topic Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat?? in Community Chat

Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

AngelPuppy1 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 12:18:53 GMT

I'm hoping to get some tips from those of you here who have stomach problems because of taking medications or have health issues. It's hard to find things to eat which do not unsettle or bother the stomach. Can you list some things which you find do not seem to cause you problems? A person can only eat so much toast, crackers, etc.

Thanks so much.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

chumlee_ — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 13:57:22 GMT

I have two friends that have gone gluten free and both said they feel much better. That might be an option.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

QueenDanceALot — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 14:47:06 GMT

Bread and crackers might very well be irritating your stomach.

And meds might be depleting your gut of good bacteria. Do you take a good probiotic?

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

Catitude — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 14:55:52 GMT

Fruit salad without seeds. Rice with butter or pastina. Chicken soup.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

esmeraldagooch — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 15:57:25 GMT

It depends on the cause of your stomach problems. Have you seen your Dr.?

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

Mersha — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:00:26 GMT

Yes, definitely consult with your doctor on the problems that you are having.

I can never be without bananas and yogurt.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

AngelPuppy1 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 18:00:32 GMT

The doctors are aware. I am on meds which are causing my problems. They are offering me no suggestion as to what to eat. Other than eat lightly, eat what doesn't bother you. Oh, gee, thanks for all of your help!

I am taking probiotics.

I wouldn't think bread or crackers would cause stomach problems.?? I'm just so bored with eating this. I am in need of other things. Of course, I would love to eat my usual meals, but trying to do this is just not working for me.

Thanks for your suggestions!!

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

RedTop — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 18:24:31 GMT

Have you tried scrambled eggs, egg noodles simmered in broth, cooked cereals, steamed vegetables, pudding, and dumplings? Hope you can find something soon that is satisfying and filling.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

Irshgrl31201 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 18:25:03 GMT

I have Crohns disease and when I am having a flare there have been times when I have literally gone without eating for over 3 months. I will drink water or Ensure (which I hate) just to get some nutrition. If I can stand food I go for bananas or a hard boiled egg. Maybe some pasta with butter or rice. Something easy to digest.

Keep taking those probiotics especially if you are taking antibiotics. Nothing messes up my stomach worse than antibiotics. It kills all bacteria, good and bad and probiotics put some good bacteria (stomach flora) back into my intestines.

Don't force yourself to eat. I couldn't and didn't. I went from 132lbs to a little ove 90 but when I was ready to eat again, I gained it back. I find it impossible to make myself eat when I am in pain and nauseous. Did your doctor give you any Zofram.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

Marienkaefer2 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 18:39:43 GMT

I am the queen of stomach issues. If meds are the cause, avoid foods that further irritate. I'm thinking acidic or spicy food.

Have you seen a nutritionist or a naturopathic doctor? Medical docs are not usually as tuned into these things. They're good for the diagnose and medical end of things, but a naturopath really focused on my diet and helped me with this.

Comfort foods work well for me ...breakfast foods...eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles, cream of wheat, oatmeal. Easy on the condiments.

Baked potatoes, rice, Mac and cheese.

Hamburger, meatloaf (plain...No ketchup,), baked chicken, salmon, halibut.

Veg...broccoli, carrots, chard, spinach, kale, green beans..virtually any veg prepared simply.

Fruits...Apple's, applesauce, bananas, peaches, nectarines, melons, etc. I avoid heavily seeded and acidic fruit. No tomatoes, citrus, limited berries.

I find most things are ok, I just avoid lots of sauces, condiments, spices (pepper/garlic).

Limited alcohol and coffee.

I eat a lot, just simply.

Yogurt and jello are good standbys, too.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

redtabby — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 18:40:08 GMT

When my stomach is wonky I restrict myself to bananas, plain rice (no butter or oil), plain unsweetened applesauce; this is part of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). We rarely have bread or crackers in the house, that is one reason I do not include bread. Sometimes I have gluten issues, another reason I leave off the toast. If it lasts for more than a few days I make a veggie juice for the nutrition. I also like a vegetable bouillon or homemade vegetable broth.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

Marienkaefer2 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 18:42:35 GMT

Forgot to add: home made chicken soup!! I always have plenty on hand for ""off"" days. It's like medicine.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

QueenDanceALot — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 18:52:32 GMT

I agree that "regular" doctors are of little help with stomach issues.

When I had a really bad issue with my gut a few years ago I finally went to an integrative physician and had food intolerance tests done (along with blood work). I followed a very strict diet for a good part of a year, a diet that was specific to what I needed to avoid until I healed. Now I can eat many of the things that I couldn't while my gut was so messed up.

Everyone's needs are different.

Grains are a problem, though, for many people. Wheat especially. The old advice to eat toast when you're having stomach trouble isn't good advice for many.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

Jerz-girl — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 20:43:16 GMT

Depending on the issues, will depend on the treatments/foods or lack of...

What meds are making you sick?? If it is definitely from the meds, I have a trick with Florastar (Probiotic)

When you say "sick", do you mean diarrhea??

Jerz

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 11:40:23 GMT

I am both nauseated and having to "go" all the time. I am having to take mass quantities of antibiotics which will be an ongoing thing in my care.

Yes, the dr. did give me Zofran and thank goodness or I wouldn't be able to manage at all. It's not perfect but it sure helps. I have been taking Kaopectate a lot and I don't really think this is a good thing. Occasionally, but not all the time.

At first --- the first week and a half --- I didn't even want to eat --- I lost almost 10 lbs --- and I really don't have much more that I can afford to lose. Now, I'm at the stage where I feel weak from hunger and want to eat but the thought and smell of most foods make me sick. I always had a very good diet --- fresh vegetables, fruits, etc. And this situation not being able to eat and eat healthy is very upsetting to me.

I thank you for all your great suggestions. Many of these things I hadn't thought of and I appreciate it very much!!!

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

betteb — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 12:05:36 GMT

Sorry you are having so much trouble AngelPuppy. If you are used to eating healthy this will be hard, but forget about the healthy part. Just eat anything you think you can.

Another tip is nothing too hot or too cold. Avoid the extremes.

Mashed or baked potatoes, mac and cheese and cream of rice cereal.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

betteb — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 12:08:33 GMT

Another thought. Are these issues making you fluid depleted?

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

maryebrown_1 — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 15:18:33 GMT

Ginger Ale. I always have that in the house for an upset stomach.

Probiotics are also an excellent idea, as some posters have mentioned.

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

moonstone dunes — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 15:58:53 GMT

I had to take Kaopectate as well for the same reasons. My doctor had me taking the capsules. He said to avoid dairy. No yogurt, no cheese. I don't drink milk or eat ice cream anyway.

My diet was Cream of Wheat made with water (I have no gluten issues). Soft boiled eggs, apple sauce, Lipton noodle soup in the packets. Bland crackers like Town House. Plain rice. Gatorade or PowerAde (helps with electrolyte balance when you lose fluids) . Ginger Ale with crushed ice. Soft banana. Jello.

Hope you feel better!

Re: Stomach Issues --- What do you eat??

AngelPuppy1 — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 13:28:37 GMT

Thanks, everyone!

It's very trying finding things to eat which don't bother me and which I find somewhat appealing. DH & I went out yesterday and bought a lot of the things you posted, so at least I have some options. Most of the time I don't feel like eating at all (which is not me), but have to because of the meds.

I appreciate all of the suggestions!

Jerz-girl:

What was your trick with Floristor? Thanks.