Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract that may be caused by bacteria, parasites or most commonly viruses. Symptoms of this condition include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and occasionally fever. You can typically recover from gastroenteritis over a few days, but because dehydration may be a serious complication, your diet is very important. The first line of therapy is intestinal rest by eating nothing and gradually moving back to regular foods.
Foods to Avoid During Active Illness
When you have gastroenteritis, you should avoid certain foods while your stomach and intestines are still irritated. These foods can further inflame your stomach. Examples include spicy foods, alcohol, nuts, seeds and popcorn. Drinks with caffeine can cause dehydration, so avoid those while you are suffering from diarrhea; alcohol can be dehydrating as well. Other foods are dried peas, raw fruits and vegetables, milk and milk products. Once your symptoms subside and you are able to tolerate regular foods again, you may still have to gradually add these foods back into your diet.
Progression to a Clear Liquid Diet
Once you first develop the symptoms of gastroenteritis, rest your bowel for a short while to allow your gastrointestinal tract to settle. After you give your stomach a few hours to rest, you may start consuming clear liquids that are easy to digest and non-irritating. Clear liquids include apple or cranberry juice, Kool aid, clear bouillon, Jell-O, Popsicles, 7-Up and sports drinks. These drinks help keep you hydrated while you are vomiting or have diarrhea. If you cannot drink large amounts at once, take frequent sips.
Full Liquid Diet with Soft Foods
After you are able to tolerate clear liquids, you can start adding some soft, bland, low-fiber foods to your diet. You may still continue drinking clear liquids, but you may also eat foods such as rice or pasta without butter or sauce, applesauce, toast, mashed potatoes and cereals such as cream of wheat or rice crispies. Many healthcare practitioners recommend a BRAT diet -- bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, according to PDRHealth.com. The low-fiber foods help you manage your stools while your gastrointestinal tract heals.
Bland Diet
The next level of the diet includes clear liquids, bland soft foods and more substantial foods. At this stage, you should be able to eat baked, roasted or broiled lean poultry, meat or fish. Scrambled or boiled eggs as well as mild cheeses or cottage cheese are generally well tolerated at this time. Well-cooked seedless and skinless vegetables and fruits are other choices that you may eat. You should be feeling better after two to three days. The progression from one type of food to the next may be rapid or slow, depending on your condition and tolerance level. You should be able to eat regular foods once your gastrointestinal tract heals.
