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What to Eat When You’re Experiencing Stomach Flu (And Feel Like You Might Throw Up Nonstop)
by Team Home Insemination Kit
Updated: Sep. 13, 2021
Originally Published: March 5, 2021
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This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Alex Rivera, MD, a certified pediatrician with a thriving practice, Riverbend Pediatrics. Dr. Rivera also holds a leadership role at one of the largest independent medical groups in the nation.
When someone in your home has the stomach flu, it can really take a toll on everyone involved—whether you’re the one suffering or the caregiver trying to keep things together. The discomfort of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be overwhelming, and it’s often more distressing than the worst of colds.
When these symptoms strike, it can be challenging to encourage someone to eat, and even harder to ensure they can keep food down. Although the instinct may be to avoid eating altogether, particularly during the early stages, it’s essential to know what the best options are for nutrition during this time. Here’s what to consider when you or someone else has the stomach flu.
Understanding Stomach Flu
The term “stomach flu” is commonly used to describe any gastrointestinal upset, but it actually refers to a viral infection known as “viral gastroenteritis.” The Mayo Clinic notes that typical symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. While these symptoms usually last a day or two, they can linger for up to a week in some cases.
Most often, the stomach flu is transmitted through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water. In adults and older children, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if liquids cannot be kept down for 24 hours, if vomiting persists for more than two days, or if there’s any blood in the vomit. For infants, frequent spitting up is usually not a concern, but persistent vomiting may require medical evaluation.
Foods to Avoid During Stomach Flu
Before diving into what to eat, let’s discuss what to steer clear of. Here are some foods and drinks to avoid, based on guidelines from the National Institutes of Health, Cleveland Clinic, and Mayo Clinic:
- Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, certain sodas)
- High-fat foods (fried items, pizza, fast food)
- Sugary foods and drinks (sweetened beverages, some fruit juices)
- Dairy products (especially those containing lactose)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tomato-based dishes
- Acidic foods and drinks
- Spicy or heavily seasoned foods
- Processed foods
Recommended Foods When You Have Stomach Flu
If you’ve been raised in a household where finishing your plate was a must, you might feel pressured to eat, even when you’re unwell. But when dealing with stomach flu, that mindset should be adjusted.
Most healthcare professionals advise against fasting or restricted diets for viral gastroenteritis. Dr. Mia Thompson, a family doctor at the Riverbend Clinic, emphasizes that you should listen to your body. If you’re not hungry, it’s okay to wait until you feel ready to eat again. Focus on hydration first.
Once you’re ready to eat, you can gradually reintroduce foods. Here are some gentle options to consider:
- Hydrating beverages like water, sports drinks, or clear decaf soda
- Plain broths
- Oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte or similar brands) with electrolytes, especially for children
- Ice chips
- Crackers (such as saltines)
- Toast
- Plain chicken and rice or just rice
- Gelatin
- Bananas
- Complex carbohydrates (like potatoes and whole grains)
If nausea or vomiting returns, it’s best to pause eating and stick to hydrating liquids.
For further reading on related topics, check out this helpful blog post, and for advice on other pregnancy-related matters, this resource is excellent. You can also discover more about nightmares and their implications at this site.
Summary
When dealing with stomach flu, it’s essential to prioritize hydration and introduce bland, easily digestible foods gradually. Avoid certain irritants like caffeine and fatty foods, and listen to your body’s cues about eating.
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