The stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is a digestive illness caused by a virus. It can cause unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. While the stomach flu usually resolves on its own within a few days, staying hydrated and eating bland foods can help ease symptoms and promote recovery.
What to Eat and Drink When You Have the Stomach Flu
Hydration is Key
Ice Chips:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Small, easy-to-manage pieces of ice are ideal for staying hydrated when nausea and vomiting make it difficult to keep fluids down. Sucking on ice chips allows for gradual fluid intake without overwhelming the stomach.
Clear Liquids:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Clear broths, water, and herbal teas are gentle on the digestive system and help replenish fluids lost due to vomiting or diarrhea. Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks, as they can worsen symptoms.
Electrolyte Solutions:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Electrolyte solutions or drinks are crucial for replacing essential salts and minerals lost during illness. Electrolytes help maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration, a common risk with prolonged vomiting or diarrhea.
Soothing Foods
Peppermint:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint oil can help ease nausea and stomach discomfort. Peppermint has antispasmodic properties that relax the digestive tract muscles, alleviating nausea and pain.
Ginger:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea. Ginger tea, real ginger ale (made with real ginger), or even raw ginger can help soothe the stomach and reduce nausea.
Broths:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Clear broths, like chicken or vegetable broth, are comforting, hydrating, and easy to digest. They provide essential nutrients without irritating the stomach.
Bland Foods for Recovery
BRAT Diet:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) is a bland food regimen recommended for people recovering from stomach flu. These foods are easy to digest and help reduce diarrhea and nausea.
Dry Grains:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Dry grains like crackers, pretzels, and plain cereals are bland and easily digestible. They can help absorb stomach acid and ease the transition back to solid foods.
Potatoes:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Boiled or baked potatoes are a good source of easily digestible carbohydrates and provide energy for healing.
Eggs:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Scrambled or boiled eggs are a gentle source of protein that is kind to the digestive system.
Lean Meats:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Lean meats like chicken or turkey, cooked without added fats or spices, are a good source of protein for healing without irritating the stomach.
What to Avoid When You Have the Stomach Flu
Dairy products:                                                  Dairy can worsen diarrhea.                                                                                                              Fatty foods:                                                     Fatty foods are difficult to digest and can irritate the stomach.                                                                                    Spicy foods:                                                    Spicy foods can irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.
                                                              Caffeine and alcohol:                                             These can dehydrate you and worsen symptoms.
                                                                High-fiber fruits and vegetables:                                     Raw fruits and vegetables can be difficult to digest during stomach flu. Stick to bananas and applesauce.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your symptoms persist for more than a few days, or if you experience:
- Severe dehydration
- High fever
- Blood in your vomit or stool
- Seek medical attention right away.
Conclusion
The stomach flu can be unpleasant, but with the right approach, you can recover quickly. Focus on staying hydrated, eating bland foods, and getting plenty of rest. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a few days, consult your doctor.
Additional Information:
Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â While both can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, they have different causes. The stomach flu is caused by a virus, while food poisoning is caused by bacteria, toxins, or parasites in contaminated food.
Norovirus:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A common cause of the stomach flu is norovirus. It is highly contagious and can spread through contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person, or touching contaminated surfaces.
