Diet for Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a digestive problem in which the stomach and the intestines are inflamed (swollen). A viral infection is often considered the main cause of gastroenteritis. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, nausea, crampy abdominal pain and vomiting. Eating unhygienic food can irritate the stomach and lead to gastroenteritis. This intestinal infection may also be caused by parasites present in spoiled food and unclean water.

A person suffering from gastroenteritis has to avoid certain foods, until he feels better. One can easily recover from this disorder by following a proper diet that prevents fluid loss. By simplifying the diet, the patient can effectively manage gastroenteritis. A restricted diet can play an important role in curing the patient. A diet for gastroenteritis is an effective treatment and is essential to overcome this disease. If gastroenteritis is not severe, the prescribed diet is sufficient to heal the patient.

In order to relieve symptoms of gastroenteritis, initially a liquid diet is recommended. A healthy option would be to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhea causes dehydration. Excessive vomiting and frequent stools reduce the quantity of water and electrolytes in the body. So it is essential to increase the fluid intake, to compensate for what has been lost. Restrict your diet to clear liquids (water and juices) throughout the day. Fluids that contain high amounts of sugar and electrolytes (potassium, sodium) can also help reduce diarrhea.

Drinking clear fruit juices or other beverages such as flat soda or tea, can help relieve the patient's pain. The next day, if you are feeling better, you can eat foods like white rice, apple sauce, white bread and bananas. Drinking large amounts of liquids quickly, causes an expansion of the stomach and may cause nausea. Try to avoid greasy and citrus foods, as they can aggravate the condition. After vomiting, do not immediately consume fluids. Wait for at least half an hour and then have fluids in small amounts (frequent sips).

Dairy products such as ice cream, must not be eaten as it can aggravate diarrhea. Consumption of alcohol or caffeinated beverages such as coffee, should be avoided as they can make matters worse. After the symptoms subside, one may include solid foods (white toasts, dry cereal) in their diet. The symptoms of gastroenteritis generally subside in 2 days. Prefer home cooked food and avoid eating outside. Having large meals during this period is not recommended, as the stomach is not in a position to properly digest solid foods. It is important to have frequent small meals that are spaced evenly throughout the day. After 10-15 days, the patient can start eating cooked vegetables, fruits and low fat milk products in small amounts.

Most people recover within a short time by drinking fluids and following the prescribed diet. If the diet mentioned above is implemented strictly, it will reduce the healing time of the stomach and the intestines. In short, the gastrointestinal tract will recover faster and the patient will soon be back to normal.