Best foods to help soothe an upset stomach

Having an upset stomach is not fun, especially when it leaves you doubled over in pain. If you're in pain or have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms due to a stomach bug or food poisoning, you'd do anything to feel better. While it's a good idea to keep your diet simple during these periods, certain foods can actually help soothe the stomach.

• Bananas are easily digestible and generally won't upset your stomach. Bananas contain potassium, which you may need if you're dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhea. They also contain sugar so you get calories at a time when you're probably not eating much.

• Rice, along with other starchy foods such as potatoes and oats, helps coat the lining of the stomach, easing digestion and having an overall soothing effect

• Applesauce is generally calming for the stomach because it's easily digested, relieves diarrhea, and provides calories. Apples themselves contain pectin (especially in the skin). Pectin works as a thickening agent to help form solid stool and prevent recurring diarrhea.

• Toast won't cause acid reflux, so you'll feel better. It also doesn't sit in the stomach like a high-fat meal, which would make you feel increasingly uncomfortable. Make sure it is plain toast without butter and jam.

• Soup, Broth, in particular, is great for an upset stomach. Both the liquid and a high salt content can keep you hydrated.

• Ginger. If you are vomiting or have bad nausea, have some fresh ginger! You can boil a cup of water, put some freshly sliced ginger in it and add a squeeze of lemon juice or honey.

• Mint is great to ease an upset stomach, especially if you have eaten too much or are feeling a bit bloated. Add some freshly torn leaves in a glass of water or brew a peppermint tea to help ease your upset stomach.

• Papayas contain an enzyme called papain, which oh-so-kindly aids digestion. By promoting a healthy acidic environment, eating papaya also helps with constipation.