Viral gastroenteritis, commonly called the stomach flu, is an intestinal infection characterized by a trio of unpleasant symptoms: watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea.
The stomach flu isn’t a long-term threat for healthy adults, but the discomfort can be significant. Managing symptoms starts with understanding how to care for your digestive system during this sensitive state. Here’s what you need to know.
The main complication of the stomach flu is dehydration. When your body loses fluids through vomiting or diarrhea, it loses essential electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. You need to take frequent sips of clear liquids rather than drinking large amounts at once, which may trigger further nausea.
Mark R. Rosenberg, DO, and the providers at Macomb Medical Clinic, in Sterling Heights, recommend starting with water, ice chips, or clear broths. For patients with severe fluid loss, oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte or Hydralyte may be more effective than plain water because they contain the specific ratio of salts and sugars needed to accelerate absorption. If you can keep these down for several hours, you may gradually increase the volume.
Once the stomach has settled, introducing the right foods is crucial. We recommend a low-residue diet to ease gastrointestinal symptoms. A common approach is the BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are bland and contain binders that help firm up the stool.
As your appetite returns, you can incorporate other simple carbohydrates, such as crackers or plain boiled potatoes. Avoid adding butter, oils, or heavy spices, as fats are difficult for a healing gut to process. Lean proteins, such as skinless boiled chicken, can be introduced once you are confident that your stomach can handle more than just simple starches.
Certain substances can worsen diarrhea or cause additional cramping by irritating the intestinal lining. This includes caffeine and alcohol because they act as diuretics and can exacerbate dehydration. High-sugar drinks, including many fruit juices and sodas, can also be problematic as the excess sugar draws water into the intestines, potentially worsening your diarrhea.
You should also approach dairy products with caution. Many people experience a temporary lactose intolerance during and after a stomach virus because the infection temporarily depletes the enzymes needed to digest milk sugars.
Finally, avoid high-fiber foods, fried items, and acidic fruits like oranges or grapefruits until you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
If your symptoms persist or you show signs of severe dehydration, such as extreme thirst or dark urine, immediately contact Macomb Medical Clinic, P.C. in Sterling Heights.
