Beating the Stomach Bug With the Right Foods
By Donna Stark
There are certain words that can make even the strongest parent or teacher cringe upon hearing them and instantly make them want to run the opposite direction. We're talking about words that can conjure up the worst of reactions. The curling up of the lips, the wrinkling of the nose and brow, the sticking out of the tongue. I know I have made this look of disgust plenty of times with my children, but most especially when I hear the words "stomach bug."
Eat the Right Foods
If you or your child are feeling the symptoms of a stomach bug, eating may be the last thing you feel like doing, but there are some foods that can help calm nausea and settle a queasy stomach. Here are some suggestions on foods that can help during this very precarious time.
- Apple - Apples are a great source of fiber, and a little fiber can go a long way toward relieving nausea. The key word here though, is "little." Too much may have the opposite effect, so snack sparingly. You can also try applesauce or apple juice too.
- Toast and crackers - Starchy foods like these can help to absorb stomach acids which is good for settling your stomach. The best approach is to eat slowly and take it easy. Your stomach is already upset so be kind to it!
- Ginger - Ginger is widely known for its anti-nausea properties and fairly easy to consume. Try a cup of ginger tea, some ginger ale, or some ginger-infused water. You can also eat it in the form of candy or gingersnap cookies.
- Water or sports drinks - Small sips of water or electrolyte-rich beverages will help replenish lost fluids and nutrients. They can also help you avoid any headaches that come from dehydration as well. Again, start out slowly and don't consume too much!
- Banana - Bananas are a great source of potassium which is often depleted when you are sick to your stomach. They are typically recommended by doctors because they are packed with nutrition and provide the energy that your body needs to recover.
- Chicken broth - Take baby steps when your stomach isn't feeling great and choose chicken broth first over the more chunky chicken soups. You don't want to eat anything that is too heavy and the lower in fat your soup is, the better. But don't worry! You can slowly add in other ingredients once you start noticing an improvement in how you feel.
Settling That Stomach
It's a safe bet to say that most people have, at some point or another, experienced nausea or an upset stomach. And I am sure that we have all released that heavy sigh when we hear the words "stomach bug in your child's classroom." Yet, as dreaded as those words are to hear, you know that you have everything under control because your pantry is stocked up with all the right foods.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cumming, Ga.