Easy to Digest Indian Foods for Upset Stomach – Natural Relief for Better Digestion

Food Section, Metabolism

Dealing with an upset stomach can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes even debilitating. Fortunately, there are easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach that can help soothe irritation, reduce bloating, and support natural digestive healing. By choosing gentle, soft, and lightly spiced foods, you can ease discomfort and regain energy without overloading your digestive system.

These foods not only help with immediate relief but also support long-term gut health. From comforting khichdi to cooling curd rice and soft idlis, incorporating these foods into your diet can prevent acidity, nausea, and bloating. In this article, we will explore the top 10 easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach, lifestyle tips for better digestion, foods to avoid, and natural remedies to keep your gut healthy and happy.

Why Your Stomach Needs Easy-to-Digest Foods

Your stomach is a sensitive organ that requires gentle care, especially when it is upset due to stress, irregular eating habits, infections, or heavy meals. Eating the wrong foods, such as oily, fried, or highly spiced dishes, can lead to indigestion, bloating, acidity, and nausea. That is why consuming easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach is essential for maintaining comfort and proper nutrient absorption.

These foods are usually soft, lightly spiced, and sometimes fermented to support the growth of good gut bacteria. They help your stomach process nutrients efficiently without causing strain or discomfort. Regularly incorporating these foods can:

  • Reduce bloating, acidity, and nausea
  • Promote healthy gut bacteria and improved digestion
  • Provide easily digestible energy without burdening your digestive system
  • Support overall wellness and immunity

For anyone seeking relief from an upset stomach, including easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach in daily meals can be the first step toward long-term digestive health.

easy to digest indian foods for upset stomach

Top 10 Easy to Digest Indian Foods for Upset Stomach

1. Khichdi – The Healing Comfort Food

Khichdi is a traditional Indian dish made with rice and lentils, often cooked with mild spices like turmeric. Its soft texture makes it one of the most recommended easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach. Khichdi is not only nourishing but also provides essential proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals in a form that the stomach can easily process. It is ideal for recovery during illness or digestive discomfort.

How to consume: Enjoy khichdi with a pinch of ghee and a small amount of mild spices. Avoid heavy curries or fried accompaniments for maximum benefits.

2. Curd Rice – Soothing Probiotic Powerhouse

Curd rice combines cooked rice with yogurt, creating a cooling and soft dish that is gentle on the stomach. The natural probiotics in yogurt help restore gut bacteria, reducing acidity and bloating. This makes curd rice an excellent choice among easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach.

How to consume: Pair curd rice with a light tempering of cumin seeds and curry leaves for improved digestion. Avoid adding chili or heavy pickles.

3. Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils) – Protein Without Discomfort

Moong dal is a lentil variety that is lighter and easier to digest compared to other dals. It provides high-quality protein while being gentle on the digestive system. Eating moong dal is an effective way to get nutrition without risking bloating or gas. It is widely recognized as one of the most soothing easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach.

How to consume: Cook moong dal until soft and add a small amount of turmeric. Avoid adding heavy spices or frying it with oil.

4. Idli – Light and Fermented Goodness

Idlis are steamed, fluffy rice cakes made from fermented rice and urad dal batter. They are soft, low-fat, and easy to chew, making them perfect for an upset stomach. The fermentation process naturally encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which improves digestion and reduces discomfort.

How to consume: Pair idlis with a mild coconut chutney or a small portion of sambar with very light spices.

5. Dhokla – A Soft, Fermented Snack

Dhokla is a low-oil, spongy, fermented snack from India. Its soft texture makes it easy to digest, while fermentation adds probiotic benefits. Dhokla is not only a light snack but also energizing, making it ideal among easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach.

How to consume: Enjoy dhokla with a light sprinkling of mustard seeds and curry leaves. Avoid spicy sauces or heavy oils.

6. Boiled Potatoes – Simple and Stomach-Friendly

Boiled potatoes are soft, low in fiber, and gentle on the digestive system. They provide easily digestible carbohydrates that supply energy without causing strain to an upset stomach. Boiled potatoes are a basic yet effective choice among easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach.

How to consume: Eat plain boiled potatoes or lightly season them with salt. Avoid frying or adding heavy spices.

7. Poha – Light Indian Breakfast Option

Poha, or flattened rice, is a quick, light, and easily digestible option for breakfast. It is soft, non-irritating, and perfect for mornings when the stomach is sensitive. Including poha in your diet helps maintain energy while being gentle on your digestive system, making it one of the most preferred easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach.

How to consume: Add mild spices like turmeric and a few curry leaves. Avoid chilies, fried onions, or peanuts if your stomach is sensitive.

8. Buttermilk – Hydrating and Cooling

Buttermilk is rich in probiotics and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. It hydrates the body, reduces bloating, and soothes acidity. Drinking buttermilk regularly is highly beneficial when looking for easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach.

How to consume: Drink plain buttermilk or lightly season with roasted cumin powder. Avoid adding heavy spices or salt in excess.

9. Bananas – Nature’s Digestive Soother

Bananas are naturally soft and contain natural antacid properties. They help protect the stomach lining, prevent acidity, and provide potassium for energy. Bananas are widely recommended among easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach because they are gentle, nutritious, and convenient.

How to consume: Eat ripe bananas alone or with a small amount of plain yogurt. Avoid unripe bananas, as they are harder to digest.

10. Murabba Amla – Traditional Gut Healer

Amla murabba, a sweet preserve made from Indian gooseberries, is high in fiber and vitamin C. It supports digestion, prevents constipation, and helps reduce acidity. Including amla murabba is an effective way to maintain digestive balance and is a classic option among easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach.

How to consume: Eat a small piece daily, especially after meals. Avoid consuming in excess if you are diabetic.

easy to digest indian foods for upset stomach

Foods to Avoid During an Upset Stomach

When your stomach is upset, certain foods can worsen discomfort. Avoiding them is essential:

  • Spicy curries and fried foods that irritate the stomach lining
  • Raw cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower
  • Milk or heavy dairy products (except yogurt or buttermilk)
  • Carbonated drinks and caffeinated beverages
  • Processed junk foods that are high in oil and additives

Avoiding these foods alongside consuming easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach ensures faster relief and promotes natural healing.

Simple Lifestyle Tips to Improve Digestion Naturally

  1. Chew your food thoroughly to help the stomach process nutrients efficiently.
  2. Eat smaller, frequent meals instead of heavy meals to prevent overloading your digestive system.
  3. Stay hydrated with water, coconut water, or buttermilk to maintain digestive function.
  4. Reduce stress through meditation, breathing exercises, or light walking, as stress slows digestion.
  5. Avoid late-night heavy meals to prevent acidity and bloating.

Combining these lifestyle habits with easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach promotes long-term gut health.

When to Seek Professional Help

While diet and lifestyle changes help most mild digestive discomfort, consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

  • Persistent bloating, acidity, or irregular bowel movements
  • Chronic upset stomach even when eating bland foods
  • Suspected underlying conditions like IBS, acid reflux, or ulcers

Professional guidance ensures that serious issues are addressed while your gut heals naturally.

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Final Thoughts

Eating easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach is a natural and effective way to relieve discomfort, support gut health, and regain energy. Pairing these foods with mindful lifestyle changes ensures long-term digestive wellness. Natural, wholesome meals nourish the body from within, helping you recover faster and prevent recurring digestive issues.

For additional digestive support, consider The Science of Good Health Organic Aloe Vera Juice with Inner Fillet, which promotes gut health and skin wellness naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the best easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach?

Ans: Soft, lightly spiced, and sometimes fermented foods like khichdi, curd rice, idli, dhokla, and bananas are the best options.

Ans: Yes, moong dal is a light lentil that is gentle on the stomach and provides protein without causing bloating.

Ans: Yes, yogurt contains probiotics that help restore gut bacteria and reduce acidity, making it a key ingredient in easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach.

Ans: Yes, ripe bananas are soft, easily digestible, and help protect the stomach lining while providing potassium.

Ans: Yes, heavy spices, fried foods, and chili can irritate the stomach and worsen bloating or acidity.

Ans: Eat easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach throughout the day in small, frequent meals to keep your digestion smooth.

Ans: Yes, buttermilk is hydrating, probiotic-rich, and helps reduce bloating and acidity naturally.

Ans: Absolutely. Chewing food properly, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding heavy late-night meals enhance the benefits of easy to digest Indian foods for upset stomach.

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Functional Nutritionist & Functional Medicine Practitioner

Smriti is a leading Health Coach and Functional Medicine Practitioner, based out of Gurgaon, India.