What To Eat When You Have Stomach Flu?

A variety of inflammatory issues affecting the gastrointestinal tract are often labeled as stomach flu or gastroenteritis. The cause may not always be the same and the symptoms may slightly differ on a case by case basis, but the area affected is the gastrointestinal tract. Stomach flu can be reason for much discomfort and waste of productive time and while this is a minor health issue; people afflicted by stomach flu generally do all they can for quick resolution of the problem. This generally means eating the right foods that aid digestion and fight stomach bugs causing the gastroenteritis symptoms. This article intends to shed light on all the right foods a person can eat for quick recovery from stomach flu or as substitutes to foods that may aggravate the problem. Read further to know more.

Bananas are the perfect fruits to eat when one is suffering from a stomach bug. Eating what you eat on a daily basis may not be possible when you are afflicted by gastroenteritis; however, bananas can easily satisfy your hunger without aggravating the stomach flu symptoms. Additionally, bananas are rich in potassium, and potassium levels in the body are adversely affected by diarrhea from stomach flu. Bananas also contain pectin, a well-known fiber that hardens loose stools.

Lean meat proteins and boiled eggs in moderation can provide energy that is lost due to diarrhea from stomach flu. Poultry meat like chicken and turkey is recommended as they are easier to digest; however, boiling them with minimal spices is the best mode of cooking when suffering from stomach flu.

Processed snacks like crackers and pretzels with high sodium content can help retain body fluids that are lost when afflicted by diarrhea. Drink plenty of water when snacking on high sodium foods; especially during stomach flu.

While most dairy products that are hard to digest may not be a good idea when under the weather with a stomach bug; yogurt is a safe choice with digestive system strengthening properties. It is the live cultures of pro-health yeast and bacteria in yogurt that can aid with recovery when afflicted with stomach flu and is a must eat when you have stomach flu.

Kefir is a popular fermented dairy based beverage that is a powerhouse of pro-health yeast and bacterium live cultures that strengthen the digestive system and can aid with recovery and so needs to be eaten when afflicted with stomach flu.

Ginger is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties, and its consumption can help with recovery when afflicted by stomach flu. Ginger can substantially reduce nausea caused by stomach flu and also works as a digestive aid. Warm ginger tea, raw ginger flakes or even ginger capsules are efficient ways to benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger to combat stomach flu.

Peppermint tea, gum and even oils are known to have soothing effect on the stomach. Anecdotal evidence suggests that peppermint can soothe the symptoms of IBS also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and can be effective to varying degrees when one is afflicted stomach flu.

Green tea has strong antioxidant properties and can also soothe the digestive tract when one is afflicted by gastroenteritis or stomach flu. Drinking green tea is also a great way to stay hydrated when afflicted with stomach flu.

Chamomile tea, which is loaded with antioxidants, has all round soothing properties which also extend to the digestive tract. Chamomile tea can calm the nerves and also help an individual get some much needed rest while they are down with stomach flu.

Garlic has both antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits that can eliminate microbes and bacteria that are causing the symptoms of stomach flu and hence its consumption is recommended when having stomach flu.

Cinnamon is known to aid in the recovery of gastroenteritis with its potent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and patients suffering from stomach flu must take this spice in some form or the other. A warm drink of boiled cinnamon with honey could really help soothe the gastrointestinal tract.

The water that remains after boiling and straining rice is loaded with electrolytes that will help maintain energy levels and prevent dehydration when one is down with gastroenteritis or what is commonly known as stomach flu. Rice water has been hailed for centuries for its replenishing and energy giving properties and should be consumed daily in stomach flu.

The benefits of dry toast for stomach flu is mostly anecdotal; however, dry toast is a perfect substitute for other breads that may further aggravate the symptoms of stomach flu and can be eaten safely when you crave for something crunchy when suffering from stomach flu.

Eating a handful of blueberries could go a long way when afflicted by stomach flu. Blueberries come with antibiotic, antioxidant and water retaining properties that can benefit those that are afflicted by gastroenteritis or stomach flu.

Pectin based applesauce is a well-known cure for diarrhea and generally results in firmer stools and hence are a recommended consumption in stomach flu.

Eating cranberries that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants can help when down with stomach flu. Cranberry juice can be a delicious way to replace fluids lost due to diarrhea in stomach flu.

Fennel seeds are said to be great digestive aids due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Fennel seeds can help in varying degrees when down with gastroenteritis or stomach flu.

Easily digestible; oats are a great replacement for other foods that might aggravate the symptoms of stomach flu. The high fiber content in oats can also result in better bowel movements and hence need to be eaten when you have stomach flu.

Turmeric has many healing properties and its benefits as a natural digestive aid is one of them which make it fit for consumption in stomach flu.

Rosemary soothes the stomach by reducing cramps and nausea caused by stomach flu. Rosemary is available in tea and supplementary form which makes it easy to take in illnesses such as stomach flu.

In conclusion; one must note that the foods mentioned above are a mix of replacements for regular food when down with gastroenteritis and home remedies for stomach flu. Prolonged symptoms of stomach flu need the attention of a gastroenterologist and these foods aren’t substitutes for medical care.

Also Read:

• Stomach Flu: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Home Remedies, Diet
• How Long Does Stomach Flu Last & is it Contagious?
• Is Stomach Flu Contagious & What are the Natural Remedies to Get Rid of it?
• Incubation Period For Stomach Flu