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What to Eat When You’re Dealing with Stomach Flu (And Feel Like You’re Going to Hurl All Day)
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. Emily Carter, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Carter runs a thriving pediatric practice and is the CEO of Advocare, one of the largest independent medical groups in the country.
When someone in your home contracts the stomach flu, it can leave you feeling pretty miserable—whether you catch it yourself or find yourself playing caregiver to the sick. Trust us, we understand that neither situation is enjoyable. The discomfort caused by stomach flu, with its persistent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, is unlike any other illness.
These symptoms can make it challenging for anyone to maintain a healthy diet, and even when they do manage to eat, keeping food down can be a struggle. Although the inclination might be to avoid eating altogether, doing so for too long can be unsafe. Therefore, as a responsible parent (and individual), it’s crucial to understand which foods are best suited for when you (or someone else) are grappling with stomach flu.
Understanding Stomach Flu
The term “stomach flu” is commonly used to describe various gastrointestinal issues, but it specifically refers to an intestinal infection called viral gastroenteritis. According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and occasional fever, typically lasting a couple of days. However, in severe cases, symptoms can persist for up to ten days.
Most often, the stomach flu is contracted through contact with infected individuals, or by consuming contaminated food and water, complicating the eating process even further. If adults or older kids can’t keep fluids down for 24 hours or more, or if vomiting continues for over two days (especially with blood), it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Infants can be tricky, as they often spit up, which is different from vomiting, and may require medical evaluation.
Foods to Avoid During Stomach Flu
Before discussing what you can eat during a bout of stomach flu, let’s outline the foods and drinks you should steer clear of, according to reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Cleveland Clinic, and Mayo Clinic:
- Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, certain sodas)
- High-fat foods (fried items, pizza, fast food)
- Sugary foods and drinks (sweetened beverages, some fruit juices)
- Dairy products containing lactose
- Alcohol
- Tomato-based meals
- Acidic foods and beverages
- Spicy or heavily seasoned foods
- Processed foods
Recommended Foods for Stomach Flu
If you grew up in a household where eating was mandatory, you might assume you have to eat no matter what. This expectation may carry over to your own children, but it shouldn’t apply when someone is suffering from stomach flu.
Most experts advise against fasting or overly restrictive diets during viral gastroenteritis. Research indicates that following a limited diet does not aid in recovery. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a family physician at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasizes that you should never force yourself to eat; if you’re not hungry, your body is signaling that it needs rest and rehydration.
Once the individual is ready to eat again, many can return to their regular diet. However, if you prefer to ease back into eating, consider starting with these options:
- Hydrating liquids like water, sports drinks, or clear, caffeine-free sodas
- Plain broths
- Oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte) with electrolytes—especially for kids
- Ice chips
- Crackers (especially saltines)
- Toast
- Bland 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 focus on hydration.
This article was originally published on March 5, 2021.
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Summary
When dealing with stomach flu, it’s essential to know what to eat and what to avoid. While it might be tempting to skip meals, proper hydration and gradually reintroducing bland foods can aid recovery. Focus on liquids and simple foods like toast and bananas, and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.