Gastro: what foods should you eat?

 

When viral gastroenteritis strikes you, eating or even keeping food in your belly can become a real challenge. Experts recommend focusing on hydration to heal yourself, but this can be difficult when nausea, vomiting and stomach aches are overwhelming you. Even so, there are certain foods and drinks that can help nourish your body and soothe your stomach. Indeed, to facilitate your recovery, you can count on non-irritating foods, starchy foods cooked in water, or certain specific drinks.

Ice cubes

It can be difficult to swallow or drink anything when you have gastroenteritis. Sucking on ice cubes allows you to hydrate yourself at the first symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Water

Water is the best thing to drink when you suffer from gastroenteritis because it has no taste, no sugar, no caffeine. And most importantly, it keeps you hydrated.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea helps relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis. And only the smell of peppermint can calm nausea!

Ginger

Ginger is frequently used to relieve nausea, one of the major symptoms of gastroenteritis. It can be eaten fresh, incorporated as a spice or prepared as an infusion in a tea.

Electrolyte drinks

Electrolytes, a collection of electrically charged minerals, play a crucial role in various bodily functions such as regulating blood pressure and muscle contraction. Drinking electrolyte-containing beverages, such as Powerade, can help prevent dehydration.

Broth-based soups

Broth-based soups are high in water and will help you stay hydrated if you suffer from gastroenteritis. They're perfect for when you start eating food again.

Golden milk

Golden milk is a traditional Indian tea made from milk and turmeric that relieves the symptoms of gastroenteritis and colds.

Juices

While some juices are rich in vitamins, others are high in sugars and can worsen your symptoms. Mix clear juice, such as apple juice, with water to reduce its sugar content.

Ice cream sticks

Ice cream sticks are rich in water and are perfect for hydrating (and cooling off).

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Bananas

Bananas, rice, applesauce and toasted bread are the key foods in the BRAT diet, recommended for children and adults who suffer from diarrhea or gastroenteritis.

Rice

But the BRAT diet won't give you all the nutrients you need.

Applesauce

However, a person can follow a non-irritating diet until they feel ready to eat other foods.

Toasted bread

In general, a person who follows the BRAT diet is able to reintegrate other foods into their meals when they feel better.

Salty crackers

Salty crackers also relieve ailing stomachs.

Oats

Just like rice, oats are a non-irritating food that is perfect for people with gastroenteritis.

Plain potatoes

Plain cooked potatoes are a good option when you have gastroenteritis. They are soft, low in fat and high in starchy foods that are easily digested.

Eggs

Eggs provide nutrients for people suffering from gastroenteritis. Avoid cooking your eggs in oil or butter, however, as the fat can make diarrhea worse.

Low-fat meat and poultry

                       

                    

If you suffer from gastroenteritis, your body is more likely to tolerate lean meats like chicken, turkey, and ham. Opt for fat-free cooking (in the oven, etc.).

Oily fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel or herring, are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

Tofu

You can replace turkey, chicken or fish with tofu if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Beans

Beans, including kidney and black beans, are high in fiber. And this type of food relieves the symptoms of constipation, as it softens the stool if you drink enough water.

Yogurt

Probiotics are live microorganisms that help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut. They contain stomach-healthy bacteria and can help relieve diarrhea. Plain yogurt is rich in probiotics.

Fermented foods

Sauerkraut, miso, kimchi and pickles are also rich in probiotics.

Kefir

This probiotic drink is made from kefir grains and coconut milk.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in fiber, which calms inflammation. Chia seeds, flax seeds and hazelnuts are good sources of omega-3.

Foods and drinks to avoid

Certain foods and drinks can make your gastroenteritis worse, such as caffeinated drinks, or foods that are sweet, too fatty, spicy or fried.