Milly Gaines
Diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms of the intestinal flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis. The illness can cause a loss of fluids and electrolytes, leading to dehydration, which is why staying hydrated is crucial. While there is no specific diet to cure the stomach flu, certain foods and drinks may help keep you nourished, soothe your stomach, and prevent further complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet Type | BRAT diet, Bland diet |
| Foods to Eat | Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, Eggs, Chicken, Crackers, Dry foods (e.g. cereal, pretzels), Broth-based soups, Ice chips, Clear liquids, Tea |
| Foods to Avoid | Sugary foods and drinks, Milk and milk products, Fruit juices, Sports drinks |
| Other Recommendations | Focus on hydration, Get plenty of rest, Take diarrhea or nausea medications if needed |
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What You'll Learn
The BRAT diet
While the BRAT diet may provide temporary relief for an upset stomach, it is important to note that it is not a long-term solution. The diet is restrictive and lacks essential nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition and low energy if followed for extended periods. Health professionals no longer recommend it due to the risk of nutrient and calorie deficiencies, especially in children. The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) advises against using the BRAT diet for long periods, as it has a limited nutritional profile.
It is important to remember that the BRAT diet alone is not sufficient to meet all the nutritional needs of the body. As soon as your appetite returns, it is generally safe to resume your regular diet, even if diarrhea persists. Staying hydrated is also crucial when dealing with intestinal flu and diarrhea. Clear liquids, broths, and oral rehydration solutions can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
While the BRAT diet may provide short-term relief for intestinal flu and diarrhea, it is important to listen to your body and introduce other nutrient-rich foods as soon as you are able to tolerate them. Consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist or worsen, as they can provide personalized advice and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
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Bland foods
When experiencing intestinal flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, it is important to focus on staying hydrated and eating bland, easy-to-digest foods. Here are some recommendations for bland foods that can help with intestinal flu and its associated diarrhea:
Bananas
Bananas are a staple in the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) recommended by health professionals for stomach complaints. They are gentle on the stomach and can help replace lost electrolytes.
Rice
Plain rice is another component of the BRAT diet and is easy to digest. It is a safe option when dealing with intestinal flu and diarrhea.
Applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce is another bland food that can be easier to digest when experiencing intestinal flu. It is included in the BRAT diet and can be a good source of nutrients.
Toast
Toast is the final component of the BRAT diet and is a dry, bland food that can be tolerated well when dealing with diarrhea. It is a safe option to turn to when other foods may be difficult to keep down.
Plain Potatoes
Mashed or boiled plain potatoes are soft, low in fat, and made up of easily digestible starches. They are also a good source of potassium, an electrolyte often lost through vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to avoid adding high-fat toppings like butter, cheese, or sour cream, as these can worsen diarrhea.
Crackers, Pretzels, and Dry Cereal
Dry, bland foods like crackers, pretzels, and dry cereal can be good options when dealing with intestinal flu and diarrhea. They are gentle on the stomach and can provide some carbohydrates for energy.
It is important to remember that the BRAT diet alone may not provide all the necessary nutrients, so it is recommended to transition back to a normal diet as soon as possible, continuing with bland foods until symptoms subside. Staying hydrated is crucial, so be sure to drink plenty of liquids to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
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Liquids and hydration
It is advised to drink small amounts of liquid frequently to stay hydrated. Sucking on ice chips is a good way to prevent consuming liquids too quickly, which may worsen nausea and vomiting. It is also important to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks, as these can increase the risk of dehydration and make diarrhea worse.
For those with intestinal flu, it can be difficult to keep liquids down, so hydration is especially critical. Clear broths and teas are good options, as are non-caffeinated sports drinks. It is also important to be cautious with medications, as over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen can upset the stomach.
Overall, staying hydrated is a crucial part of treating intestinal flu and diarrhea. Drinking clear liquids and electrolytes can help prevent dehydration and flush toxins, but it is important to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks, which can worsen symptoms.
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Electrolytes
It is important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration, which is a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. Dehydration can quickly occur if fluids lost due to diarrhea are not replaced. Clear liquids, broths, and electrolyte beverages are good ways to replenish fluids and electrolytes. Broth-based soups are an excellent source of sodium and have a high water content, making them a good option.
Oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Infalyte, and CeraLyte are also recommended to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. These solutions contain glucose and electrolytes and are especially beneficial for children with viral gastroenteritis. However, solutions like Pedialyte may have an odd taste that some children may not like, so it is important to offer fluids that children are familiar with and will be more inclined to drink.
Fruit juice popsicles, broths, and saltine crackers are also recommended as the salt in these foods can help replace electrolytes.
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Medication
Intestinal flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is a viral infection in the digestive system. Symptoms include gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. While the illness usually goes away on its own without medical treatment, medication can help relieve symptoms.
The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration, which is caused by the loss of vital bodily fluids through sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, the main treatment is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Infalyte, and CeraLyte can help with this. Older adults, adults with weakened immune systems, and adults with severe diarrhea or symptoms of dehydration should drink oral rehydration solutions. Eating saltine crackers can also help replace electrolytes.
For aches and fever associated with intestinal flu, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help. Antibiotics should not be used to treat viral gastroenteritis, as they are ineffective against viruses.
In some cases, adults can take OTC anti-diarrheal medications to treat diarrhea caused by viral gastroenteritis. These include loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate). However, these medications should not be given to children unless advised by a doctor, as they can make it harder for their bodies to get rid of the virus. Additionally, OTC anti-diarrheal drugs should not be used if there is bloody diarrhea, as this may indicate a severe bacterial or parasitic infection that requires medical treatment.
Anti-emetics are medications that can ease nausea. There are two OTC anti-emetics that may help with nausea caused by intestinal flu: Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and Antivert (meclizine). For severe nausea and vomiting, a doctor may recommend a prescription anti-emetic such as Compazine (prochlorperazine).
Probiotics are live microbes, most often bacteria, that are similar to the ones found in the digestive tract. Some studies suggest that probiotics may help shorten a case of diarrhea. However, it is important to talk to a doctor before using probiotics or any other complementary or alternative medicines.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no specific diet for intestinal flu, but certain foods may help ease the symptoms. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, also known as the BRAT diet, are recommended by health professionals as they are gentle on the stomach. Eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and refined grains are also easy to digest.
Sugary foods and drinks, as well as milk and milk products, should be avoided as they may worsen diarrhea. Fruit juices and sports drinks can be very high in sugar, so they should be consumed in moderation.
Staying hydrated is crucial when experiencing intestinal flu. Drinking oral hydration solutions and fluids with electrolytes can help prevent dehydration. Getting plenty of rest and taking diarrhea or nausea medications can also aid in recovery.
