water retention isn't caused by drinking a lot of water. Environmental changes, hormones, stress and even salt can all cause water retention, leaving us feeling bloated and uneasy. An excellent way to prevent and calm bloat is by consuming a healthy amount of proteins. High protein foods like chicken, fish and eggs act as a natural diuretic and work to help your body get rid of the excess water likely causing your bloat.
Searching for vegetarian protein options? There's a long list of them! Lentils, quinoa, almonds, tempeh, spinach and tofu are all loaded with protein. Add these high-protein foods to your meals, or enjoy them as a snack to help soothe your tummy troubles.
Because high-protein foods can be added to nearly any dish, with the proper planning getting your daily recommended amount of protein doesn't have to be complicated. Fueling your body with an adequate amount of protein will help it continue to function as it should. This means that not only will eating protein help with stomach bloat; it can also aid in digestion. If you're past the prevention point and begin to feel the symptoms of an upset stomach, we suggest snacking on a healthy protein source like toast or oats. The fiber and protein found in grain-based foods will provide your system with the extra boost it needs without causing acid reflux.
Recipe to Try: Simple Overnight Oats
An upset stomach can happen almost suddenly, even if you're sticking to a healthy, wholesome diet. Certain foods and meals may not mix well with others, and it's essential to have a stomach-sensitive snack on hand when that happens. For a stomach-soothing dish that you can whip up in minutes, or prepare overnight, try reaching for a bowl of oats. When it comes to oats, there are many varieties to choose from—quick-cooking, whole grain, gluten free. Choose the combination that works best with your dietary needs and create a stomach-soothing meal that will help ease your symptoms.
If you're someone who struggles with a sensitive stomach regularly, then starting your morning with a gut-friendly meal can help ensure that the rest of your day runs just as smoothly. This Simple Overnight Oats Recipe is an excellent meal to make when your belly needs a break. Plus, because all of the ingredients can be prepped and mixed the night before, it requires very little time. The ideal breakfast option for busy mornings, mix oats, chia seeds, milk and a scoop of your favorite protein powder into a jar, let it sit overnight and wake up to a great tasting breakfast.
Soothe Tummy Troubles with Bananas
When it comes to stomach upset, one diet, in particular, has been used by generations to soothe digestive symptoms. The "brat" diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) is often suggested when you're experiencing stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea. Bananas top the list of this diet for many reasons. They contain potassium, which is essential when you're dehydrated from diarrhea or vomiting. Potassium can also help combat too much salt in the diet and relieve symptoms caused by bloat and stomach distention. Besides potassium, bananas are also high in natural sugar, which means that you'll receive a healthy amount of calories without overstuffing your irritable stomach.
Luckily, working bananas into your diet isn't hard. A banana's subtle sweetness makes it an agreeable treat to snack on even when you're not feeling your best. If your stomach problems are causing you to experience nausea and eating isn't at the top of your to-do list, we recommend starting with a couple of bites of plain banana. While overeating can cause your stomach problems to worsen, eating nothing at all will hinder your recovery process. If you've noticed your symptoms are clearing up a bit and crave something a bit more filling, use the bananas you have around the house to top your favorite breakfast cereal or create a delicious banana pudding. For a tasty recipe that will help soothe your stomach troubles, try out the dish we've listed below.
Recipe to Try: Banana Pie Chia Pudding
For a sweet dessert-like recipe that's light enough to indulge in with an upset stomach, try out this Banana Pie Chia Pudding Recipe. Naturally sweet and creamy, high-protein bananas are combined with chia seeds to create a thick pudding-like treat. To keep things simple, top this pudding with a few fresh slices of bananas. Or, if you're craving something more tropical, swap the banana slices out for pineapple—another stomach-soothing food!
Everyone deals with stomach problems at one time or another. While an upset stomach is never fun, the good news is there are several different foods that you can reach for to calm your belly upset. The next time your tummy feels a bit rumbly, reach for one of the five stomach-soothing foods on this list. With just a bit of time, you’ll become an expert at knowing what soothes an upset stomach.
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