Randy Chandler
Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is a highly contagious intestinal infection. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, and sometimes fever. While it is not the flu or influenza, it is often treated at home with rest and rehydration. However, it can be challenging to eat or drink when dealing with gastroenteritis. So, is cheese good for gastroenteritis?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese good for gastroenteritis | No, it is not recommended as it contains lactose and can worsen diarrhea |
| Cheese alternatives | Eggs, lean meats, poultry, low-fat yogurt, low-fat milk |
| General recommendations | Bland, easy-to-digest foods, broths, teas, bananas, hydration, rest |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese may worsen gastroenteritis symptoms
Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is an intestinal infection that causes watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, and sometimes fever. It is important to stay hydrated when experiencing these symptoms, and drinking liquids like broths, teas, and non-caffeinated sports drinks is recommended. Eating solids is not advised for a few hours, but when your appetite returns, you can go back to your regular diet.
If you are experiencing diarrhoea, it is recommended to limit or cut out milk and other dairy products if they are making your symptoms worse or causing gas and bloating. Low-fat dairy products like low-fat cheese, milk, and yoghurt are recommended for those who can tolerate lactose.
It is important to note that young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop serious complications from viral gastroenteritis. Good hand hygiene and proper food handling are crucial to prevent the spread of the infection.
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Low-fat cheese is recommended
While recovering from gastroenteritis, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or rehydration solutions. Eating small meals throughout the day that are easy to digest and low in fat is also recommended. This is because high-fat foods can worsen diarrhoea, a common symptom of gastroenteritis.
Low-fat cheese is a recommended part of a diet for those recovering from gastroenteritis. Cheese is a dairy product that contains the sugar lactose. Some people recovering from gastroenteritis may have problems digesting lactose for up to a month or more after their illness. Therefore, it is important to consume low-fat cheese and other dairy products in small quantities to gauge tolerance.
Low-fat cheese can provide protein and calcium, which can help replenish the body and aid in recovery. It is also a good source of probiotics, which can help reduce the intensity and duration of diarrhoea. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, supporting digestion and immune function.
When introducing low-fat cheese into your diet after gastroenteritis, it is important to start with small portions and gradually increase the amount as tolerated. This allows the digestive system to recover and adapt while still providing essential nutrients for healing.
In addition to low-fat cheese, other recommended foods for gastroenteritis include eggs, lean meats, cooked vegetables, fresh or canned fruits, and starchy foods like rice and pasta. It is also beneficial to consume broths, teas, and clear liquids to stay hydrated and soothe the stomach.
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Rehydration is key to treating gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is a viral intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, and sometimes fever. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water.
For children with gastroenteritis, it is important to continue breast or bottle-feeding them with their regular milk, without diluting it, and to offer it more often in small quantities.
In extreme cases of dehydration, intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary. Signs of dehydration include dizziness, lightheadedness, severe abdominal pain, and the inability to keep fluids down. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention.
While rehydration is crucial, eating small portions of certain foods can also help settle the stomach, prevent further complications, and aid in recovery. Bland, easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, toast, gelatin, and eggs are recommended. Lean meats, low-fat cooked fish, and cooked vegetables are also suggested. It is best to avoid high-fat foods, including butter, cheese, and sour cream, as they can worsen diarrhoea.
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Bland foods are best for gastroenteritis
While recovering from gastroenteritis, it is important to focus on eating bland, easy-to-digest foods. This is because viral gastroenteritis can cause inflammation in your stomach and intestines, leading to an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. Eating bland foods can help settle your stomach and prevent further complications.
Bland foods that are recommended include bananas, rice, toast, soda crackers, gelatin, and chicken. These foods are gentle on the stomach and can provide you with the nourishment you need without aggravating your symptoms. It is also important to stay hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of liquids such as water, broths, and teas.
It is generally advised to avoid high-fat foods, as they can worsen diarrhea. This includes foods like butter, cheese, and sour cream. Instead, opt for lean meats and poultry prepared with minimal added fat. Eggs are also a good option, as they are easy to digest and provide essential nutrients.
If you are experiencing diarrhea, it may be necessary to temporarily eliminate dairy products from your diet. Some people recovering from gastroenteritis have difficulty digesting lactose for a month or more. Low-fat dairy options, such as low-fat cheese and yogurt, may be better tolerated in moderation.
Overall, when recovering from gastroenteritis, it is best to stick to bland, easily digestible foods and ensure you stay well-hydrated. This will help soothe your stomach and support your recovery.
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Probiotics may reduce gastroenteritis symptoms
Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is a highly contagious intestinal infection. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, and sometimes fever. While the illness usually passes with rest and
When recovering from gastroenteritis, it is important to avoid foods that are difficult to digest. Some people recovering from viral gastroenteritis have problems digesting lactose for up to a month or more. Cheese, being a milk product, contains lactose and should therefore be avoided. In addition, high-fat foods such as cheese can worsen diarrhoea.
Probiotics contain microorganisms, most of which are bacteria similar to the beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the gut. They have been widely studied in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, including gastroenteritis. The most-studied species include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces.
Probiotics have been shown to be an effective treatment for gastroenteritis in 77% of studies. They can improve symptoms, including reducing the duration of diarrhoea and the length of hospital stays. They are also effective in preventing relapses and improving patients' quality of life. However, it is important to note that probiotics are ineffective in about 20% of patients with gastroenteritis, and there is a lack of clear guidelines on their use. Probiotics should be started at the onset of symptoms and continued as long as they persist.
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Frequently asked questions
Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is a viral intestinal infection that causes nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, muscle aches and sometimes fever.
Cheese is not recommended for people with gastroenteritis. High-fat toppings such as cheese, butter and sour cream can worsen diarrhoea. Instead, it is recommended to eat low-fat cheese, yoghurt and milk if you can tolerate lactose.
It is important to eat small meals throughout the day and eat some salty foods such as pretzels, soup and sports drinks. It is also recommended to eat high-potassium foods such as bananas, potatoes and fruit juices. Lean meats, eggs, and low-fat cooked fish are also good options.
