Feed a fever, starve a cold, or the other way around? It's hard to know what to eat when you are sick. There's nothing worse than feeling sick to your stomach and trying to figure out what, if anything, you can digest. Intestinal flu is painful and debilitating, but it can be helped by using a diet that encourages comfort and healing.
Significance
The stomach flu is a common term used to describe stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting. The intestinal flu is not really a flu, or influenza, at all, according to St. Mary's College of Maryland. Rather, it is a viral infection in the digestive tract. Some things make diarrhea or vomiting worse. Eating certain foods and avoiding others helps to lessen symptoms.
BRAT Diet
Bananas are part of the BRAT diet, an acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. According to the University of Michigan Health System, some doctors recommend the BRAT diet for stomach upset. Bananas replenish potassium and other nutrients that may be lost during vomiting or diarrhea and they are also easily digested. Rice, applesauce and toast are also low-fiber, soft on the stomach and easier to digest after stomach upset.
Fluids
Dehydration is common with intestinal flu. The Center for Disease Control, or CDC, suggests that home management for minimal dehydration include replenishing lost fluids through small sips of clear liquids. It is important to check with your doctor for guidance if you suspect dehydration. Intervention and I.V., or intravenous fluid, may be required for moderate to severe dehydration.
Good Bacteria
Yogurt with live active cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus helps restore healthy bacteria to the bowels, according to St. Mary's College. They also note that taking capsules or tablets with lactobacillus acidophilus works too. Check with your doctor before taking any supplements for intestinal viruses.
What Not to Eat
You should avoid solid foods while you are actively vomiting. Familydoctor.org suggests sticking with clear liquids until you can keep solid foods down. Fatty and fried foods are difficult to digest when your stomach is upset and should be avoided until you recover.
