Kamil Perry
Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is a highly contagious infection that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While it is not usually serious, the main risk is dehydration, which can be dangerous. So, when the stomach flu hits, the priority is to keep up fluid intake. Food can come later, and when eating, it's important to avoid fatty foods, as these can worsen symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should cheese be consumed during stomach flu? | No, cheese and other high-fat toppings should be avoided as they can worsen diarrhea. |
| What to eat during stomach flu? | Bland, low-residual foods such as mashed potatoes, plain noodles, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice, chicken, boiled starches, applesauce, eggs, lean poultry, and meats. |
| What to drink during stomach flu? | Clear fluids, broths, teas (herbal, ginger, peppermint), sodas, non-caffeinated sports drinks, and electrolyte drinks. |
| What are some general tips for dealing with stomach flu? | Focus on staying hydrated, get plenty of rest, and take OTC medications for diarrhea or nausea if needed. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese and other high-fat foods can worsen diarrhoea
When the stomach flu hits, eating is probably the last thing on your mind. But when you're ready to eat again, it's important to be thoughtful about how you refuel. The wrong foods can cause cramping, stomach pain, and diarrhoea.
Instead of high-fat foods, opt for a bland diet, such as the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are gentle on the stomach and can help to bind the stools. Eggs are another good option, as they are easy on the stomach and provide essential protein and nutrients.
It's also important to avoid frying foods in fats such as butter or oil, as this can worsen stomach flu symptoms. Instead, try boiling, baking, roasting, or grilling your foods to help keep the fat content low.
In addition to diet, staying hydrated is crucial when you have the stomach flu. Vomiting and diarrhoea can deplete your body's fluids, putting you at risk for dehydration, which can be dangerous. So, while food may not be your first concern, keeping up your fluids is.
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Lean poultry and meats are better than high-fat options
Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is a highly contagious intestinal infection. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, and sometimes fever. The biggest concern with the stomach flu is dehydration, as vomiting and diarrhea deplete the body's fluids. Therefore, the priority is to replenish fluids and electrolytes.
When it comes to food, it is recommended to wait until you can keep fluids down before introducing solid foods. Start with bland, low-residue foods such as mashed potatoes, plain noodles, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice, and chicken. Lean poultry and meats are better options than high-fat choices when dealing with the stomach flu. High-fat foods are more challenging to digest and can lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Lean meats include beef, lamb, veal, pork, chicken, turkey, and duck. Instead of frying, opt for baking, roasting, or grilling to keep the fat content low and prevent aggravating your stomach further.
Eggs are another nutritious choice when you have the stomach flu, as they are easy on the stomach when prepared with minimal added fat, dairy, and spices. They provide protein and other essential nutrients. Dry foods like cereal, plain crackers, and pretzels are also good options, as they are free of spices, low in fat, and easily digestible.
Remember, it is crucial to listen to your body and only eat when you feel up to it. Start with small meals and snacks, gradually reintroducing foods as you feel better.
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Ginger tea can help alleviate nausea
Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is characterised by symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, and sometimes fever. The primary concern when experiencing stomach flu is dehydration, caused by vomiting and diarrhoea. Therefore, it is important to focus on drinking fluids to replace lost water and essential salts and minerals.
Ginger tea can be an effective way to help alleviate nausea, a common symptom of stomach flu. Ginger has been praised for its ability to ease nausea and vomiting for generations, and is recommended by experts such as the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology as a non-pharmaceutical remedy. Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, supports gastrointestinal motility by encouraging efficient digestion and stomach emptying, thereby relieving nausea.
Ginger tea can be made by steeping sliced or grated fresh ginger in hot water. Commercial ginger tea bags are also available at many grocery stores, containing dry ginger, either alone or in combination with other ingredients. The recommended amount to help alleviate nausea is 4 cups (950 ml) of ginger tea per day. It is important to sip ginger tea slowly, as drinking it too quickly may increase nausea.
In addition to alleviating nausea, ginger provides a range of health benefits. It contains antioxidants, which help manage free radicals that can damage cells, and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger can also reduce bloating and intestinal gas by cutting down on fermentation and constipation.
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Peppermint tea is a good source of fluids
Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is characterised by symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fever. The biggest concern with stomach flu is dehydration, caused by vomiting and diarrhoea depleting the body's fluids. Therefore, it is important to prioritise rehydration by consuming clear fluids in small, frequent sips.
Peppermint tea may provide similar benefits to peppermint oil, which has been shown to relax muscles in the digestive system, improving digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. It can also act as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever, diminishing certain types of headaches. Additionally, peppermint tea may have antibacterial properties, aiding in fighting bad breath and reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth.
The vapours from peppermint tea, containing menthol, can also be beneficial. They may help improve nasal airflow for individuals with a blocked nose. Furthermore, peppermint tea is often used as a home remedy for menstrual cramping, and the oils in peppermint may help alleviate symptoms of fatigue and boost energy levels.
However, it is important to note that peppermint tea may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) should exercise caution as it may exacerbate symptoms. Similarly, those with heartburn, a hiatus hernia, or kidney stones may find that peppermint tea worsens their symptoms. Additionally, some people may be allergic to mint, and consuming peppermint tea may result in symptoms such as an itchy tongue or throat, wheezing, or a cough.
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Broth-based soups can help with hydration
Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is characterised by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The biggest concern with the stomach flu is dehydration due to the loss of fluids from vomiting and diarrhoea. Therefore, the primary goal when treating the stomach flu is to avoid dehydration.
Broth-based soups are an excellent way to help with hydration when suffering from the stomach flu. Firstly, soups provide fluids, which are essential for hydration. In addition to fluids, soups also contain electrolytes, which are crucial for hydration and can be lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. The main electrolyte in sports drinks is sodium, and soups typically contain significantly higher amounts of sodium, making them ideal for rehydration.
Broth-based soups are also nourishing and comforting. They can be tailored to individual needs and preferences, with various vegan, keto, and gluten-free options available. For instance, a 20-minute miso soup with leeks, shiitake mushrooms, wilted greens, and tofu is a fast, flavourful and nourishing option. Alternatively, a chicken tortilla soup loaded with chicken and vegetables can be a comforting and healthy choice.
It is important to note that some broth-based soups may be high in sodium, which can be an issue for those with health conditions requiring reduced salt intake. However, for most people, the sodium in broth-based soups can be beneficial, especially for athletes who require additional sodium to replace losses from sweating.
Overall, broth-based soups are an excellent way to help with hydration when dealing with the stomach flu. They provide fluids, electrolytes, and nourishment, all of which are crucial for recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to eat bland, low-residual foods such as mashed potatoes, plain noodles, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice, and chicken. It is also advised to avoid high-fat toppings such as cheese, butter, and sour cream as they can worsen diarrhea.
It is important to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids such as broths, teas, sodas, sports drinks, and water. Sucking on ice chips is also recommended as it prevents consuming liquids too quickly, which may worsen nausea and vomiting.
It is best to avoid solid foods for a few hours and high-fat foods as they can worsen stomach flu symptoms.
If you experience severe dehydration, are unable to keep fluids down, have bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms that last longer than one week, seek medical attention.
