Experiencing an upset stomach is a common and unpleasant issue that can be caused by various factors, from a stomach bug to food intolerance. While the go-to advice is often to stick to a bland diet, certain candies can offer temporary, targeted relief for specific symptoms like nausea. The key is to choose wisely, focusing on ingredients with proven soothing properties.
The Healing Powers of Ginger
For centuries, ginger has been a renowned natural remedy for digestive issues, and modern science has backed up this traditional wisdom. The compounds in ginger, particularly gingerol, have anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects that can settle the stomach and aid gastrointestinal motility.
- Ginger Chews: These are often the most potent option, as they contain concentrated ginger root. They are particularly effective for motion sickness and morning sickness.
- Ginger Hard Candies: Offering a more subtle dose, hard ginger candies provide a longer-lasting flavor that can help manage mild, persistent nausea and prevent a sudden wave of queasiness.
The Soothing Sensation of Peppermint
Peppermint has long been a popular choice for calming an upset stomach, and candy is an easy way to access its benefits. The key is the menthol found in peppermint oil.
- Peppermint's Action: Menthol works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the stomach, which can alleviate cramping, gas, and bloating. This can help food pass through the stomach more easily and relieve discomfort.
- Best Options: Peppermint lozenges and hard candies are excellent choices. Sucking on them stimulates saliva production, which can also help neutralize stomach acid.
The Distraction of Lemon and Sour Flavors
For many people, especially those dealing with morning sickness or chemotherapy-related nausea, sour flavors offer a helpful distraction and an appetite stimulant.
- Increased Saliva: Sucking on a lemon drop increases saliva, which can help wash away bad tastes and neutralize stomach acids that contribute to nausea.
- Flavor Distraction: The strong, pleasant flavor can help take your mind off feelings of sickness, providing temporary relief.
Simple Hard Candies
When you just need a little something to distract from an unsettled feeling, simple hard candies can be beneficial. They don't contain any active anti-nausea ingredients, but they serve a purpose.
- Purpose: Sucking on them increases saliva production, which can help settle the stomach, especially after vomiting or during periods of low appetite. The distraction of the flavor can also be helpful.
- Good Choices: Plain options like Jolly Ranchers or other fruity hard candies are often recommended because they lack irritants like excessive fat or dairy.
Candies to Avoid with an Upset Stomach
Just as some candies can help, many others can worsen digestive symptoms. It's crucial to avoid these during your recovery.
- High-Fat Candies: Rich, high-fat candies, particularly milk chocolate, are difficult for the stomach to process, potentially leading to increased pain, cramping, and even diarrhea. The caffeine in chocolate can also act as a diuretic and irritate the digestive system.
- Sugar-Free Candies: These often contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol or xylitol, which are known to cause gas, bloating, and have a laxative effect. For an already distressed digestive system, this can be disastrous.
- Excessively Sugary Candies: While a little sugar can help, a large quantity can overwhelm your system and worsen diarrhea. It's best to consume any candy in moderation.
- Candies with Multiple Additives: Many highly processed candies contain various artificial colors and preservatives that can irritate sensitive digestive tracts.
Comparison of Soothing vs. Irritating Candies
| Feature | Soothing Candies | Irritating Candies |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, mild indigestion, general queasiness | Cramping, bloating, diarrhea, acid reflux, overall stomach upset |
| Key Ingredients | Ginger, peppermint, lemon, simple sugar, gelatin | High-fat, artificial sweeteners, excessive sugar, caffeine, multiple additives |
| Examples | Ginger chews, peppermint hard candy, lemon drops, plain fruit drops, simple gelatin gummies | Milk chocolate, sugar-free gummy bears, large portions of sugary candy, complex candy bars |
| Reasoning | Contains natural anti-nausea compounds, aids digestion, increases soothing saliva, offers flavor distraction | Hard to digest fat, contains problematic sugar alcohols, high sugar can worsen diarrhea, complex ingredients can irritate gut |
| Recommended Use | Small, infrequent doses as needed for specific symptoms | Avoid entirely while experiencing stomach upset |
Conclusion: Moderation is Key
While candy might seem counterintuitive for an upset stomach, selecting the right kind can provide temporary, focused relief. Ginger and peppermint candies are excellent for nausea, while lemon drops and other hard candies can stimulate saliva to settle the stomach. However, candy is not a cure, and it's essential to consume it in moderation as a temporary aid. For persistent digestive issues, relying on a bland diet and staying hydrated is the priority. Most importantly, avoid candies that are high in fat, contain artificial sweeteners, or have excessive sugar, as these will almost certainly worsen your symptoms. For more information on the benefits of ginger, you can visit the Johns Hopkins Medicine website.
Candies to help settle your stomach
- Ginger Candies: The active compound gingerol is scientifically proven to help combat nausea and motion sickness.
- Peppermint Candies: The menthol in peppermint relaxes the smooth muscles of the stomach, easing gas, bloating, and cramps.
- Lemon Drops: The sour taste and saliva production from sucking on lemon drops can distract from and help soothe nausea.
- Simple Hard Candies: Any plain, simple hard candy can help increase saliva and temporarily settle the stomach, especially for mild queasiness.
- Bland Gummy Candies: Simple gelatin-based gummy bears or Swedish fish can sometimes be tolerated in small quantities by sensitive stomachs.
Best candies for an upset stomach
- Ginger Chews
- Peppermint Hard Candy
- Lemon Drops
- Plain Hard Candies (like Jolly Ranchers)
- Simple Gummy Bears (in moderation)
Candies to avoid with an upset stomach
- Milk Chocolate (high in fat and caffeine)
- Sugar-Free Candies (contain sorbitol/sugar alcohols)
- High-Fat Candy Bars
- Rich, Creamy Candies
- Excessively Sugary Sweets
- Candies with many artificial ingredients
Importance of fluids when dealing with an upset stomach
- Hydration: Staying hydrated is critical, especially if vomiting or diarrhea is present. Water, broth, or electrolyte-rich sports drinks are recommended.
- Small Sips: If you feel queasy, take small, frequent sips of fluid or suck on ice chips to stay hydrated without overwhelming your stomach.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of caffeinated or carbonated drinks, which can worsen irritation and acid reflux.
How does peppermint candy help an upset stomach
Peppermint candy contains menthol, an aromatic oil that helps relax the smooth muscles in the stomach and digestive tract. This can alleviate painful cramps, reduce gas, and aid digestion by improving bile flow.
Can I eat candy with a stomach bug
It's generally best to avoid all candy and stick to bland foods like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) when you have a stomach bug. Excessive sugar can worsen diarrhea and irritate your sensitive stomach.
How do ginger candies work for motion sickness
Ginger candies work for motion sickness because the gingerol and other compounds in ginger can calm the stomach and improve gastrointestinal motility, counteracting the signals that cause feelings of nausea and queasiness during travel.
What if I can't keep any candy down
If you can't tolerate any food, including simple candy, you should prioritize rehydrating with small, frequent sips of water or electrolyte solution. If the vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, consult a healthcare provider.
