Frederic Melton
The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is a highly contagious intestinal infection that affects the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, and abdominal pain. The biggest concern with the stomach flu is dehydration due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, the primary goal when treating the stomach flu is to prevent dehydration by consuming plenty of liquids and electrolytes. In addition to hydration, certain foods may help keep you nourished and soothe your stomach. But is cheese good for the stomach flu?
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What You'll Learn
Low-fat cheeses are recommended
When treating a stomach flu, it is important to focus on maintaining hydration and consuming easy-to-digest foods. While dairy products are generally recommended to be avoided due to their high-fat content, low-fat dairy options like low-fat cheeses and low-fat yogurts can be suitable additions to your diet.
Low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese and ricotta, are recommended as they are softer and easier for your stomach to process. These cheeses are also good sources of protein, which can help you feel more satiated and provide essential nutrients for your body's recovery. The high protein content in low-fat cheeses can also contribute to repairing and rebuilding body tissues affected by the stomach flu.
It is important to opt for low-fat options as high-fat foods can irritate the digestive tract and prolong the recovery process. High-fat foods are also more difficult for the body to break down and absorb, which can lead to further discomfort and nausea. By choosing low-fat cheeses, you reduce the risk of aggravating your stomach and can aid in a smoother recovery.
Additionally, the live and active cultures present in some low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese, can promote a healthy gut microbiome. This can be beneficial in restoring the balance of good bacteria in your digestive system, which may have been disrupted during the stomach flu.
Remember, while incorporating low-fat cheeses into your diet can be beneficial, it is crucial to prioritize hydration and include other recommended foods, such as bland options, clear liquids, and complex carbohydrates, to ensure a well-rounded approach to treating your stomach flu.
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Avoid high-fat foods
When suffering from stomach flu, it's important to focus on keeping yourself hydrated and getting enough rest. Eating can be challenging due to nausea and vomiting, so it's best to start with bland, soft, and easy-to-digest foods. The BRAT diet—which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—is often recommended as it is gentle on the stomach and helps replace lost nutrients.
However, it's crucial to avoid high-fat foods as they can worsen symptoms and slow down your recovery. High-fat foods include fatty dairy products, non-lean meats, fried foods, and high-fat snacks like cheese, butter, fatty cuts of meat, and processed foods. These foods are difficult for the body to digest, especially when your stomach is already upset.
Instead, opt for lean proteins like baked chicken or fish, and include plenty of complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain products, brown rice, and squash. These foods provide your body with the energy it needs without overburdening your digestive system.
It's also important to listen to your body and adjust your diet as needed. Some people may tolerate small amounts of high-fat foods without issue, while others may need to avoid them completely until they fully recover. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking clear liquids, broths, and electrolyte beverages, and consider adding ginger or peppermint tea to help soothe your stomach.
Overall, when dealing with stomach flu, choosing bland, low-fat foods will help ease your symptoms and support your body's recovery process.
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Focus on hydration
When you have the stomach flu, it's important to focus on hydration. The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals, and it can be dangerous if left untreated.
To prevent dehydration, it's crucial to increase your fluid intake and replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages are all good options. You can also try drinking water, ice chips, or clear liquids such as broths and ginger tea. It's recommended to wait about two hours after vomiting before starting with small, frequent sips of liquid.
In addition to staying hydrated, it's also important to rest your body and introduce mild, easy-to-digest foods as you recover. The BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is a good option for mild and bland foods that are gentle on the stomach. Clear broths and soups are also easy to digest and can help you stay hydrated.
As your appetite returns, you can slowly reintroduce solid foods in small quantities. Peeled fruits, cooked vegetables, refined grains, and plain potatoes are all good choices. It's best to avoid high-fibre, high-fat, and lactose-containing foods, as these can irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.
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Choose bland foods
When you have the stomach flu, it's important to focus on keeping yourself hydrated. The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. This is a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals, so it's crucial to replace these lost fluids and electrolytes.
Once you're feeling up to eating solid foods, it's a good idea to stick to bland, soft, and easy-to-digest options. Bland foods are recommended for stomach complaints because they are gentle on the stomach. Here are some bland food options that may be suitable:
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
- Dry foods like cereal, crackers, and pretzels
- Refined grains such as white bread, refined pasta, and refined cereals
- Plain, boiled potatoes—these are soft, low in fat, and made up of easily digestible starches; they're also loaded with potassium, an essential electrolyte
- Eggs—these are easy on the stomach when prepared with minimal added fat, dairy, and spices
These bland foods can help you ease back into eating and give your body the rest it needs while providing some essential nutrients. It's important to listen to your body and choose foods that you think will agree with your stomach.
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Opt for low-fibre
When dealing with the stomach flu, it is important to focus on keeping yourself hydrated. In addition to this, opting for a bland diet that is low in fibre can help relieve symptoms and promote recovery.
A bland diet is easily digestible and gives your digestive system a rest. It typically includes foods that are soft, cooked, and not spicy. This is because spicy foods can irritate your stomach and slow down digestion, making your stomach work harder. A bland diet can also help reduce the number of bowel movements you have.
When opting for low-fibre foods, it is best to avoid fatty dairy products, non-lean meats, fried foods, and acidic fruits. These foods can be difficult to digest and may irritate your stomach. Instead, try to include the following in your diet:
- White rice: This provides simple carbohydrates, which are gentle on your stomach and can help replace lost nutrients.
- Bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium and are easily digestible. They can also help to settle your stomach.
- Eggs: These are a good source of lean protein and are typically easy to digest.
- Plain potatoes: Potatoes are a bland food that can be easily digested and provide some carbohydrates for energy.
- Salted crackers and pretzels: These can help soothe an unsettled stomach and are low in fibre.
It is important to listen to your body and adjust your diet as needed. Remember to stay hydrated and allow your body to rest, as this is crucial for a speedy recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
No, cheese is not recommended for those suffering from stomach flu. Dairy products such as cheese can irritate the digestive tract and should be avoided. Instead, opt for low-fat proteins like skinless chicken, fish, eggs, and tofu.
When suffering from stomach flu, it is important to maintain a low-fiber diet with easy-to-digest foods like cooked vegetables, peeled fruits, white rice, and white bread. Bland options like soups, refined grains, and plain potatoes are also good options.
It is important to focus on staying hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Water, ice chips, herbal decaffeinated tea, and electrolyte drinks are good options. Ginger tea can also help ease the way food travels through your gastrointestinal tract, calming your vomiting reflex.
