Consuming dairy products does not cause gastroenteritis, but if you're diagnosed with this digestive illness, you may have to avoid dairy. Viral gastroenteritis is commonly referred to as the stomach flu, although it is not the same viral infection as influenza. If you develop unpleasant digestive symptoms after consuming dairy products, you may have a different condition that you’re confusing with gastroenteritis. Talk with your doctor to receive a clinical diagnosis.
About Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis is the medical term used to describe inflammation that occurs in your stomach, small intestine and colon. This condition is highly contagious and the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says it's a common ailment. The condition typically comes on suddenly and causes excessive diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache and abdominal pain. A liquid diet is usually recommended to help prevent dehydration and provide a break for your digestive system. The most effective way to prevent the spread of this disease is to wash your hands regularly, disinfect public surfaces and stay away from people who appear to be sick.
Elimination of Dairy
Some substances should be avoided, such as dairy, caffeine, highly seasoned foods, alcohol and nicotine, according to MayoClinic.com. Although you're advised to eliminate most dairy products, low-fat, plain yogurt may help heal the intestinal infection. Yogurt contains helpful bacteria that can benefit the affected areas of damaged intestinal tissue. As your symptoms begin to subside, your doctor may recommend introducing dairy slowly back into your diet. Begin with dairy that is low in fat and does not contain a lot of sugar and processed ingredients.
Dairy Considerations
If you develop similar symptoms to gastroenteritis, you may have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. These two milk-related conditions can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and cramping after you consume diary products. A milk allergy is a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in milk products that causes a systematic reaction, causing digestive symptoms, respiratory reactions, skin inflammation and cardiovascular complications. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest milk sugar, and can cause adverse gastrointestinal symptoms.
Dietary Considerations
If you’re diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis, you may need to avoid eating spicy foods, foods that are high in fat, high-fiber foods, carbonated beverages and fruit juices. Eat bland foods that will help add bulk to your stools, such as bananas, apple sauce, rice and toast. If you cannot keep anything in your stomach, ask your doctor about a liquid-based diet.
Member Comments