Struggling to keep anything down — or in? If you’ve been hit by the stomach flu — otherwise known as viral gastroenteritis (and an entirely different beast from the common flu, or influenza) — you probably won’t feel like eating or drinking much. Show
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy But if you’re looking to find out what you can try to stomach with a stomach flu, you certainly know it’s not the best idea to toss back a plate of chili-cheese nachos. For some clearer direction family physician Laura Lipold, MD, sorts out a few less obvious do’s and don’ts to get you through until you’re back on your feet again. Avoid these when you have the flu
Eat, drink and do these with the fluDrink plenty of clear liquidsWait until 2 hours have passed since your last episode of vomiting. Start with small frequent sips. Water, clear soda (stir it well to release more carbonation), herbal decaffeinated tea, broth or over-the-counter electrolyte replacements are great ways to avoid dehydration when you have a stomach flu with frequent diarrhea or vomiting. “Severe dehydration could mean a trip to the hospital to receive IV fluids, so it’s important to try to stay hydrated if you can,” 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 until the carbonation evaporates.” Eat complex carbohydratesPotatoes and whole grains (think rice and toast) are your best choices to help replace nutrients you may have lost while vomiting or too many trips to the bathroom. Try lean meats without too much spice or condiments, which can upset your stomach more (think chicken and fish). Suck on ice chipsIf you can’t keep anything else down, ice chips will help give you the hydration you likely need little by little over a longer time, but it may be better tolerated by your stomach, Dr. Lipold says. See your physician“If you haven’t been able to keep liquids down for 24 hours, show signs of dehydration, are vomiting blood, have abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea or a fever above 102 F — it’s time to visit your doctor,” Dr. Lipold says. “You may have another illness which may need to be treated right away,” she adds. “And since some symptoms like diarrhea could potentially be a sign of COVID-19, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider.” Sub 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 /content/an/newsroom/us/en/nutrition-care/illness/what-is-a-food-allergy--.htmlDehydration 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?Once you're feeling better, choose healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and lean proteins to help regain energy and nutrients. Eat fruits like blueberries, raisins and prunes; vegetables like spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts; and proteins like chicken, eggs, nuts and peanut butter.
What can I eat 3 days after stomach flu?Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are the foundation of the BRAT diet. Health professionals commonly recommend these bland foods for stomach complaints because they're gentle on your stomach. Keep in mind that the BRAT diet alone will not provide your body with all the nutrients it needs.
What helps recovering from stomach bug?You might find that you can eat bland, easy-to-digest foods at first, such as soda crackers, soup, oats, noodles, bananas and rice. Stop eating if your nausea returns. Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. These include caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.
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What to eat when recovering from stomach flu
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