When you’re battling the stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, focusing on the right foods can significantly ease your symptoms and speed up recovery. Eating helps your intestines heal and restores your strength. Avoiding food can prolong diarrhea. Here’s what you should eat and avoid to manage your stomach flu effectively.
Start with small portions and gradually increase as your appetite returns and your symptoms improve. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so drink plenty of water or a rehydration solution.
Best Foods to Eat During Stomach Flu
These foods are gentle on your digestive system and can help you recover from stomach flu:
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Pastas: Plain pasta is easy to digest and provides carbohydrates for energy.
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Rice: White rice is another simple carbohydrate source that can help settle your stomach.
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Lean Meats: Opt for lean meats like chicken or turkey, prepared with minimal fat. They provide essential protein without aggravating your stomach.
Alt text: A serving of cooked chicken breast with colorful vegetables, providing a balanced and nutritious meal option during stomach flu recovery.
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Low-Fat Cooked Fish: Similar to lean meats, fish is a good source of protein that’s easy to digest.
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Eggs: Eggs are a versatile and nutritious option, providing protein and essential nutrients.
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Fresh Fruits (or Fruits Canned in Their Own Juice): Fruits like bananas, applesauce, and canned fruits in their own juice are gentle on the stomach and provide vitamins.
Alt text: A close-up of homemade applesauce with a sprinkle of cinnamon, highlighting its simple ingredients and soothing qualities, making it a suitable option during stomach flu.
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Cooked Vegetables: Cooked vegetables like carrots, green beans, and potatoes are easier to digest than raw ones.
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Sugar-Free Cereals: Plain, sugar-free cereals provide carbohydrates without the added sugars that can upset your stomach.
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Bread: White bread or toast is a simple carbohydrate source that’s easy to digest.
You can also try these foods if you tolerate them well or if they are lactose-free:
- Low-Fat Yogurt: Yogurt with live and active cultures can help restore beneficial bacteria in your gut.
- Low-Fat Cheese: Choose low-fat options to minimize digestive upset.
- Milk: If you’re not lactose intolerant, milk can provide essential nutrients.
Some studies suggest that probiotics can reduce the severity or duration of diarrhea. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid During Stomach Flu
Certain foods and drinks can worsen your symptoms and prolong your recovery:
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Fruit Juices with High Sugar Content and Fruit Drinks: These can draw water into your intestines and worsen diarrhea.
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Sports Drinks (like Gatorade): While they contain electrolytes, they often have high sugar content.
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Soft or Carbonated Drinks: These can cause bloating and gas.
Alt text: An array of sugary beverages including sodas, fruit juices, and sports drinks, emphasizing their high sugar content which can exacerbate stomach flu symptoms.
- Caffeinated Drinks: Caffeine can stimulate your digestive system and worsen diarrhea.
- Broths and Canned or Packaged Soups: These often contain high levels of sodium and additives that can irritate your stomach.
- Fried Foods or Those Rich in Fat: These are difficult to digest and can worsen nausea and diarrhea.
- Ice Cream, Sherbet, Popsicles, and Jellies (like Jell-O): These are high in sugar and can worsen diarrhea.
- Dried Fruits, Fruits Canned in Syrup: These contain high levels of sugar that can worsen diarrhea.
- Sweet Cereals: These are high in sugar and offer little nutritional value.
- Candy and Chocolate: These are high in sugar and can worsen diarrhea.
- Very Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can irritate your digestive system and worsen symptoms.
The Importance of Eating
It is not recommended to stop eating entirely. This will not reduce the symptoms of gastroenteritis, provides insufficient calories, and may delay healing. Eating small portions of the recommended foods that you can tolerate is crucial for recovery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right foods during stomach flu can significantly impact your comfort and recovery. Focus on easily digestible options, stay hydrated, and avoid foods and drinks that can worsen your symptoms. If you have concerns about rehydration or diet during gastroenteritis, consult a healthcare professional.
