Madeleine Hull
Acute gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is a highly contagious infection that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. The illness is caused by swallowing certain viruses, which increase the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhoea, cramps, nausea and vomiting. To aid recovery, it is recommended that patients consume a bland diet of easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and get enough rest. In this article, we will explore the dietary recommendations for acute gastroenteritis in more detail, including specific food and drink suggestions, as well as advice for both adults and children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Bland, easy-to-digest foods such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice, chicken, boiled starches, refined grains, plain potatoes, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, broth-based soups, bread, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. |
| Drinks | Plenty of liquids, especially those containing electrolytes, to replace lost fluids. Ice chips, clear broths, and non-caffeinated sports drinks are recommended. For children, avoid plain water as it is not absorbed well and does not adequately replace lost electrolytes. |
| Normal Diet | Once hydrated, it is recommended to return to a normal diet. |
| Foods to Avoid | Fatty foods, spicy foods, alcohol, and sugary beverages. For children, sugary foods such as ice cream, sodas, and candy should be avoided as they can make diarrhea worse. |
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What You'll Learn
The BRAT diet
Acute gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is a highly contagious infection that affects the stomach and intestines. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramping, and abdominal pain.
However, experts now say that the BRAT diet may not be the best option for children who are ill. The diet is low in fibre, protein, and fat, and therefore lacks the necessary nutrition to help a child's gastrointestinal tract recover. The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) states that the BRAT diet has a limited nutritional profile and that people should avoid using it for long periods. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that children resume eating a normal, well-balanced diet within 24 hours of getting sick. This diet should include a mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, yoghurt, and complex carbohydrates.
For those with acute gastroenteritis, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and replace lost electrolytes. Liquids that contain some sugar and salt, such as Pedialyte or apple juice with a pinch of salt, are good options. Broth or broth-based soups are also recommended as they have a high water content and are a good source of sodium, an electrolyte that can quickly become depleted due to vomiting and diarrhoea.
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Bland foods
Acute gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is a highly contagious infection that affects the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramping, and abdominal pain. It is important to stay hydrated when experiencing these symptoms, as frequent vomiting and diarrhoea can deplete the body of essential electrolytes.
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
- Soda crackers
- Gelatin
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Broth-based soups
- Refined grains (white or potato bread, pasta, white rice, cereals not made from whole grains, oatmeal, pretzels)
- Plain, boiled potatoes (without high-fat toppings)
It is important to note that a restricted diet or fasting is not recommended for acute gastroenteritis. Instead, focus on eating small portions of bland, easy-to-digest foods and gradually increasing the quantity as your appetite and condition improve.
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Fluids
Staying hydrated is crucial when managing acute gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu. The condition is caused by swallowing certain viruses, which travel through the body and inflame the linings of the stomach and intestines. This inflammation can increase the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, and vomiting. As a result, it can be challenging to keep food and liquids down. However, staying hydrated is essential to prevent dehydration, a potentially dangerous complication of gastroenteritis.
For adults, drinking small, frequent sips of water is recommended. Other suitable options include sucking on ice chips, oral hydration solutions, and non-caffeinated sports drinks. Clear broths are also recommended, as they have a very high water content and can help with hydration. They are also a good source of sodium, an electrolyte that can quickly become depleted due to frequent vomiting and diarrhoea. It is important to note that drinking too much liquid at once may worsen nausea and vomiting.
For children with gastroenteritis, water is not recommended as it is not well absorbed and does not adequately replace lost electrolytes. Instead, parents and caregivers should give infants breast milk or formula as usual. For older children, oral rehydration solutions, available without a prescription, can be considered after consulting a doctor. It is also important to ensure that children receive enough rest, as the illness and dehydration can make them weak and tired.
Overall, staying hydrated is a critical aspect of managing acute gastroenteritis. By consuming fluids in small, frequent amounts and choosing appropriate options like oral hydration solutions and clear broths, individuals can effectively prevent dehydration and support their recovery.
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Lean meats
Acute gastroenteritis, commonly known as the "stomach flu", is a highly contagious infection that affects the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramping, and abdominal pain. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
When recovering from acute gastroenteritis, it is recommended to eat bland, low-fat, and non-acidic foods. Lean meats are a good option as they are easier to digest than high-fat meats. Examples of lean meats include:
- Skinless chicken breast
- Turkey breast
- Lean pork cuts such as tenderloin
- Rabbit
- Venison
These meats can be baked, roasted, or grilled to help keep the fat content low and prevent further upsetting the stomach. In addition to lean meats, other recommended foods include eggs, bananas, boiled potatoes, rice, and applesauce.
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Rest
Allowing your body to rest and taking steps to prevent dehydration are essential for managing acute gastroenteritis. The condition can lead to rapid dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhoea, which can further contribute to fatigue. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise rest and listen to your body's needs. Take breaks and naps as needed, and avoid strenuous activities until you feel better.
In addition to rest, staying hydrated is vital. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, coconut water, and herbal teas. Oral hydration solutions and fluids with electrolytes can also help replace lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration. It is also recommended to eat small, frequent meals and stick to bland, easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, boiled starches, and refined grains. These dietary choices, along with adequate rest, can aid in a quicker recovery.
For children with acute gastroenteritis, parents or caregivers should ensure they get ample rest and provide them with their usual diet as soon as their appetite returns. It is not advisable to restrict their diet or have them fast, as this will not aid in their recovery. Instead, focus on keeping them hydrated and well-rested, and consider giving them bland foods that are gentle on their stomachs, such as those recommended for adults.
In summary, rest is a critical aspect of recovering from acute gastroenteritis. Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and making careful dietary choices can help manage symptoms and speed up recovery. It is important to listen to your body and prioritise rest, especially during the acute gastroenteritis recovery process.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, gelatin, and eggs. It is also suggested to eat boiled starches, such as refined grains and plain potatoes.
It is important to stay hydrated, so drinking plenty of liquids is recommended. You can drink water, but it is also suggested to drink oral hydration solutions and fluids containing electrolytes. You can also try ice chips, clear broths, and non-caffeinated sports drinks.
It is best to avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, alcohol, and sugary beverages, as these can worsen symptoms.
