Feeling Nauseous? Eat This

Picture this: You’re going about your day when you suddenly feel uneasy in your stomach. Before you know it, you’re lying down with your eyes closed, hoping your nausea disappears. While eating is probably the last thing you feel like doing when you have an upset stomach, certain foods can actually mitigate the unpleasant sensation to help you feel better. So, the next time you feel nauseous, try consuming these foods for relief.

Ginger

Ginger contains antioxidant compounds such as gingerol, paradol, and shogaol, which calm nausea by lessening bodily inflammation. Depending on your preference, there are plenty of ways to consume ginger, from herbal tea to ginger snap cookies. You can also mix ginger with rice — another food that helps with nausea — for a simple stir-fry to calm the stomach.

Toast

Starchy foods like toast absorb the gastric acid in your gut, lessening uneasiness. Keep your toast plain, without butter or jam, to avoid getting more nauseous from the smell of the condiments. You can also snack on a stack of crispy, unflavored crackers for a similar effect.

Chicken

Unseasoned chicken breast won’t blow you away with its flavor but will provide plenty of protein for energy. Plain chicken breast also lacks fiber and fat, which are abrasive compounds that can further aggravate an upset stomach. Additionally, chicken broth provides necessary hydration when nauseous, so warm up a cup to sip on.

Applesauce

Applesauce contains high levels of pectin, a soluble fiber that mitigates gastrointestinal issues. It’s also easy to swallow and digest, which may be helpful if your nausea is really bad. Avoid buying flavored or sweetened applesauce, as cinnamon and added sugar will only worsen the issue.

Bananas

Bananas are high in potassium, an electrolyte necessary for keeping blood pressure levels in check and regulating muscle contractions, among other benefits. However, potassium can be sorely depleted in the event of vomiting or diarrhea. Snack on a banana to restore your potassium levels. Best of all, bananas are soft, mild, and easy to consume.

Sports Drinks

Beverages like Gatorade are ideal for restoring the electrolytes we lose when we’re sick. However, it’s important to steer clear of the excessively sugary varieties, as the sugar will only make the situation more uncomfortable. The good news is that many sports drinks offer “zero sugar” options with the same hydrating properties as their standard drinks.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

When feeling nauseous, it’s important to replenish your protein levels so your body has enough energy to get by. Eggs are sources of protein that are easy to consume, given their soft texture and small size. If you don’t like the smell of hard-boiled eggs, you can also prepare them scrambled. Just be sure to avoid any seasoning that could irritate the stomach.

Citrus

Citrus fruits like lemons and limes contain acids that convert into bicarbonates when consumed. These bicarbonates help balance the acidic pH of an uneasy stomach, lessening discomfort. Add a slice of fresh lemon or lime to your glass of water, or drink a glass of unsweetened lemonade to reap the benefits.

Potatoes

Potatoes are bland and starchy and soak up the harmful acids in your stomach that cause discomfort. Spuds also contain high levels of potassium and other beneficial vitamins like C and B that can become depleted when you’re feeling ill.

Peppermint

Peppermint is known to relax muscles, calm nerves, and aid digestion — all of which help lessen general nausea. There are many ways to consume peppermint, from a warm cup of tea to chewing peppermint gum. You can also snack on fresh mint leaves.

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