Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is an intestinal infection that causes irritation and inflammation of your stomach and intestines. Symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea are common when your have gastroenteritis—making it difficult to keep food down. In fact, some foods can make your symptoms even worse. We take a look at what foods you should eat and what foods you should avoid when dealing with gastroenteritis.
What to Eat
Eating while dealing with gastroenteritis is vital because the right foods can help calm and heal your stomach. The virus usually lasts between 1 and 5 days, but the correct diet can relieve some of those unpleasant symptoms during this time.
If eating makes you nauseated, don’t force yourself, though. You can try a clear-liquid diet instead, which is usually suggested for the first 24 hours of gastroenteritis anyways.
Following a clear-liquid diet means consuming sugar-free gelatin, sports drinks, broth, and water. Caffeine-free soda is acceptable, but you should let it go flat before drinking—as carbonation can upset your stomach more. You may also find that watered down tea and apple juice helps. If you are too sick to keep liquids down, try eating ice chips to at least stay hydrated.
Once you feel well enough to try eating, stick to a bland diet. If you still feel nauseous or vomit, eating in small bites is encouraged. A bland diet consists of foods that are: easy to digest, full of carbohydrates to give you energy, and nutrient-rich.
This includes:
- Bananas: Not only are they easy to digest, but bananas will also replace the potassium you have lost from vomiting and diarrhea.
- Rice: White rice is also easy to digest and provides energy from carbs.
- Applesauce: Applesauce is another food that is easy to digest that will give you an energy boost due to the carbs and sugar it contains. Pectin from applesauce can also help with diarrhea.
- Toast: White bread is processed and easy to digest.
Once you start to feel better, after a day or two, slowly introduce foods from your normal diet. A bland diet is good for the short term, but it doesn't provide you with the protein and fat that you need. Eating bland foods for too long can actually slow down your recovery.
What Not to Eat
Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks like black tea, soda, and coffee. You should also avoid alcohol, as it could cause more upset to your stomach. Other foods to avoid include:
- Dairy: Food and drinks that contain dairy should be avoided because they are hard to digest and can irritate your stomach. Diary can also cause diarrhea to worsen.
- Fiber: Although associated with keeping you regular, fiber can actually cause your diarrhea to worsen when dealing with gastroenteritis. Avoid whole-grain foods while ill.
- Greasy food: Greasy and salty foods like bacon should be avoided, since these are not always easy on your stomach.
