Tummy bug should i eat

In terms of food, saltine crackers can be a good way to replace electrolytes. Learn more about electrolytes in food here. Oral rehydration solutions, which contain glucose and electrolytes, are another good way of rehydrating the body if it has lost liquids due to stomach flu.

To make an oral rehydration solution at home, boil 1 liter of water, add half a small spoon of salt and six level small spoons of sugar, and dissolve.

The World Health Organization WHO state that this method is most effective at preventing or delaying diarrhea caused by dehydration but that people should not use it as their sole method of treating it. A great way to include liquids in the diet that give more flavor is to consume healthy teas. A recent review found that many studies show the positive effects of ginger tea in reducing nausea. However, the review authors did go on to say that more studies are necessary to confirm this.

Another review suggested that, in trials, peppermint tea has also helped many people with nausea, regardless of age. Although they described this as encouraging, the reviewers did mention that they cannot draw definitive conclusions until they have more evidence from further trials.

A healthy way to introduce non-refined sugar into the diet, as well as rehydrating, is by eating fruits. Fruits contain high percentages of water, and some have a higher percentage than most, including:. The above list includes only raw fruits as solid food. People should be careful when choosing fruit juices to ensure that they do not contain excessive amounts of sugar.

Learn more about hydrating foods here. Sometimes, a doctor may advise a person to consume probiotics. These contain bacteria that are healthy for the stomach and can help treat diarrhea. Learn more about including probiotics in a healthy diet here. According to the NIDDK , there are several foods and beverages that a person should avoid to help prevent additional or worsening symptoms of stomach flu. To help treat stomach flu, a person should try to concentrate on consuming fluids to avoid dehydration.

However, there are some other methods that may help. Dehydration, along with the illness itself, can cause fatigue. A person with stomach flu should get plenty of rest. The right food choices will…. Nutritional needs food and water and metabolism how fast your body converts food to energy change for women as…. Visit The Symptom Checker. Nutrition: Tips for Improving Your Health. Low-purine Diet. The benefits of using the BRAT diet to treat upset stomach and diarrhea include: The foods used in the diet make your stools firmer.

The foods help replace nutrients your body needs and has lost due to vomiting and diarrhea. Bananas, for example, are high in the vitamin potassium. Read More by Dr. Shilpa Mehta. Let your child eat if they're eating solids and feel hungry. Try small amounts of plain foods, such as soup, rice, pasta and bread. Give them paracetamol if they have an uncomfortable fever or aches and pains. Young children may find liquid paracetamol easier to swallow than tablets. Use special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies if they're dehydrated.

Your GP or pharmacist can advise on how much to give your child. Don't give them antidiarrhoeal and anti-vomiting medication, unless advised to by your GP or pharmacist. Getting medical advice for your child You don't usually need to see your GP if you think your child has gastroenteritis, as it should get better on its own, and taking them to a GP surgery can put others at risk.

Phone the service or your GP if you're concerned about your child, or they: have symptoms of dehydration , such as passing less urine than normal, being unusually irritable or unresponsive, pale or mottled skin, or cold hands and feet have blood in their poo or green vomit are vomiting constantly and are unable to keep down any fluids or feeds have had diarrhoea for more than a week have been vomiting for three days or more have signs of a more serious illness, such as a high fever over 38C or How gastroenteritis is spread The bugs that cause gastroenteritis can spread very easily from person to person.

You can catch the infection if small particles of vomit or poo from an infected person get into your mouth, such as through: close contact with someone with gastroenteritis — they may breathe out small particles of vomit touching contaminated surfaces or objects eating contaminated food — this can happen if an infected person doesn't wash their hands before handling food, or you eat food that has been in contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, or hasn't been stored and cooked at the correct temperatures read more about the causes of food poisoning A person with gastroenteritis is most infectious from when their symptoms start until 48 hours after all their symptoms have passed, although they may also be infectious for a short time before and after this.

Preventing gastroenteritis It's not always possible to avoid getting gastroenteritis, but following the advice below can help stop it spreading: Stay off work, school or nursery until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed. You or your child should also avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time. Ensure you and your child wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food.

Don't rely on alcohol hand gels, as they're not always effective. Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated. It's best to use a bleach-based household cleaner. Wash contaminated items of clothing or bedding separately on a hot wash. Don't share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils while you or your child is ill.

Flush away any poo or vomit in the toilet or potty and clean the surrounding area. Practice good food hygiene. Make sure food is properly refrigerated, always cook your food thoroughly, and never eat food that is past its use-by date — read more about preventing food poisoning. Diagnosis Your doctor will likely diagnose gastroenteritis based on symptoms, a physical exam and sometimes on the presence of similar cases in your community.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Alexandraki, I. Acute viral gastroenteritis in adults. Accessed Aug. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Viral gastroenteritis. Matson DO. Acute viral gastroenteritis in children in resource-rich countries: Management and prevention.