The primary treatment for the stomach flu is focused on your diet. There's no effective cure, so modifying your diet can help improve your symptoms. The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is an infection of the digestive tract that causes nausea, vomiting, cramping and diarrhea. These symptoms are directly affected by what you're eating. Talk with your doctor at the first signs and symptoms of the stomach flu for a proper diagnosis and treatment options. The stomach flu is highly contagious and is contracted by human contact.
Stomach Flu Background
The stomach flu is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in adults, according to MedlinePlus. The condition is caused by four primary viruses: enteric adenovirus, astrovirus, norovirus and rotavirus, commonly found in children. Once these viruses enter the body, symptoms typically appear within 4 to 48 hours and last from 1 to 3 days. Even after the virus has been expelled from the body, you may still experience an upset stomach, diarrhea and cramping. People who are at risk of contacting the stomach flu are children, those with suppressed immune systems and the elderly.
Dietary Purpose
The purpose of a flu diet is to keep the body hydrated and to eat foods that promote solid stools, according to MedlinePlus. Due to excessive diarrhea and vomiting, it may be difficult to keep liquids in your system. When you lose too much water, your body can experience dehydration, a serious medical condition that could cause death. The foods you eat can help promote ease or difficulty in the digestive system.
BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet is commonly implemented as treatment for the stomach flu. BRAT is an acronym that stands for bananas, rice, apples and toast. If you cannot keep any food or liquid in your stomach, stop eating and drinking for a few hours, call your doctor and attempt to eat and drink again after your stomach as settled. Begin with the BRAT diet in small quantities. Avoid milk, fried foods, greasy foods, spicy foods, pork, salmon, sardines, veal, raw vegetables, citrus fruits, extreme temperature beverages and alcohol.
Liquid Consideration
Drinking enough liquid is an important part of a stomach flu diet. If you cannot keep liquid in your stomach, take sips of water of a sports beverage, one teaspoon at a time. You can also suck on ice pops or ice cubes to stay hydrated. Avoid sodas, beverages with caffeine and alcohol. If you become lethargic, develop extreme thirst or have abnormally dry skin, call your doctor.
