One of the most important aspects of treating the stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is diet modification. During the stomach flu, you may have difficulty keeping foods and liquids down because of vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Excessive diarrhea and vomiting can lead to serious complications, so see your doctor in order to determine the cause. After the symptoms subside, continue eating in small portions and increase your liquid intake until directed to do otherwise by your doctor.
Suggested Foods
The stomach flu is not treated with medication. The condition is cured by the body's natural immune system. The primary focus of treatment is to keep the body hydrated. Stop eating for a few hours after the worst symptoms have ended to allow the stomach to settle, and then start to eat small amounts of bland foods. Try plain yogurt, apples, bananas, cereal, potatoes, breads and vegetables. Avoid foods that can aggravate the gut, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, fatty foods and foods that are high in fiber.
Liquids
Increase the amount of liquid you ingest to prevent dehydration. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends drinking sports beverages to help replace lost electrolytes and fluid. If you cannot keep liquid down, try sucking on an ice pop for liquid. You can also sip liquids a teaspoon at a time to help the body keep it down. Do not drink fruit juice, soda, gelatin or broth because of the high levels of sugar these products contain. If you cannot keep liquids in your system, you are at risk of becoming dehydrated.
Consideration
The stomach flu is a misleading term because the condition is not related to the influenza virus. The condition is a viral infection of the stomach and the intestines that causes swelling and inflammation. The viral infection is caused by one of the following viruses: enteric adenovirus, astrovirus, rotavirus or norovirus. Most symptoms last for one to three days and subside on their own as your body overcomes the infection.
Warning
Dehydration can lead to death if not properly treated. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, your mouth is dry and you feel fatigued, call your doctor or visit the emergency room for testing. Other alarming symptoms include blood in your stool, confusion, feeling faint, lack of tears when crying, nausea, no urine for more than eight hours and eyes that appear to be sunken.
