If you develop sudden diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, you may have the stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis. Certain foods should be avoided once you have the stomach flu, because some foods can cause greater irritation. If you develop common symptoms of the stomach flu, call your doctor for an accurate evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options. Do not modify your diet to treat any condition without first talking with your doctor.
Stomach Flu
The stomach flu is a common viral condition that causes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. Its name is misleading, because the illness is not related to the influenza virus. The stomach flu is caused by various viruses that can be transmitted from person to person or from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. The illness typically lasts for one to three days and needs to be diagnosed by your doctor. If you cannot keep any food or drink in your stomach, call your physician.
Foods to Avoid
During the stomach flu, your digestive tract is inflamed and infected, making it very sensitive to certain irritants. MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding spicy foods, fatty foods, foods that are high in fiber and foods that are high in sugar. If you are experiencing constant vomiting and diarrhea, stop eating and drinking for a few hours to help your stomach to settle. You should avoid consuming products that contain alcohol and caffeine, as these substances can aggravate the discomfort and promote dehydration. Avoid eating any meal in large portions.
Good Foods
Certain foods can help calm your stomach and promote normal bowel movements. Once your vomiting has subsided, eat small amounts of bland foods, such as rice, cereal, bananas, crackers, toast and apples. If you are able to keep these basic items in your stomach, you can add more foods, such as potatoes, cooked carrots and baked skinless chicken.
Concerns
Diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration, a serious medical condition. Dehydration is the loss of essential fluids and salts from the body that can cause severe complications, such as brain damage and death, according to the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse. Symptoms that need to be evaluated by a physician include fatigue, dry mouth, dry skin, severe headache and thirst.
