Is Farina Good for an Upset Stomach? A Guide to Soothing Your Gut

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a survey of individuals with digestive issues, 50% reported they could digest Cream of Wheat, a type of farina, without any problems, confirming its suitability for some sensitive stomachs. This bland, hot cereal is commonly cited as a gentle food choice when recovering from digestive distress like diarrhea or nausea.

Quick Summary

Farina, a refined wheat cereal, is generally well-tolerated for an upset stomach due to its low fiber and bland nature. It's often recommended on restricted diets for soothing digestive issues like diarrhea. Preparation with water instead of dairy is key to avoid potential aggravation, and caution is necessary for those with gluten sensitivities.

Key Points

Low Fiber and Bland: Farina is a refined, low-fiber cereal, making it easy for an upset stomach to digest without irritation.
Binding Properties: It helps firm up stools, which is beneficial for managing diarrhea.
Prepare with Water: For maximum gentleness, cook farina with water instead of milk, as dairy can aggravate digestive issues.
Gluten Content: Farina is a wheat-based product and contains gluten, so it is unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Temporary Relief: It serves as a temporary, soothing food during illness, not a long-term nutritional solution. A balanced diet should be resumed as symptoms improve.
Avoid Sugary Additions: Do not add sugar, honey, or other sweeteners, as they can cause further digestive discomfort.

Understanding Farina's Role in a Bland Diet

When dealing with an upset stomach, the goal is to consume foods that are easy to digest and will not exacerbate symptoms. The BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is a well-known example of this approach. Farina, a milled wheat cereal also known as Cream of Wheat, fits this criteria and is often included in extended bland diet recommendations. Its bland flavor and low fiber content make it a non-irritating option for a compromised digestive system.

Why Farina is Gentle on the Stomach

The primary reason farina is considered a good choice for an upset stomach is its simple composition. Made from the endosperm of the wheat grain, it is a refined cereal from which the bran and germ have been largely removed. This refinement process strips away most of the dietary fiber, which is difficult for an inflamed or sensitive stomach to process. When cooked with water, farina becomes a soft, easily digestible porridge that provides some energy without overstimulating the digestive tract. The simple carbohydrates it contains are easy for the body to convert into glucose, providing much-needed energy when you're feeling unwell.

How to Prepare Farina for an Upset Stomach

Correct preparation is crucial to ensure farina is as soothing as possible. Avoid high-fat or high-sugar additions that could further upset your stomach. Here's a simple, gut-friendly approach:

Use water, not milk: Dairy products can sometimes worsen digestive symptoms, especially diarrhea. Cooking farina with water is the safest bet for a sensitive system.
Avoid sweeteners and fats: Steer clear of honey, syrups, and butter, which can be difficult to digest. The goal is to keep it as simple as possible.
Add a pinch of salt: If you need a little flavor, a small amount of salt is a better choice than sugar.
Choose enriched farina: Many farina products are fortified with iron and B vitamins, which can help replenish nutrients lost due to illness.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While farina is generally safe for many, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. For some individuals, consuming farina could worsen symptoms. It is essential to be aware of your body's specific needs.

Gluten sensitivity: As a wheat-based cereal, farina contains gluten. Individuals with celiac disease or a non-celiac gluten sensitivity will experience an adverse reaction and should avoid it entirely. For these individuals, a gluten-free alternative like cream of rice or quinoa flakes would be a better option.
Fiber content: Although the low fiber is beneficial for diarrhea, a prolonged bland diet can lead to constipation once you begin to recover. It is important to reintroduce fiber-rich foods gradually as your symptoms improve.
Nutrient density: Farina is not a complete nutritional source. It's meant to be a temporary, soothing food. Once you feel better, it is important to transition back to a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Comparison Table: Farina vs. Other Bland Foods

To help you decide what to eat, here's a comparison of farina and other common foods for an upset stomach.


Feature	Farina	White Rice	Applesauce	Toast (White Bread)
Ease of Digestion	High; low fiber, refined grain.	High; low fiber, binding.	High; contains pectin, gentle on gut.	High; bland, easy on stomach.
Energy Source	Simple carbohydrates.	Simple carbohydrates.	Simple carbohydrates.	Simple carbohydrates.
Potential Binding Effect	Yes; can help firm stools.	Strong; very binding.	Yes; pectin can bulk stools.	Mild to moderate.
Added Nutrients	Often fortified with iron and B vitamins.	Limited; best for energy.	Vitamin C and potassium.	Limited; depends on fortification.
Gluten-Free	No.	Yes.	Yes.	No.

Farina for Children and Adults

Farina is safe for both children and adults with an upset stomach. For infants and toddlers recovering from a bout of diarrhea, cooked cereals like farina are often recommended by healthcare providers. It is important to prepare it simply, using water and avoiding added sugars. Always consult with a pediatrician before introducing new foods to an infant, especially during illness.

For adults, farina can provide comfort and easily-digested calories. It can be a good transitional food after a period of only consuming clear liquids. It’s important to listen to your body and introduce other bland foods, like those in the BRAT diet, as you start to feel better.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Farina

Is farina good for an upset stomach? For most people without a gluten intolerance, the answer is yes. Its bland, low-fiber, and easily digestible nature makes it a safe and soothing food choice during mild digestive distress. The key is to prepare it simply, using water instead of dairy, and to avoid high-fat or sugary toppings. As your symptoms subside, you can gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet. If you have concerns about your specific condition, or if symptoms persist, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional. To learn more about bland diet options, consult reliable medical sources such as the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cream of Wheat is a brand name for a type of farina, which is a milled wheat hot cereal. The two terms are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of product.

Yes, farina is often recommended for children with diarrhea due to its bland and low-fiber nature. It should be prepared simply with water, avoiding dairy, and with no added sugar.

Cook farina with water instead of milk to avoid dairy, which can sometimes worsen symptoms. Avoid adding butter, syrups, or excessive sugar to keep it as gentle as possible on your stomach.

No, farina is made from wheat and contains gluten. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should not eat farina and should choose a gluten-free alternative like cream of rice.

If you feel worse after eating farina, you may have a gluten sensitivity or an intolerance to wheat. Stop eating it and consider other bland, gentle options like plain white rice or applesauce.

Gradually transition back to your regular diet as symptoms improve, usually within 1-3 days. Start by reintroducing other bland foods before moving on to higher-fiber and more complex options.

No, farina is low in fiber and can have a binding effect, which is why it's recommended for diarrhea. For constipation, high-fiber foods and increased hydration are more effective.