What to eat when I have stomach ache

There are a variety of causes for stomach aches ranging from food poisoning, overeating, gastroenteritis to stress.  Here are foods that can help to ease the recovery and make you feel better.

Bland

Food such as soda crackers and toast can help to absorb some of the acid and contaminants that are causing the stomach discomfort. Bland food such as gelatin, bananas, chicken and rice can be eaten once the nausea subsides. Potatoes make for a good bland diet when served plain after boiling or baking. Food should be eaten slowly and discontinued if the stomach begins to feel upset again.

Liquids

• Ice chips can help to ease the stomach back into use while serving to eliminate dehydration that often follows a bout with a stomach virus.
• Clear sodas such as ginger ale, 7Up or Sprite are easy on the stomach when it is upset.
• Clear broth can help to settle a stomach ache while providing needed nutrients.
• Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, also can help with rehydration while replenishing the body of lost electrolytes. Drinks should be sipped slowly and often.
• Yogurt contains active bacterial cultures that significantly aid in the digestive process.
• Chamomile tea is often successful at treating stomach aches because it works to soothe the stomach in different ways.  Meanwhile, Chamomile tea is also a mild sedative, and so relieves stress, one of the most common causes of stomach pain. 
  

Fiber

Stomach aches that are caused by a long period of constipation often can be relieved with foods high in fiber that can move the digestive system and eliminate the discomfort.

• Whole grain bread, brown rice and dried fruits like prunes, apricots and figs can help to soothe a constipated stomach.
• Fresh fruit (such as banana, berries and cherries) vegetables and beans also can help to relieve the discomfort of a stomach ache due to constipation.
• Oats are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Eating oatmeal soothes an upset stomach, helps meet your fiber needs, lowers your cholesterol and improves blood-glucose control and fights against cancer. Sprinkle a 1/2 cup of oatmeal with cinnamon or top with sliced banana.

Low Fat

Soothing foods for stomachs prone to indigestion and heartburn in the upper abdomen area include baked meat and vegetables instead of fried, low-fat dairy products and processed food made without lard or butter. Dry toast and sandwiches made with soothing ingredients such as low-fat cream cheese or white meat and light mayonnaise can help to relieve the stomach pain caused by indigestion.

Source:  http://www.livestrong.com,