Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, rectal bleeding, even mild fever and headaches… Symptoms of gastroenteritis greatly disrupt the daily lives of patients. Fortunately, they usually don’t last more than two or three days. Typically, patients lack appetite and become dehydrated, which turns out to be counterproductive and only increases the duration of symptoms. Update on foods and beverages that help regain strength quickly.
Herbal teas, broths, soups… What should you drink when you have gastro?
In the case of gastronomy, the main risk is dehydration. Indeed, diarrhea and / or repeated vomiting cause significant loss of water and mineral salts. But our body needs to be regularly hydrated to function properly (between 1.5 and 2 liters of water per day). To compensate for these losses, we therefore rely on liquids that we ingest in small sips:
- still water ;
- a sweet drink (sweetened herbal teas or water containing syrup, for example);
- vegetable broths lightly salted;
- even oral rehydration solutions (ideal for children and the elderly at high risk of dehydration). They are available in pharmacies in the form of a powder to be diluted and contain proportions of mineral salts essential for the body to recover.
What drinks to avoid?
In case of gastroenteritis, it is better to avoid:
- soft drinks and other sodas (sources of bloating);
- alcoholic beverages (which promote dehydration);
- drinks containing caffeine;
- drinks that are too cold;
- fruit juices ;
- Milk.
Note: breastfed babies and children should continue to drink their usual milk (in smaller quantities). No question of changing their diet! Parents can also opt for a anti-diarrheal infant milk (available in pharmacies).
Dehydration, the signs that should alert:
- intense thirst;
- small amounts of urine;
- a dry mouth and tongue;
- a dull look and sunken eyes;
- dry skin that is slow to regain its original appearance following wrinkling;
- fever and headache;
- drowsiness accompanied by dizziness and disorientation;
- consciousness disorders (malaise, dizziness, etc.);
- a general lack of responsiveness (apathy).
If you notice these symptoms in a loved one, contact a doctor quicklyespecially if it is a young child or an elderly person.
Bananas, applesauce, yogurt, cheese, rice, pasta… What are the “good” foods to eat when you vomit?
It is not easy to keep your appetite between two episodes of diarrhea or vomiting in the toilet… It is however essential to maintain a relatively diversified diet to preserve your digestive system and reduce the duration of symptoms (by allowing stools to re-solidify, for example).
For this, at the start of gastroenteritis, meals are split. This allows smaller amounts of food to be ingested more regularly. Choose foods that will slow transit and restore the flora:
- THE eggs ;
- THE lean fish (boiled or steamed);
- THE lean meats (prepared without fat);
- THE savory broths ;
- THE pastathe White ricethe semolinaTHE potatoeswhite bread.
At breakfast, you can bet on rusks spread with honey or fruit jelly.
What vegetables to eat in case of gastro?
We prefer all cooked vegetables. Because ? Raw vegetables may irritate the walls of your intestine, which will only make diarrhea worse… The most popular vegetables:
- carrots,
- the beets,
- zucchini,
- the eggplants
- and green beans.
The good plan is a good vegetable soup!
What fruit to eat when you have gastro?
Better to avoid fruit until your gastro is over. Rich in dietary fiber, fruits tend to accelerate intestinal transit. Only exceptions:
- quince;
- bananas ;
- and apples.
Consume them ideally in the form of compote!
What regarding dairy products?
If they are well tolerated, or lactose-free, some dairy products can be consumed in small quantities:
- milk (lactose-free);
- plain yoghurts;
- cottage cheese;
- and cooked cheeses.
Coffee, milk, rice and other starches… What are the foods to avoid during a stomach flu?
In case of stomach flu, foods that are too fatty, too spicy and/or rich in dietary fiber are avoided (which stimulate the digestive system):
- THE whole starches (wholemeal bread, brown rice, etc.);
- THE legumes (dried beans, lentils, chickpeas, etc.);
- THE fresh fruits (with the exception of apples, bananas and quinces), ideally in the form of compote, jelly or jam;
- THE too fatty meats (charcuterie for example);
- THE raw vegetables ;
- THE fried foods ;
- THE industrial dishes ;
- pastries, pastries, sweets and other foods high in fat and sugar;
- THE spicy dishes.
When to start eating “normally” once more? What to eat following vomiting?
Do not cry victory as soon as the symptoms subside: your intestines remain weakened. To avoid a relapse, gradually increase your daily intake and avoid any excess.
Start with foods that are gentle on the gut: starchy foods (rice, pasta, potatoes) and grilled or fat-free cooked fish or white meat.
On the other hand, take your time before resuming alcohol, caffeinated drinks and spicy dishes or cooked in sauce.
Reminder: how to avoid gastroenteritis?
- Wash your hands (or your children’s) regularly with soap and water. Be especially careful before eating, before preparing meals, following using the toilet, following changing a baby’s diaper, etc.
- Wash carefully surfaces, clothing and other objects soiled by feces or vomit splashes.
- Do not share utensils or food with a person who has gastroenteritis (cutlery, toothbrushes, towels, clothes, etc.)
- In sum, avoid contact with people who have gastroenteritis.
