Almost everyone has suffered the vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fever, headaches and body aches associated with stomach flu. The influenza virus does not really cause stomach flu. Doctors call this uncomfortable condition viral gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common disease in the United States, according to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. Proper nutrition relieves symptoms and prevents dehydration during an episode of stomach flu.
Nutritional Focus
Nutrition for a person suffering viral gastroenteritis focuses on resting the cells lining the intestinal tract, preventing dehydration by supplying ample amounts of fluids and providing enough nourishment to sustain a healing body. Dehydration is of special concern, especially for small children, the elderly or those people with other medical conditions. Losing fluids during bouts of excessive diarrhea or vomiting leads to dehydration, which may result in electrolyte imbalance and heart arrhythmias.
Sips and Chips
Do not eat or drink anything for the first few hours following the initial bout of vomiting or diarrhea to give your body a chance to rest. Start with a sip of water or a teaspoon of ice chips. Wait a few minutes to determine your body's tolerance for liquids before attempting another sip of water or teaspoon of ice chips. If, at any time during the course of this illness, excessive vomiting returns, do not drink fluids or take ice chips. Forcing liquids may worsen vomiting and cause dehydration.
Clear Liquids
As tolerated, advance to taking clear liquids, such as tea, broth or gelatin. Clear liquids are transparent fluids at room temperature. Other clear liquids include coffee, fruit ice and sherbet. Parents may give electrolyte replacement drinks to children. Adults can consume sports drinks. Do not use a clear liquid for more than five days, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
Full Liquids
Add full liquids to your diet. Full liquids are opaque fluids at room temperature, such as ice cream or pudding. Other full liquids include cream broths, milkshakes, strained vegetable juices, honey and syrups. Cooked cereals such as oatmeal, farina and cream of rice or wheat are included on a full-liquid diet.
Soft/Bland Foods
Move to soft, bland foods when tolerated, as a full-liquid diet is usually low in vitamins A and B12 as well as iron and thiamine. Advance to bland foods that are easy to digest, such as mashed potatoes and refined bread. Avoid spicy foods that may irritate your digestive tract and cause discomfort or diarrhea. Continue taking in as much fluids as possible to ward off dehydration.
