Soups can help you recover if you have a stomach flu
Viral gastroenteritis is an infection that might occur in the intestines. Viral gastroenteritis, more commonly known as stomach flu is often a result of eating contaminated food or drinking unfit water. Viral gastroenteritis can cause discomfort due to cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, fever.
As viral gastroenteritis is an infection that directly affects the digestive system, we must be mindful of what we eat. In this article, the best foods to eat in case you are suffering from stomach flu.
14 foods to eat if you are suffering from viral gastroenteritis:
Low-fat dairy products
In case you are suffering from stomach flu, we advise you to avoid fatty foods. Go for low-fat dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, etc. which might be soothing.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and provide energy which is often drained due to viral gastroenteritis. Some warm scrabbled eggs might help nourish you without straining your bowels.
Sugar-free foods
People who are suffering from viral gastroenteritis are often suggested against eating sugary foods as these foods might slow down digestion.
Rice
Rice is a great source of carbs which might be encouraged if you have stomach flu. It is also often bland and can be incorporated with eggs.
Fruits
Fruits are a great source of nutrients and provide ample fibre which helps in our digestion. Fruits such as bananas, berries, etc. might also be soothing.
Boiled vegetables
Cooked or boiled vegetables are highly encouraged for people suffering from viral gastroenteritis. However, make sure to only season it lightly with some salt and avoid spices and chillies.
Juices
Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are a great way to incorporate nutritious foods into your diet. They also help you stay hydrated and are easy to digest.
Coconut water
Coconut water is another great drink to keep you hydrated, nourished, and energised without eating heavily.
Electrolyte drinks
Electrolyte drinks such as ORS and hydrating drinks are a great way to keep yourself nourished and hydrated. They ensure you receive the right levels and salts your body requires.
Tofu
Tofu is another great low-fat high-protein food that can help with digestion if you have viral gastroenteritis.
Chicken
Chicken is another great way to help you energise if you are suffering from viral gastroenteritis. It can also be cooked into soups and stews with light seasoning.
Low-fat fish
As discussed above, in case you're suffering from viral gastroenteritis, you are advised to reduce your consumption of fatty foods. Opt for low-fat fish, unlike salmon and tuna.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a great source of carbs and are also soothing to the stomach. Baked potatoes or even sweet potatoes are encouraged.
Decaffeinated teas
Decaffeinated teas might bring some comfort to your digestive system, unlike caffeinated drinks which are often too harsh.
In conclusion, we encourage you to stick to bland and soothing foods. We also suggest you avoid high-fat or sugar foods as they might slow down your recovery process. Besides these dietary instructions, make sure to get enough rest to ensure a speedy recovery.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Struggling to keep anything down — or in? If you’ve been hit by the stomach flu — otherwise known as viral gastroenteritis (and an entirely different beast from the common flu, or influenza) — you probably won’t feel like eating or drinking much.
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But if you’re looking to find out what you can try to stomach with a stomach flu, you certainly know it’s not the best idea to toss back a plate of chili-cheese nachos.
For some clearer direction family physician Laura Lipold, MD, sorts out a few less obvious do’s and don’ts to get you through until you’re back on your feet again.
Avoid these when you have the flu
- Skip your daily coffee: Avoid your cup of joe and favorite caffeinated soda (this includes cola beverages) for a one week. Caffeine contracts your intestines, which can make diarrhea worse, Dr. Lipold notes.
- Avoid alcohol altogether: Alcoholic beverages act as a diuretic and can aggravate your stomach even more.
- Don’t eat hard-to-digest foods: When you have the stomach flu steer clear of fatty, greasy, spicy and acidic foods. Dairy and tomato-based dishes are also tough on a sick gut.
- Never force yourself to eat: If you don’t feel like eating, don’t push your body. “Try to focus on recovering, rest and staying hydrated,” Dr. Lipold says.
- Avoid juices: Apple, orange, or any other juices won’t do you much good.
Eat, drink and do these with the flu
Drink plenty of clear liquids
Wait until 2 hours have passed since your last episode of vomiting. Start with small frequent sips. Water, clear soda (stir it well to release more carbonation), herbal decaffeinated tea, broth or over-the-counter electrolyte replacements are great ways to avoid dehydration when you have a stomach flu with frequent diarrhea or vomiting.
“Severe dehydration could mean a trip to the hospital to receive IV fluids, so it’s important to try to stay hydrated if you can,” Dr. Lipold says. “You may turn to the common ginger ale fix but again, stir or let it sit on the counter in an open container until the carbonation evaporates.”
Eat complex carbohydrates
Potatoes and whole grains (think rice and toast) are your best choices to help replace nutrients you may have lost while vomiting or too many trips to the bathroom. Try lean meats without too much spice or condiments, which can upset your stomach more (think chicken and fish).
Suck on ice chips
If you can’t keep anything else down, ice chips will help give you the hydration you likely need little by little over a longer time, but it may be better tolerated by your stomach, Dr. Lipold says.
See your physician
“If you haven’t been able to keep liquids down for 24 hours, show signs of dehydration, are vomiting blood, have abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea or a fever above 102 F — it’s time to visit your doctor,” Dr. Lipold says.
“You may have another illness which may need to be treated right away,” she adds. “And since some symptoms like diarrhea could potentially be a sign of COVID-19, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider.”