An intestinal virus is more commonly known as the stomach flu. The stomach flu is misleading because it is not related to the influenza virus, but it causes symptoms in the digestive system that are similar to flu symptoms. The stomach flu causes a viral infection in the lining of your small intestines that can disrupt the amount of healthy bacteria in your gut and can damage the lining of your digestive system. A change in your diet is the treatment recommended by MayoClinic.com when you have an intestinal virus.
Intestinal Viral Infections
Intestinal viral infections are highly contagious and are mainly spread from human to human or by touching a contaminated public surface. When the virus enters your body, it attacks the lining of your intestinal tract and causes an infection to occur. The infection causes symptoms to appear within three days of coming into contact with the virus. Common symptoms of the stomach flu include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headache, nausea and stomach pain. Most symptoms last for one to three days but can last for up to 10 days.
Eating
If your symptoms are severe and you cannot keep any food or drink down, you need to call your doctor. An intestinal viral infection can quickly lead to dehydration. Stop eating and drinking for two hours and then introduce clear liquids, sipping one teaspoon every 10 minutes. If you're able to keep that liquid in your stomach, introduce small portions of bland foods that are easy on your digestive tract. Even if you have lost your appetite, it is important that you continue to eat and drink, even small amounts.
Foods to Eat
The best foods to begin to eat with the stomach flu are white toast, white rice, apple sauce, bananas and plain, low-fat yogurt. These foods are easy to digest, low in fiber and are considered bulk-forming to alleviate diarrhea. Yogurt contains live cultures that restore the amount of good bacteria in your gut. Do not eat yogurt that is high in sugar or high in fat. Fat and sugar can worsen your diarrhea. As your symptoms improve, you can add crackers, potatoes, fruits and vegetables and skinless chicken to your diet. Do not season these items; eat them plain.
Drinking
Drink plenty of clear fluids while you have an intestinal viral infection to prevent dehydration. Drink herbal teas, water, clear carbonated beverages, sports drinks and chicken broth. Avoid consuming beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine.
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