Do French fries settle the stomach? The truth about comfort food and digestion

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite their reputation as a comfort food, gastroenterologists and nutritionists consistently rank fried foods, including French fries, at the top of the list of things to avoid when experiencing digestive distress. This article explores the question, "Do French fries settle the stomach?" and reveals why this popular remedy is more likely to cause further discomfort.

Quick Summary

High-fat, fried foods like french fries are difficult for the body to digest and can aggravate an upset stomach, potentially worsening symptoms such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. The fat content slows digestion, while healthier, bland alternatives are recommended for soothing digestive issues.

Key Points

High Fat Content: Fried foods, including French fries, are high in fat, which significantly slows down the digestive process and can worsen stomach distress.
Not a Remedy: Contrary to being a comfort food, French fries are more likely to aggravate symptoms like bloating, gas, cramps, and nausea, rather than settle them.
Heartburn Risk: The greasy nature of fries can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux and heartburn.
Focus on Bland Foods: When dealing with an upset stomach, it's best to stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like those in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), as well as broths and ginger.
Preparation Matters: Baked or boiled potatoes are a much better choice than fried ones, as they avoid the unhealthy fats and are easier to digest.

The Digestive Impact of French Fries

When your stomach is feeling sensitive, the last thing you want is to consume something that will make the situation worse. Many people are tempted by the nostalgic appeal of French fries, but their high fat content makes them particularly difficult for the digestive system to process. While the potato itself contains beneficial nutrients, the deep-frying process completely changes its properties and effects on the body.

High Fat Content and Slowed Digestion

One of the primary reasons French fries are a poor choice for an upset stomach is their high fat content, which can trigger a cascade of digestive problems. Fat molecules are larger and require more time and effort for your body to break down compared to carbohydrates and protein. When you have a sensitive stomach, your digestive system is already working inefficiently. Introducing a high-fat load further delays gastric emptying, meaning the food sits in your stomach longer than it should. This prolonged digestion can lead to feelings of fullness, bloating, and overall discomfort.

The Link to Bloating, Gas, and Diarrhea

Fried foods are a well-known trigger for bloating, gas, and even diarrhea. The slowed digestion caused by high fat content gives gut bacteria more time to ferment food in the stomach, producing gases that lead to bloating and discomfort. For individuals with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the side effects can be especially painful, including severe cramping. For those experiencing diarrhea, the added fat can exacerbate the problem, making recovery more difficult.

Acidity and Heartburn Risks

Greasy, high-fat meals can also worsen or trigger symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. The fat content can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This relaxation allows stomach acid to splash up, causing irritation and a burning sensation in the chest. For someone already feeling unwell, this is the last thing they need.

What to Eat Instead: Safe Foods for an Upset Stomach

Instead of reaching for fried foods, a number of bland, easy-to-digest options can provide nourishment without irritating your digestive system. Medical professionals often recommend adhering to the BRAT diet, as well as other simple foods.

Bananas: Rich in potassium to replace lost electrolytes and easy to digest.
Rice: Plain white rice is low in fiber and helps bulk up stool if you have diarrhea.
Applesauce: Contains pectin, a soluble fiber that can help soothe the digestive tract.
Toast: Simple, plain toast is easy on the stomach and can absorb excess stomach acid.
Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger can be consumed as a tea or supplement.
Broths: Clear, broth-based soups help with hydration and provide nutrients without being too heavy.
Crackers: Saltine crackers or other plain varieties can help settle an empty, nauseous stomach.

Fried vs. Baked: How Preparation Changes Digestion

While potatoes themselves aren't the primary culprit, the method of preparation is crucial for digestion. Baking or boiling a potato is a far healthier and safer option for an upset stomach than frying it. The comparison below highlights the key differences.


Feature	Deep-Fried French Fries	Baked or Boiled Potatoes
Fat Content	Very High	Very Low (or none)
Digestion Speed	Slows Digestion Significantly	Quick and Easy
Calorie Density	High	Low to Moderate
Digestive Symptoms	Increases risk of bloating, gas, reflux	Unlikely to cause issues
Nutritional Profile	Degraded; unhealthy fats	Preserves vitamins, minerals, and resistant starch

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on French Fries and Digestion

The answer to the question, "Do French fries settle the stomach?" is a resounding no. While the crispy, salty texture might offer temporary psychological comfort, the high fat content and difficult digestion will almost certainly prolong or worsen symptoms like nausea, bloating, and cramps. For true relief, it is best to avoid fried foods and opt for bland, easily digestible alternatives like the BRAT diet components, broths, and ginger. Save the fries for when you are feeling healthy and can enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For more information on foods to avoid, consult reputable health sources such as this resource from Foods to Eat (and Avoid) When Your Stomach Hurts.

Note: If stomach issues persist, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fat requires more complex steps and takes longer to break down compared to carbohydrates or protein. When your stomach is already sensitive, this slower digestion process can cause food to sit in your stomach for an extended period, leading to discomfort, bloating, and gas.

No, it is best to avoid them. Foods high in fat, like French fries, are listed by health professionals as items to avoid when feeling nauseous, as they can aggravate symptoms. Stick to bland carbohydrates or clear fluids instead.

Yes, a baked potato (without high-fat toppings like butter or sour cream) is a much better choice. The potato's starch is easy to digest, and it can provide some resistant starch and minerals without the added grease.

The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are bland, low in fiber, and easy for the digestive system to handle, helping to bulk up stool and calm the stomach.

Yes, often. Fast-food restaurants may reuse their frying oil multiple times, which can increase the concentration of harmful compounds. Additionally, homemade baked fries are a much healthier alternative to both fast-food and home-fried versions.

Fried foods often provide a rewarding sensory experience with their salty taste and crispy texture, which can offer a temporary psychological boost. However, this comfort is not physiological and does not actually help with digestive issues; it can even make them worse.

Instead of fries, try plain crackers, broth-based soup, or plain toast. These options can satisfy a craving for a salty or simple food without the high fat content that irritates the stomach.