Frederic Melton
When suffering from gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, it is important to focus on staying hydrated and eating foods that are easy to digest. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet, certain foods and drinks may help keep you nourished and soothe your stomach. So, is cheese bad for gastroenteritis?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should cheese be consumed during gastroenteritis? | No, cheese is a dairy product that can worsen diarrhea and is difficult to digest even up to a month after gastroenteritis. |
| What is gastroenteritis? | A viral infection that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. |
| What foods are recommended during gastroenteritis? | Bland and easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers, lean meats, eggs, and starchy vegetables. |
| What drinks are recommended during gastroenteritis? | Water, rehydration solutions, low-sugar drinks, herbal teas, and soup broths. |
| What foods should be avoided during gastroenteritis? | Fatty, sugary, spicy, and acidic foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese can worsen diarrhoea
Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is a viral infection that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. This inflammation can speed up the movement of food through the digestive tract, leading to diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and fatigue. While proper hydration and certain foods can help manage these symptoms, some foods can worsen them.
Instead, it is suggested to opt for low-fat dairy options, such as low-fat yoghurt, which can be tolerated by some individuals with gastroenteritis. Additionally, lean meats, eggs, and starchy foods like potatoes, rice, and crackers are recommended as they are easy to digest and less likely to worsen diarrhoea.
It is important to note that while managing gastroenteritis, hydration is crucial. Drinking water, coconut water, and broth can help prevent dehydration and replenish electrolytes. However, it is advised to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks, as these can contribute to dehydration.
Overall, when dealing with gastroenteritis, it is best to avoid cheese and other dairy products due to their potential to worsen diarrhoea. Instead, focus on hydration and a bland diet with easily digestible, low-fat foods to aid in recovery.
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Lactose intolerance after gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is caused by swallowing certain viruses that travel through the body and inflame the linings of the stomach and intestines. This inflammation can cause fatigue, diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, and vomiting. It can also lead to dehydration, so it is important to focus on rehydration and getting plenty of rest.
Lactose intolerance is often confused with a milk allergy. It occurs when the body cannot digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhoea. Lactose intolerance can develop after a bout of gastroenteritis, particularly in infants and young children. The inflammation caused by gastroenteritis can damage the mucosal lining of the gut, impacting the body's ability to produce lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. This type of lactose intolerance is known as secondary lactose intolerance.
Secondary lactose intolerance is usually temporary and resolves within six weeks as the gut heals and the epithelial lining repairs itself. During this time, it is recommended to avoid lactose-containing foods and switch to lactose-free alternatives. Lactose-free infant formulas and milk alternatives are widely available and can help alleviate symptoms such as diarrhoea, wind, and abdominal discomfort.
If you suspect lactose intolerance after gastroenteritis, it is important to follow a low-lactose or lactose-free diet for a temporary period. This involves avoiding dairy products and choosing lactose-free substitutes. Examples of lactose-free substitutes include lactose-free margarine, calcium-fortified lactose-free milk, and non-dairy milk alternatives such as oat, almond, or soy milk. It is also important to ensure adequate calcium intake, as dairy is a major source of calcium in many diets. Look for lactose-free products that are fortified with calcium, such as certain lactose-free cheeses and yoghurt.
In summary, lactose intolerance can sometimes occur after gastroenteritis due to the damage caused to the gut. This condition is usually temporary, and lactose tolerance typically returns within six weeks as the gut heals. During this time, a lactose-free diet can help manage symptoms, and calcium-fortified lactose-free alternatives can ensure adequate nutrition.
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Bland foods to eat with gastroenteritis
When suffering from gastroenteritis, it is important to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods and ensure you are well hydrated. It is recommended that you eat small portions and gradually ease back into eating. Here are some examples of bland foods that are suitable for gastroenteritis:
Crackers and toast
Dry foods such as crackers and toast are good options as they are free of spices, low in fat, and low in fibre. They are gentle on the stomach and made up of simple carbs, which the body quickly and easily digests.
Bananas
Bananas are a great source of potassium, one of the primary electrolytes lost from vomiting and diarrhoea. They are also soft and easy to digest, making them a good choice for settling the stomach.
Rice
Rice is a bland, starchy food that is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. It can be eaten plain or added to other dishes for some extra substance.
Chicken
Chicken is a lean meat that can be prepared with little fat. It is a good source of protein and can be easily digested when cooked thoroughly.
Broth-based soups
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends broth and broth-based soups as they have a very high water content, helping with hydration. They are also an excellent source of sodium, an electrolyte that can quickly become depleted due to frequent vomiting and diarrhoea.
It is important to note that while these foods are generally well-tolerated, everyone's experience with gastroenteritis is unique, and some individuals may find that even these bland foods do not agree with their stomachs. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.
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Foods to avoid with gastroenteritis
While recovering from gastroenteritis, it is important to focus on hydration and eating foods that are easy to digest. However, there are several foods and drinks that should be avoided to prevent worsening the symptoms or delaying recovery.
Firstly, dairy products such as milk, butter, cheese, and cream should be avoided as they contain lactose that can be difficult to digest, even up to a month after the stomach flu. High-fat toppings and fatty foods in general should also be avoided as they can upset your delicate digestive system and worsen diarrhoea. This includes pizza, fried foods, and fatty meats. Instead, opt for lean meats and low-fat dairy products if you can tolerate them.
Secondly, caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soda should be avoided as they can irritate the stomach. Alcoholic drinks can also upset your stomach and should be skipped. Spicy and acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, curries, vinegar, and hot peppers, may cause discomfort and are best avoided.
Lastly, sugary foods and drinks, including sweets, sweetened drinks, and fruit juices high in sugar, should be limited as sugar can exacerbate or trigger diarrhoea. Instead, focus on staying hydrated with water, clear broths, coconut water, or ice chips.
It is important to listen to your body and introduce solid foods gradually, starting with bland, easy-to-digest options like toast, crackers, rice, bananas, and steamed potatoes.
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Rehydration and recovery from gastroenteritis
It's important to ease back into eating with small portions of bland, easy-to-digest foods. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is a popular strategy for managing gastrointestinal symptoms. Other options include soda crackers, gelatin, chicken, and starchy foods. Lean meats and low-fat cooked fish are also recommended. Eggs are a good source of protein and B vitamins, but they should be prepared with minimal added fat, dairy, and spices. Some studies show that probiotics found in low-fat yoghurt can help reduce the duration of diarrhoea.
It's best to avoid fatty, sugary, and spicy foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol, as these can irritate the stomach and worsen symptoms. Dairy products, including cheese, butter, and cream, contain lactose that can be difficult to digest, even up to a month after the stomach flu. Instead, consider seasoning your potatoes with a dash of salt to replenish sodium levels, which can become depleted during the stomach flu.
Broth-based soups are an excellent source of hydration and sodium, and ginger can be added to soothe nausea. It's also important to get plenty of rest and seek medical attention if you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, as these are signs of dehydration.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese is bad for gastroenteritis. Dairy products like cheese, butter, and cream contain lactose that can be difficult to digest even up to a month after the stomach flu. Cheese is also fatty, and high-fat foods can worsen diarrhea.
It is recommended to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice, and chicken. You can also eat low-fat yogurt, eggs, lean meats, and cooked vegetables.
It is important to stay hydrated by drinking water or a rehydration solution. You can also drink coconut water, herbal teas, and soup broths.
You should avoid fatty, sugary, and spicy foods that can irritate the stomach and worsen symptoms. This includes fatty dairy foods, non-lean meat, fried food, and acidic fruits. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol.
