 ONALASKA, Wis. — Viral gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach bug, is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. It is often called the stomach flu, but it is not actually the flu, or influenza, which is a respiratory illness. Often this infection is developed though contact with an infected person, or by ingesting contaminated food or water. "An upset stomach is a common symptom of a stomach bug, and this can make eating sound unappealing, even though you may be hungry," says Shelly Frischmann, a family medicine nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic Health System in Onalaska. "Knowing what to eat is difficult because you don't always know what's going to agree with your stomach." Frischmann recommends these tips for fueling your body when you have the stomach flu:
Foods to eat are clear broths, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Foods to avoid are alcohol, caffeinated beverages, dairy products and processed foods. "The main complication of a stomach bug is dehydration — a severe loss of water, and essential salts and minerals. If you're healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn't be a problem," adds Frischmann. # # # Mayo Clinic Health System consists of clinics, hospitals and other health care facilities that serve the health care needs of people in 70 communities in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The community-based providers, paired with the resources and expertise of Mayo Clinic, enable patients in the region to receive the highest-quality health care close to home. Related articlesSub Heading How to Bounce Back From the Stomach Flu Main Image Duration
Description While people often refer to symptoms like nausea, cramping, vomiting and diarrhea as the stomach flu or a stomach bug, the official term is gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by different viruses. When the stomach flu strikes, food might be the last thing on your mind. But choosing the right foods and fluids can settle a queasy tummy and help speed your recovery. Expert and Abbott research scientist Jennifer Williams, MPH, answers your questions about what to eat when you have the stomach flu. Q: Why is nutrition so important when you have the stomach flu?JW: Between nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the stomach flu can cause you to lose lots of nutrients and fluids quickly. This can lead to dehydration, making you feel lethargic, or giving you a headache and making you feel even worse. By rehydrating with the right fluids and choosing the best foods for stomach flu recovery, you can replenish those losses and recover faster. Infographic: How to identify signs of dehydration Q: Who is most susceptible to dehydration?JW: Adult bodies are 60 to 65 percent water, so dehydration is an issue for anyone with the stomach flu. But it's an even bigger concern for babies and small children because their bodies contain an even greater percentage of water than adults — about 70 to 75 percent — and they can't always tell you if they're feeling thirsty or dehydrated. Older adults are also more prone to dehydration since they may be taking medicines that are dehydrating, might forget to drink enough or they might limit their fluid intake to cut down on trips to the bathroom. Q: What is the best strategy to combat flu-related dehydration?JW: Start with small sips of simple fluids like water, unsweetened hot or iced tea, coconut water or an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte®. When choosing an oral rehydration solution, look for one that contains sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are the main electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Because these electrolytes help the brain send signals to muscles and nerves, replacing them along with lost fluids can help you feel better faster. Pedialyte has an optimal balance of sugar and electrolytes to combat dehydration during the stomach flu. Q: For people who are wondering what to eat when they have the stomach flu, what are the best foods for recovery?JW: This can be hard, because when you're feeling sick, sometimes the last thing you want to think about is eating. But eating can help replenish your energy and what you've lost. The best foods for stomach flu recovery are the ones that can provide your body with what it's missing and are easy to digest during recovery.
Q: Are there any foods and drinks to avoid with the stomach flu?JW: Too much sugar pulls excess water into the gut, which can make diarrhea worse, so avoid sugary foods and drinks like cookies, soda, juice and sports drinks. Foods that are high in fat or fiber can be difficult to digest, and spicy foods can be very irritating to your digestive system, so I'd steer clear of those until you're back on your feet. Because the body loses important calories and nutrients via diarrhea and vomiting, eating healthy foods and rehydrating is key to recovery from the stomach flu. If you are experiencing symptoms of the stomach flu or have concerns about the flu and dehydration always consult your healthcare provider.*
What Is A Food AllergyMain Image Description Being diagnosed with a food allergy can be scary. It's something you have to be mindful of on a daily basis. Luckily, living a happy and healthy life with a food allergy is absolutely doable with some planning and education. The first step is understanding the symptoms and triggers of food allergies, as well as how to properly manage an allergic reaction. Here's everything you need to know about living with food allergies. Reference Page Path Dehydration Signs in KidsMain Image Description Drink eight glasses of water a day! We have all heard that advice time and time again. Hydration is part of what helps your body function properly. But if you don’t drink enough, you can become dehydrated. Dehydration can cause many issues, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, fainting, rapid heartbeat, and other symptoms. So how do you know if you become dehydrated? It’s all in the color. Review this infographic for helpful color cues so you can avoid becoming dehydrated. Reference Page Path /content/an/newsroom/us/en/nutrition-care/illness/dehydration-signs-in-kids.htmlHow long after stomach flu can I eat normally?As you feel better, return to a normal, healthy diet. The BRAT diet doesn't provide all the nutrients of a healthy diet. You should be able to start eating a more regular diet, including fruits and vegetables, within about 24 to 48 hours after vomiting or having diarrhea.
What should I eat to regain strength after stomach flu?Besides chicken soup, it's best to stick to the BRAT diet — that is, bread, rice, applesauce and toast — while you are ill. It's generally advisable to avoid dairy, fiber and fatty and spicy foods.
What can I eat 2 days after stomach flu?Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are the foundation of the BRAT diet. Health professionals commonly recommend these bland foods for stomach complaints, as they're gentle on your stomach.
How can I strengthen my stomach after stomach flu?Instead, start with a BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Bland foods are suggested because they are easy to digest, provide several vital nutrients, and strengthen your stomach lining after a brutal few days of illness.
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Good things to eat after stomach flu
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