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How to Eat Smart With Viral Gastroenteritis Or Stomach Flu

4th April, 2011 - Posted by health news - No Comments

When you have a stomach virus, which is also known as the stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis, you have an disorder in which a virus enters the lower region of your digestive system. The most obvious symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are vomiting and diarrhea, so the first question most people ask their physician is, what do you eat when they have a stomach virus.

Depending on the severity of your case it may be a challenge to keep any food down. But foods that are easy for the system to process have a better chance of staying with you. These would be foods like applesauce, bananas, eggs, gelatin, soda crackers and toast. Generally, you should pass up foods that are acidic, spicy or oily. Also avoid vegetables that have a lot of fiber. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of course cereals, meat and dairy products.

If you have viral gastroenteritis, it is very important to stay hydrated. Vomiting and diarrhea greatly decrease your fluid levels, and if proper fluid levels are not maintained, there is a danger of dehydration. Dehydration is particularly dangerous for the very young and the very old. Water should be your first choice, but several different clear liquids are okay. Weak tea and apple juice are possibilities too. Stay away from drinks containing caffeine such as coffee and certain soft drinks. Non-caffeinated carbonated drinks are fine as long as you let the drink go flat. Acidic drinks like orange juice are not recommended. Drinking milk is not a good idea when you have diarrhea. Chilled fluids seem easier for the digestive system to handle than warm ones.

Take small, frequent sips when you’re taking in liquids. Yes, you want to keep yourself hydrated, but when you drink too fast or too much, you risk more vomiting.

Ask your doctor before you take aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. Don’t forget that antibiotics won’t kill viruses, so don’t take them unless your doctor says you should. As for diarrhea, there are a variety of over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicines for sale at pharmacies and supermarkets that can help. Follow the instructions and never take more than you should.

Once you get over your vomiting and diarrhea, you can gently resume your normal diet.

A stomach virus is something that usually passes in a relatively short time, although certain types of viruses can keep you feeling sick for a little more than a week. Time and rest are the best cures for a stomach virus. But knowing what to eat for stomach flu will definitely help you get over it with the least possible aggravation.

For more information on what to eat for stomach flu, click on food for stomach virus and stomach problems.