What To Eat, Drink, and Avoid When You Have the Stomach Flu

Also known as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu inflames the stomach and intestines, wreaking havoc on the digestive tract. Often it lasts just a few days. However, each year, gastroenteritis sends an estimated 100,000 people to the hospital in the United States, according to the CDC.

Key to your recovery is knowing what to eat, drink, and avoid. Led by Dr. Hector Fabregas, the team at Healthstone Primary Care has you covered. With offices in Weston, Pembroke Pines, and Davis, Florida, they offer the following advice.

Prioritize hydration: Replacing lost electrolytes

The most significant risk associated with fighting the stomach flu is dehydration, which can occur rapidly due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is your primary goal.

To rehydrate effectively, sip slowly—taking large gulps can often trigger more nausea. Adults should aim to consume approximately one cup of fluid every hour.

Recommended Liquids:

• Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Products like Pedialyte or generic electrolyte solutions are ideal because they contain the specific balance of sugar and salt needed to help your body absorb water efficiently.
• Clear Broths: Chicken or vegetable broth provides essential salt and minerals.
• Plain Water: Sip slowly.
• Soothing Teas: Ginger or peppermint tea can help settle an uneasy stomach while contributing to your fluid goal.

If vomiting makes drinking impossible, try sucking on ice chips or electrolyte popsicles to gradually replenish fluids without overwhelming your stomach.

Gentle nourishment: What to eat when your stomach is sensitive

Your digestive system is highly irritated when you have gastroenteritis, and eating the wrong food can prolong discomfort. The goal is to start with bland, simple foods and return to a well-balanced diet as soon as possible, as these foods contain the protein and fat needed for strength.

Once your nausea subsides and your appetite returns, start with the following:

• Starches: Plain, dry toast, plain crackers (like saltines), boiled rice.
• Fruits: Applesauce or ripe bananas (high in potassium, which is lost during diarrhea).
• Root Vegetables: Plain baked or boiled potatoes.

As you feel stronger, gradually incorporate lean, easy-to-digest proteins, such as scrambled eggs, skinless chicken breast, or bone broth, to help rebuild your strength.

Foods and drinks that can worsen symptoms

Certain substances can irritate the digestive tract or exacerbate diarrhea.

Avoid these while recovering:

• Dairy Products: Lactose (sugar in milk) can be challenging to digest when the gut is inflamed.
• Greasy or High-Fat Foods: Fried foods, pizza, and rich sauces are complex to process and slow down stomach emptying.
• Caffeine and Alcohol: Both are dehydrating and can irritate the stomach lining.
• Spicy Foods: These can further irritate your sensitive stomach and intestines.
• Highly Sugary Drinks: Simple sugars found in some sodas or fruit juices can draw water into your intestines, potentially worsening diarrhea.

When to see a doctor

Most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve with rest and adequate fluid intake. However, specific symptoms require professional medical attention to prevent serious complications like severe dehydration.

Contact your doctor or seek urgent care immediately if you experience:

• Severe Dehydration: Signs in adults include extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing, or experiencing little to no urination for eight hours or more.
• Bloody Stool or Vomit: This could indicate a more serious underlying issue.
• High Fever: A temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher.
• Persistent Symptoms: Vomiting lasting longer than 24 hours, or diarrhea that does not improve after two days.
• Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense, localized pain that is not relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement.

For stomach flu and all your primary healthcare needs, schedule a visit by phone or online with Healthstone Primary Care.