Recovery Foods for Stomach Bugs | Centers Health Care (2024)

We’re approaching the peak of flu season, and in addition, stomach bugs can strike at any time.

The flu and other viruses can leave us with a sensitive stomach, but there are plenty of options to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need while you’re feeling ill.

CHC has a look at five foods and drinks that are perfect to keep hydrated and won’t make your stomach situation even worse.

  1. Ice Chips

The most important thing to do when you’re dealing with an upset stomach is to remain hydrated. Between diarrhea and potentially vomiting, your body can dry up on fluids fast. This is how a simple stomach flu can turn into a hospitalization. At the worst point of the bug, even simply drinking water can leave you feeling nauseous. To solve the issue, try eating ice chips—it’s a great way to slowly rehydrate. Doctors do advise, however, waiting around two hours after vomiting to try and eat ice chips.

  1. Potatoes

Plain potatoes are a good bland food because of their ability to be easily digested and their abundance in potassium, which is an electrolyte that can help rehydrate your body. Steaming the potato is best because it breaks down fiber, which can be hard to digest.

  1. Ginger

You can take ginger itself, but most people sooth their upset stomach with ginger ale. The ginger and the carbonation both help you feel some relief

  1. Dry Cereal

Dairy products can make the stomach flu worse, so stick to dry cereal that you can slowly eat. Try to stick with simple cereals like Original Cheerios or Corn Chex; avoid sugary cereals (no more than 10 grams of total sugar and 5 grams of added sugar per serving) because sugar can also complicate the issue. Oatmeal is also a good option.

  1. Broth

If you feel ready to eat but can’t yet hold down solids, broth-based soups are a good option. This is because of the sodium contained within, as this is an electrolyte that helps with rehydration.

Recovery Foods for Stomach Bugs | Centers Health Care (2024)

FAQs

Recovery Foods for Stomach Bugs | Centers Health Care? ›

Focus on drinking in small amounts of liquid frequently to stay hydrated. Ease back into eating. After you can tolerate drinking clear fluids, start eating smaller meals of bland, low-residual foods, such as mashed potatoes, plain noodles, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken.

What foods are healthy after a stomach bug? ›

Focus on drinking in small amounts of liquid frequently to stay hydrated. Ease back into eating. After you can tolerate drinking clear fluids, start eating smaller meals of bland, low-residual foods, such as mashed potatoes, plain noodles, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken.

How do you restore your gut health after the stomach flu? ›

The most important thing to do is to rest the stomach and intestine. You can do this by not eating solid food for a while and drinking only clear liquids. As your symptoms go away, you can start eating soft bland foods that are easy to digest.

When can I start eating regular food after a stomach virus? ›

As you feel better, return to a normal, healthy diet. The BRAT diet doesn't provide all the nutrients of a healthy diet. You should be able to start eating a more regular diet, including fruits and vegetables, within about 24 to 48 hours after vomiting or having diarrhea.

How can I speed up my stomach bug recovery? ›

Drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips. Ease back into eating. As you're able, you can return to eating your normal diet. You might find that you can eat bland, easy-to-digest foods at first, such as soda crackers, soup, oats, noodles, bananas and rice.

How to reintroduce food after stomach virus? ›

Ease back into eating.

Try to eat small amounts of food frequently if you experience nausea. Otherwise, slowly begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, applesauce, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns.

What is the best probiotic for a stomach virus? ›

So it seems that whether symptoms were bought on by eating contaminated food, or simply through contact with a person suffering with a stomach virus, Saccharomyces boulardii is the best probiotic for upset stomach. Another probiotic strain which could be of note here is Lactobacillus paracasei CASEI 431®.

How do you build strength after a stomach virus? ›

You need water, salts, and energy to get back to your usual, vigorous self. Recovery from vomiting needs rehydration therapy followed by a careful diet that provides energy without irritating your stomach.

What 12 foods stop diarrhea? ›

Common Questions & Answers. What are some foods that are recommended to eat when you have diarrhea? The list includes simple foods like oatmeal, bananas, plain rice, applesauce, boiled potatoes, toast, plain crackers, pretzels, and baked chicken without skin or fat.

What is a good alternative to the BRAT diet? ›

Alternatives to the BRAT Diet

8 Natural yogurt, kefir, miso soup, and fermented vegetables (e.g., sauerkraut) are great options. While recovering from stomach symptoms and re-introducing solid foods into your diet, it is essential to keep yourself well-hydrated.

Why is a stomach bug lasting so long? ›

Stomach flu usually only lasts a few days, but it may last up to a week or two in severe cases. People with weaker immune systems may have a harder time defeating the virus, and it may take longer.

Why is the BRAT diet no longer recommended? ›

Because BRAT diet foods are low in fiber, protein, and fat, the diet lacks enough nutrition to help a child's gastrointestinal tract recover. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that kids resume eating a normal, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age within 24 hours of getting sick.

What foods are good for your gut after gastro? ›

Consuming certain foods and drinks may help a person with viral gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, recover or manage symptoms. When ready for food, a person can eat bland foods such as bread, bananas, applesauce, and cooked starches. It is best to avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, alcohol, and sugary beverages.

Are pretzels good for stomach viruses? ›

Dietary recommendations for vomiting and diarrhea

In the next 12 to 24 hours, add frequent small amounts of: toast, soda crackers, rice, soup (not creamed), pretzels, banana, applesauce, white potato (no butter or sour cream), noodles. After 2 to 3 days, if you continue to improve, you may add more foods.

Is chicken noodle soup good after a stomach bug? ›

If the patient is able to keep liquids down for 24 hours, then the diet can be advanced to toast, crackers, cooked cereal, chicken noodle soup, rice or ripe bananas. 6. If the patient does well with these foods, the diet can gradually be returned to normal, starting with a soft diet of bland foods.

Can you eat pasta with a stomach bug? ›

Stomach flu: what you can eat

If you can tolerate fluids without discomfort, you can gradually start eating light foods again: rice and pasta with oil and Parmesan cheese or pasta in a broth. steamed or baked fish and chicken, or soft boiled eggs.

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