Is Dry Bread Good for Nausea? Understanding This Simple Remedy

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 50% of adults experience nausea at some point each year, often turning to simple kitchen remedies for relief. Among the most common is the tradition of nibbling on dry bread. So, is dry bread good for nausea, or is this just an old wives' tale? The short answer is that for many, bland, starchy foods can indeed offer temporary relief by settling an upset stomach.

Quick Summary

Dry bread and toast can often soothe nausea because they are bland, low-fat, and absorb excess stomach acid. This remedy is part of the BRAT diet, a short-term plan for an upset digestive system. However, it is not a long-term nutritional solution.

Key Points

Absorbs Acid: The starchy content of dry bread helps soak up excess gastric acid that can cause nausea.
Easy to Digest: Toasting the bread makes it easier on a sensitive stomach than plain bread, and plain white bread is often better than high-fiber alternatives.
Part of the BRAT Diet: Dry toast is a key component of the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast), a bland diet recommended for short-term stomach upset.
Neutral Odor and Flavor: The blandness and low aroma of dry bread are less likely to trigger or worsen feelings of nausea.
Temporary Relief: While helpful in the short term, relying solely on dry bread is not nutritionally sufficient and should be followed by a more balanced diet as soon as possible.

Why Dry Bread Helps with Nausea

Dry bread, particularly white toast or crackers, has long been a go-to remedy for a queasy stomach. The effectiveness of this simple food can be attributed to several factors, primarily its bland nature and ease of digestion.

Absorbs Stomach Acid: The starches in dry bread can help absorb excess stomach acid, which can contribute to the feeling of nausea. For a person with an empty stomach, this can be particularly helpful.
Bland and Low-Odor: Strong smells and flavors can easily trigger or worsen nausea. Dry bread is bland and has very little aroma, making it much more palatable than other foods. This is especially useful for conditions like morning sickness.
Easy to Digest: Toasting the bread can break down some of its carbohydrates, making it even easier for a sensitive stomach to process. High-fiber, whole-grain breads can be more difficult to digest and may aggravate an upset stomach.
Prevents an Empty Stomach: A completely empty stomach can sometimes trigger nausea. Eating a small amount of dry bread can prevent this without overtaxing the digestive system.

Dry Bread vs. Other Bland Foods

While dry bread is a good option, it is part of a larger family of bland, easy-to-digest foods that can help with nausea. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) is a well-known example of this.

When choosing food during a bout of nausea, consider the following options for their soothing properties:

Saltine Crackers: Like toast, these are low in odor and can help absorb stomach acid.
Plain White Rice: Easily digestible and can be prepared simply to provide energy.
Bananas: High in potassium, which can help replenish lost electrolytes if you have been vomiting or have diarrhea.
Applesauce: A good source of carbs that is gentle on the stomach. Unsweetened versions are best to avoid excess sugar.
Ginger: An herb with proven anti-nausea effects, available in tea, chews, or ale.
Clear Broths: Provides hydration and electrolytes without being heavy on the stomach.

When to Consider Different Options

While dry bread and other bland foods can be helpful, it is important to remember they are a short-term solution. A restrictive diet like BRAT is not nutritionally complete and should not be followed for more than a few days.

High-Fiber Bread: For initial nausea relief, simple white bread or toast is recommended. High-fiber whole-grain options can slow down digestion and potentially worsen symptoms.

Added Fats or Sugars: Avoid adding butter, jam, or other fatty spreads to your bread, as these can irritate an already upset stomach. Sugary drinks and very sweet foods can also worsen nausea.

Underlying Conditions: If nausea is persistent or accompanied by severe symptoms like chest pain, fainting, or confusion, consult a healthcare professional. Nausea can be a sign of a more serious issue that requires medical attention.

Comparison of Nausea Remedies


Remedy	Primary Benefit	Who It's Best For	Potential Drawback
Dry Bread/Toast	Absorbs stomach acid, very bland	Mild, short-term nausea, morning sickness	Lacks nutrients for long-term health
Ginger Tea	Proven anti-nausea compounds	Motion sickness, post-surgery, pregnancy-related nausea	May not work for all individuals, concentrated doses can cause GI upset
Saltine Crackers	Quick and easy, low odor	Morning nausea, empty stomach nausea	High sodium content can be a concern with frequent use
Clear Broth	Hydration, electrolytes	Post-vomiting, stomach flu recovery	Offers minimal calories and nutrition
Mint Tea	Soothing aroma, relaxation	Stress-induced nausea, general discomfort	Efficacy is often based on personal preference

Conclusion: A Simple Solution, Not a Cure-All

Dry bread can be an effective, temporary remedy for nausea, especially when it's mild and related to an empty stomach. Its success lies in its blandness, low odor, and ability to absorb stomach acid. While it can be a useful tool, especially as part of a short-term, low-fat diet, it's not a complete nutritional solution. For persistent or severe nausea, or if you are on a restricted diet for a prolonged period, seeking advice from a healthcare provider is essential. Staying hydrated with clear liquids is always a top priority alongside food intake to aid recovery. For more comprehensive nutritional guidance, consult a registered dietitian or the National Institutes of Health.(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538142/)

Frequently Asked Questions

Toast helps with nausea because it is a bland, dry, and low-fat food that is easy to digest. The starches can absorb excess stomach acid and settle a queasy stomach without strong smells or tastes that might trigger more nausea.

Yes, for short-term nausea, plain white bread is often better. Whole-grain bread is high in fiber, which can slow digestion and potentially make an upset stomach feel worse. Plain white toast is recommended for gentler digestion.

It is best to avoid adding butter or margarine to your toast. The added fat can be difficult for a sensitive stomach to digest and may increase symptoms of nausea.

The BRAT diet is a short-term eating plan for upset stomachs that consists of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These are all bland, low-fat foods that are easy to digest. It is not recommended for long-term use.

Other bland, easy-to-digest foods include saltine crackers, pretzels, plain white rice, and clear broths. Hydrating liquids like clear fruit juice or electrolyte beverages are also recommended.

No, if you are actively vomiting, it is best to avoid eating or drinking anything for a while to let your stomach rest. Once vomiting stops, start with small sips of clear liquids before slowly introducing bland foods like dry bread.

A diet consisting only of dry bread and other bland foods should be very short-term (e.g., 24-48 hours). It is not nutritionally complete, and you should transition back to a more balanced diet as soon as you feel able to tolerate it.