Stomach Flu Remedies & What to Eat

Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)

The stomach flu (gastroenteritis) is an infection of the stomach and intestines. Though it is referred to as the "flu" it is not the same as influenza. Influenza does not always affect the gastrointestinal tract, and most influenza symptoms involve the respiratory tract.

Infection of the stomach and intestines is referred to as gastroenteritis.

Stomach flu is usually caused by viruses, but it also can be caused by bacteria or parasites.

Stomach flu remedies may include replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes to avoid dehydration and taking over-the-counter medicines as needed.

Food poisoning and the stomach flu are not the same thing. Many types of food poisoning are not infectious.

Food poisoning and the stomach flu share many of the same symptoms, including:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Sometimes fever

However, food poisoning comes on pretty quickly after eating contaminated food, and usually, it goes away within a few hours to days. Gastroenteritis can last for up to 10 days. Mild cases of food poisoning resolve without medication, whereas severe cases may require medical intervention. Stomach flu, on the other hand, may at times require over-the-counter medications to suppress the microbial action.

Signs and symptoms of the stomach flu include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Loss of appetite

Stomach flu, also known as a stomach virus infection or viral gastroenteritis, usually involves a virus as the causative organism. However, bacteria or parasites can also cause stomach flu. Stomach flu symptoms listed above may appear up to a day after stomach virus infection. In most cases, stomach flu isn't dangerous, but in the very young or very old as well as in immunocompromised patients gastroenteritis can lead to severe symptoms and need for hospitalization.

All patients should monitor for symptoms of dehydration, which include:

• Extreme thirst and dry mouth
• Urinating less than usual
• Feeling exhausted
• Dark-colored urine
• Sunken eyes or cheek
• Decreased skin turgor
• Fainting

Signs that the stomach virus infection is severe include:

• Symptoms of dehydration
• High fever
• Vomiting often
• Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
• Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
• Change in mental state, such as irritability or lack of energy
• Stools that are black or tarry or contain blood or pus
• Six or more loose stools in a day

Stomach flu remedies mainly intend to restore the lost water and fluids. When you have a stomach bug, there are several things you can do to help relieve symptoms, such as the following:

• Rest: Most people need to rest for a few days to let the illness work its course.
• Heating pad: A heating pad may help relieve abdominal cramping.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Take for pain or fever. This is recommended over aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can upset the stomach.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications: Loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help relieve diarrhea.
• Probiotics: Lactobacillus casei GG and S boulardii may be helpful in some cases of viral gastroenteritis and can help with watery diarrhea. Yogurt often contains these probiotics. Choose low-fat or fat-free yogurt, if you can tolerate dairy products.
• Zinc supplements: These may reduce the severity and duration of stomach flu.
• Acupressure: Finger pressure is used to stimulate trigger points on the body that may help relieve nausea and vomiting; specifically, pressure point P-6 (also called Neiguan) is a point on the inner wrist that may be massaged.

Before trying any alternative or herbal home remedy, consult your doctor.

Stomach flu: What to eat and what to drink

Foods and drinks that help symptoms of the stomach flu include:

• Fluids: Diarrhea and vomiting can be dehydrating. Make sure you take in plenty of water, sports drinks, or other clear liquids. Take small sips. Infants should get plenty of breast milk, and toddlers can drink electrolyte solutions such as Pedialyte.
• Ice chips: If you are having trouble keeping fluids down, try sucking on ice chips to help rehydrate. Don't give ice chips to small children, as they can be a choking hazard.
• BRAT diet: BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are bland and binding, which can make your stools firmer. Bananas also contain potassium which can help replace nutrients lost from vomiting and diarrhea.
• Tea: Caffeine-free teas can help replenish lost fluids, and some varieties, such as peppermint, may calm the stomach, and ginger, may help ease nausea. Add lemon to get a little extra vitamin C. (Avoid caffeine as this can act as a diuretic, making you urinate and lose fluids you need to hydrate.)
• Apple cider vinegar: Some people report this helps ease nausea and stomach upset.
• Cinnamon and turmeric: Both these spices are reported to help relieve symptoms of gastroenteritis.

What should I eat to recover from stomach flu?

To recover from stomach flu, you should eat bland, easy-to-digest foods. Along with bland foods, you should also take plenty of fluids to restore lost electrolytes and nutrients. Some foods that can help you recover from stomach flu include:

• Clear broth
• BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast
• Popsicles
• Low-sugar fruits, such as apples, blackberries, and grapefruits
• Probiotic-rich foods and drinks

Are there specific drinks that help with stomach flu symptoms?

When you have stomach flu, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to replenish lost fluid and nutrients. Some specific drinks that would help ease stomach flu symptoms include:

• Water
• Fruit juices with low sugar
• Clear broths
• Probiotic drinks, such as kombucha, kefir, and buttermilk
• Oral rehydration solutions

What foods should I avoid when I have the stomach flu?

Not all foods will help you when you have stomach flu. Some foods that could worsen stomach flu symptoms include:

• Foods that are high in fat, such as fried foods, pizza, and fast foods
• Sugary foods
• Milk and milk products that contain lactose
• Spicy foods
• Foods high in fiber
• Foods high in gluten
• Acidic foods

It is important to ensure that your dietary needs are met while avoiding triggering foods. The following section provides further insights into foods that can worsen your symptoms. Gaining an understanding of these can help you make better dietary choices and manage your symptoms effectively.

As described previously, when you have the stomach flu, you want to eat bland and binding foods, such as the BRAT diet.

Avoid foods that will contribute to symptoms, including:

• Dairy products: Many people are lactose intolerant, which can cause diarrhea. If you have gastroenteritis, you may temporarily have a hard time digesting the lactose in milk, cheese, and other dairy products.
• Fatty foods: Greasy, fatty foods can be hard on the stomach even when you feel well. Fatty meats, creamy foods, and even nuts can all contribute to feeling full which may aggravate an upset stomach, and they can stimulate the digestive tract, causing loose stools.
• Spicy foods: Foods with heavy, hot spices such as chili, hot pepper, and garlic, may aggravate your symptoms and upset your stomach even more. In addition, many spicy foods are cooked in oil, making them fatty as well.
• Caffeine: Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which will cause you to urinate and lose fluids, and you could become dehydrated. When you are already dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea, you want to stay hydrated. Caffeine can also cause loose stools.
• Fiber: Usually, fruits, vegetables, and beans are good for you. But when you have diarrhea, fiber can aggravate already loose bowels, especially in people who are not used to eating fiber regularly. Stick to the binding foods suggested in the BRAT diet.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can cause irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and the digestive tract and can stimulate the production of gastric acid, which you want to avoid when you already feel nauseated.
• Sugar: Consuming sugar in foods or drinks can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. In some people, this can cause nausea. Sugary foods are also often fatty, adding a double-whammy to aggravate symptoms.
• Soda: Colas contain a lot of caffeine, which acts as a diuretic. However, non-caffeinated sodas contain chemicals and are acidic, which can also irritate the stomach. The carbonation may also cause you to feel more full and to belch, which can aggravate nausea.
• Acidic foods: Citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, etc.), citrus juices, pineapple, and tomato products have a lot of acid that can irritate the stomach and cause acid reflux.
• Processed foods: Many pre-packaged and processed foods are high in fat, sugar, preservatives, and artificial colorings. All of these can aggravate an already upset stomach or worsen diarrhea, especially in individuals sensitive to these ingredients.
• Gluten: Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains such as barley, rye, and oats. Some people are sensitive to this protein, and it can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating, so these people may find avoiding products with gluten will help ease symptoms.
• Artificial sweeteners: The sweetener that often causes digestive problems, even in healthy people, is called sorbitol. It is often used in diet foods and sugarless gum and can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

• How can I treat stomach flu with over-the-counter medications? You can take over-the-counter medications such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate to treat stomach flu.
• How can I relieve stomach flu symptoms quickly? When you have stomach flu, you should stop eating solid foods for your stomach to settle. Most people recover from stomach flu symptoms without any treatment. Drinking water or fluids at regular intervals helps replenish the depleted electrolyte and nutrient levels.
• What is stomach virus treatment? There's no specific treatment for the stomach virus, but stomach flu treatment involves managing symptoms and preventing complications.
• What are stomach flu medicines? Anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate are the best stomach flu medicines.
• Are there natural remedies for stomach flu that are effective? The effective natural remedies for stomach flu include:
  • Ginger
  • Peppermint
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Cinnamon
  • Turmeric
• How long does it typically take to recover from stomach flu? In most cases, stomach flu usually lasts only a few days. If the stomach flu is severe, it may last up to a week or two to recover completely.
• When should I see a doctor for stomach flu symptoms? You should see a doctor for stomach flu symptoms if you experience any of these symptoms:
  • Symptoms of dehydration
  • High fever
  • Vomiting often
  • Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
  • Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
  • Change in mental state, such as irritability or lack of energy
  • Stools that are black or tarry or contain blood or pus
  • Six or more loose stools in a day
• Can probiotics help with stomach flu recovery? Probiotics can help shorten the duration of certain stomach flu symptoms. However, many studies refute claims that probiotics help with stomach flu recovery. Ask your physician before taking any probiotics for stomach flu.