Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is traditionally used in some cultures as a food that is gentle on the stomach, especially for people experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort such as gastritis or ulcers. In folk and herbal medicine, raw potato juice has historically been recommended for soothing the stomach lining and reducing symptoms like heartburn, believed to be due to its mild alkalinity and mucilaginous consistency. Some traditional European remedies suggest potato juice for its supposed ability to neutralize excess gastric acid.

However, modern scientific evidence to support these uses is limited. A few small studies have investigated potato juice for peptic ulcers, reporting potential symptomatic relief, but these are not robust or widely replicated. The main scientific rationale for potatoes as stomach-friendly foods lies in their blandness, low acidity, and high content of easily digestible starches, making them part of "BRAT" or bland diets recommended for digestive upset. Potatoes are not known to aggravate most stomach conditions and can be a source of nutrition when the digestive tract is sensitive. Despite this, there is insufficient clinical evidence to affirm specific protective or healing effects on the stomach lining.

In summary, the use of potato to support the stomach is primarily based on tradition and dietary gentleness, with limited scientific validation.

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