The stomach flu causes severe symptoms in some patients. Stomach flu doesn't affect the stomach nor is it caused by influenza. Doctors call this digestive disorder viral gastroenteritis. It is the second most common illness in the United States, according to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. Diet is an effective treatment in recovering from severe cases of stomach flu.
Step 1
Do not eat or drink anything within the first few hours of symptom onset. Doing so may cause vomiting and diarrhea to worsen. Viral gastroenteritis damages the cells that line the inside of your small intestine. These cells weep fluid into the digestive tract, adding water to stool and resulting in diarrhea. Abstain from eating or drinking to give your small intestine a rest.
Step 2
Take a single sip of water or a teaspoon of ice chips. Wait for 5 or 10 minutes before taking another to be sure your body can tolerate fluids. Stop taking fluids if vomiting or diarrhea return. Seek medical attention if you cannot tolerate any fluids for one day or if vomiting and diarrhea become severe. Dehydration is a serious medical condition that can result in electrolyte imbalance which might affect your heart.
Step 3
Swallow a few teaspoons of clear liquids. Your body needs nourishment, especially after extreme bouts of vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Clear liquids provide some of the fluids, salts and minerals to help your body heal. Start with weak tea, gelatin and broth. Parents may give children electrolyte replacement drinks to combat the effects of dehydration. Adults may sip sports drinks. A clear liquid diet allows for fruit ices and Popsicles. You should not be on a clear liquid diet for more than 5 days, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Continue to drink plenty of clear liquids while recovering from severe stomach flu.
Step 4
Advance to a full liquid diet as tolerated. Full liquids are opaque fluids at room temperature, like ice cream, custard, pudding, cream soups and sherbets. A full liquid diet does not provide complete nutrition, lacking in iron, vitamin A, B-12 and thiamine. A full liquid diet includes strained vegetable juices, honey, margarine, butter and cream. People who are lactose intolerant should avoid consuming dairy products while symptomatic of stomach flu.
