We’ve all been there before. You’re out at a restaurant, enjoying a delicious meal, when suddenly you start to feel queasy. Your stomach starts to churn, and you break out into a cold sweat. Uh-oh, you think to yourself. I’m getting an upset stomach. Would ice cream help?

In this article, we will discuss what food can cause an upset stomach, what are the symptoms of an upset stomach, and whether ice cream is truly good for an upset stomach.

What Causes An Upset Stomach?

An upset stomach can come out of nowhere and ruin your day. You may be wondering what you ate that didn’t agree with you. While there are many possible culprits, here are some of the most common offenders when it comes to food-induced tummy troubles.

Dairy

For many people, dairy is one of the leading causes of an upset stomach. Milk, cheese, and ice cream can all be hard to digest, especially if you’re lactose intolerant. If you find that dairy gives you a stomachache, try switching to lactose-free products or avoiding dairy altogether.

Greasy Foods

Greasy foods can be hard to digest and often leave you feeling nauseous. If you have an upset stomach after eating fried chicken, french fries, or other fatty foods, it’s best to avoid these items until you’re feeling better.

Spicy Foods

If you have a sensitive stomach, spicy foods can cause heartburn, indigestion, and other digestive issues. If you love spicy food but find that it doesn’t love you back, try toning down the heat by using less spicy seasonings or avoiding spicy dishes altogether.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause indigestion, heartburn, and other gastrointestinal issues. If you’re struggling with an upset stomach, it’s best to avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other caffeinated beverages until you’re feeling better.

Can Ice Cream Help Soothe An Upset Stomach?

There are a few different theories behind why ice cream may be effective in calming an upset stomach.

• First, it could be the temperature of the ice cream. When we eat something cold, it numbs our taste buds and can helps reduce inflammation in the gut.

• Second, it could be the fat content. Fat slows down digestion, which can be helpful if you’re experiencing diarrhea or other digestive issues.

• Thirdly, the sweetness of most ice cream flavors can help to settle your stomach by stimulating production of digestive juices.

• And lastly, it could be the fact that ice cream is a comfort food. Eating something we enjoy can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can also contribute to an upset stomach.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that ice cream will work for everyone. If you’re lactose intolerant or have an allergy to milk proteins, then ice cream is likely to make your stomach problems worse. Instead, opt for a lactose-free vanilla ice cream or a plant-based option like coconut or almond milk ice cream.  For information on lactose intolerance, click here.

And if you’re already feeling nauseous, the last thing you want is a big bowl of something sweet. But if you’re feeling brave and want to give it a try, go for a small scoop of vanilla or chocolate—two classic flavors that are unlikely to aggravate your stomach further.

What Ice Cream Can I Eat For An Upset Stomach?

Of course, not all ice cream is created equal—some will be more helpful than others in soothing an upset stomach.

For instance, mint chocolate chip or cookies ‘n’ cream might be a little too rich and sweet for someone who is already feeling nauseous.

However, lighter flavors like vanilla or strawberry are typically easier on the stomach. Vanilla is a good option as it is relatively bland and not overly sweet. When selecting a brand of ice cream, look for one that uses natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial flavorings or colorings.

And, if you really want to go all out, try gelato. The smooth texture is easy on the tummy, and the lower fat content means it won’t coat your stomach as much as regular ice cream.

What Food Can Make Your Stomach Feel Better?

Fortunately, there are a few foods that can help soothe an upset stomach. Here are a few options:

Bananas

Bananas are a great source of dietary potassium and fiber. They also contain a type of sugar called fructose, which can help to settle your stomach.

Rice

Rice is another food that can help settle your stomach. It’s gentle on the digestive system and can help to absorb excess stomach acid. Plus, it’s filling without being too heavy.

Ginger

Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for upset stomachs. It can help to relieve nausea and vomiting, and it’s also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another herb that has traditionally been used to treat stomach problems. It’s thought to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, which can help to relieve gas and bloating.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a popular choice for people who are looking for a natural way to soothe their upset stomachs. Chamomile is thought to have calming properties, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety—two common triggers of stomach problems.

Why You Can’t Shake That Upset Stomach

The severity of your symptoms will largely determine how long you’re stuck feeling ill. For example, if you ate something that disagreed with you and experienced only mild indigestion, your symptoms might go away within a few hours. However, if you contracted a more serious form of food poisoning, you could be dealing with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea for days or even weeks.

Another factor that will influence the duration of your upset stomach is how quickly you receive treatment. If you seek medical attention as soon as your symptoms start, you’ll likely recover more quickly than someone who waits until they’re really sick before seeking help. In some cases, prompt treatment can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a prolonged illness.

What Is The Quickest Way To Get Rid Of A Stomach Bug?

If you’ve ever had a stomach bug, you know how miserable it can be. The good news is that there are some things you can do to help speed up the process and get rid of the bug quicker. We’ll share some of the best tips for getting rid of a stomach bug fast.

1. Drink lots of fluids. When you have a stomach bug, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, clear broth, or sports drinks. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

2. Eat light and bland foods. Once your stomach starts feeling better, slowly begin to eat light and bland foods. Think crackers, toast, bananas, rice, oatmeal, etc. Avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods as they can make your symptoms worse.

3. Get rest. One of the best things you can do when you have a stomach bug is to get plenty of rest. Your body needs time to heal and recover. So take it easy, and don’t push yourself too hard.

4. Take probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your gut health. They can help shorten the duration of a stomach bug and reduce symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Look for probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kimchi, or take a supplement if necessary.

Conclusion – Ice Cream Might Be A Good Option For Upset Stomach

If you’re feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach, you may be wondering if ice cream can help ease your symptoms. While there’s no hard evidence to support the claim that ice cream is a magical cure-all for an upset stomach, it may be able to help due to its fat and milk solids content. However, there are also certain foods that you should avoid if you’re looking to calm your stomach, including spicy foods, greasy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. For more information on whether ice cream can cause or worsen diarrhea, read here.