What to Eat, Drink and Avoid When You Have the Stomach Flu
When it comes to viral gastroenteritis, it’s not a good idea to eat a plate of chili-cheese nachos. Family physician Laura Lipold, MD, explains what you should eat and drink if you’re suffering from the stomach flu.
Avoid these when you have the flu
Avoid hard-to-digest foods like fatty, greasy, spicy, and acidic foods. Caffeine contracts your intestines, making diarrhea worse. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, aggravating your stomach even more.
Drink plenty of clear liquids
Start with small frequent sips of water or clear soda after 2 hours have passed since your last episode of vomiting. Dr. Lipold says, “You may turn to the common ginger ale fix, but again, stir or let it sit on the counter in an open container.”
Eat complex carbohydrates
According to Dr. Jenny of Jourdan’s Gastroenterology, lean meats without too much spice or condiments can upset your stomach more (think chicken and fish).
Suck on ice chips
Ice chips will help you get the hydration you need over a longer period of time, but your stomach may tolerate them better.
See your physician
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, see your doctor right away. “You could have another illness that needs to be treated right away,” Dr. Lipold says. Some symptoms, such as diarrhea, could be a sign of the virus.
Can you eat bread with stomach flu?
Stomach flu can make eating and drinking less appealing, but it is critical to stay hydrated and eat bland foods like bread, bananas, applesauce, and cooked starches when ready to eat.
What foods make stomach flu worse?
Caffeine, dairy, and foods and drinks that are overly sweet, spicy, or fatty may aggravate stomach flu symptoms.
- High-fat and fried foods.
- Spicy foods.
- Sugary foods and beverages.
- Milk and milk products.
Is oatmeal good for stomach flu?
Oatmeal, like rice, is a bland food that’s usually easy to tolerate when your stomach is upset, and it’s also high in soluble fiber, which can help bind and bulk up your stool when you’re suffering from diarrhea.
Is peanut butter OK to eat when you have the stomach flu?
If you’re experiencing nausea, avoid spicy, fried, or greasy foods and instead opt for easily digestible, protein-rich foods like peanut butter. A lack of protein can exacerbate nausea, so keep track of your protein intake.
What kills stomach virus?
The CDC recommends using bleach to kill norovirus on surfaces, but if that will damage your counter or you don’t want to use bleach, look for u201cphenolic solutionu201d on the label of a concentrated disinfectant. The EPA recommends using 2 to 4 times the recommended amount to kill the germs.
How long is the stomach flu contagious?
If you have the stomach flu, you can be contagious for a few days to two weeks or longer, depending on which virus is causing your stomach flu (gastroenteritis). A variety of viruses, including noroviruses and rotaviruses, can cause gastroenteritis.
What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug?
While medical treatment isn’t always necessary, there are some things you can do to help relieve symptoms faster.
- Adults and older children can drink sports drinks to avoid dehydration.
- If you can keep food down: Eat mild, bland foods like rice and bananas.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Is Sprite good for stomach flu?
Drink plenty of clear liquids in small sips until your stomach settles, then in larger amounts until your thirst is satisfied. Clear liquids such as water, Gatorade, Sprite, 7-Up, and Ginger Ale are recommended, as are clear broth, plain Jell-O, and weak tea in smaller amounts.
How long does it take to recover from stomach flu?
Stomach flu does not last long in children or adults, usually clearing up in 2u20138 days, depending on the virus that causes it. There are no specific treatments for stomach flu, but rest, fluids, and easy-to-digest foods can help alleviate symptoms.
What’s the worst thing to throw up?
Foods that aggravate nausea include greasy, spicy, or oily foods, as well as caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
How do I get my stomach back to normal after stomach flu?
Instead, start with the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Bland foods are recommended because they are easy to digest, provide several essential nutrients, and strengthen your stomach lining after a stressful few days.
What food makes your stomach feel better?
Here are ten of the best foods to eat if your stomach is upset:
- White rice.
- Unseasoned, skinless chicken or fish.
- Plain scrambled eggs.
- Bananas.
- Ginger.
- Other herbs and spices.
- Plain crackers.
- Dry toast.
Should you starve a stomach bug?
Replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhoea with plenty of water; this is especially important in the very young and the elderly, who are prone to dehydration. Don’t starve yourself u2013 it won’t help you recover faster; instead, eat easily digestible foods like soup, rice, and pasta.
Is yogurt good for stomach flu?
Yogurt: Because dairy products are less bland than any of the BRAT foods, they may be more difficult to digest; however, if you can tolerate yogurt, it may be beneficial to your stomach, especially if it contains probiotics, which aid digestion, and yogurt also contains fluid, which aids hydration.
Can I eat eggs after vomiting?
On days when you have treatment, eat bland, soft, easy-to-digest foods like a poached egg on dry toast or poached chicken breast with plain noodles. Avoid foods with strong smells because they can cause nausea.