What To Eat, Drink, and Avoid When You Have the Stomach Flu

Viral gastroenteritis — more commonly known as the stomach flu — is a highly contagious illness that affects your stomach and intestines. Unlike food poisoning, which is caused by bacteria or toxins in contaminated food, the stomach flu spreads through direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.

The stomach flu doesn’t have anything to do with influenza viruses, despite its name. Instead, it’s typically caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus. It causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and body aches, and it usually lasts one to three days.

If you’re dealing with this unpleasant illness, knowing what to eat, drink, and avoid can help ease your symptoms and even help you recover faster. And if you have more questions, our team at Wynantskill Family Medicine is here to help.

What to eat when you have the stomach flu

The stomach flu makes your digestive system sensitive, and eating the wrong foods can make symptoms like nausea and diarrhea worse. Try eating bland, easy-to-digest foods that won’t irritate your stomach, such as:

• Bananas
• Plain rice
• Plain, dry toast
• Plain crackers
• Applesauce
• Plain potatoes

As you start to feel better, gradually introduce lean proteins like skinless chicken, scrambled eggs, or bone broth to help you rebuild strength.

What to drink when you have the stomach flu

Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, so staying hydrated is very important when you’re recovering from the stomach flu. Try sipping on beverages such as:

• Plain water
• Electrolyte drinks, like sports drinks or Pedialyte
• Ginger or peppermint tea to help soothe nausea
• Clear broths

If you’re struggling to keep fluids down, try sucking on ice chips or popsicles to slowly replenish fluids without overwhelming your stomach.

What to avoid eating and drinking when you have the stomach flu

Certain foods and drinks can irritate your digestive system and make stomach flu symptoms worse. While you’re recovering, it’s a good idea to avoid:

• Dairy products, because lactose can be harder to digest when your gut is inflamed
• Caffeine, which can dehydrate you and irritate your stomach
• Alcohol, which can worsen dehydration and nausea
• Greasy, fatty foods, which are difficult to digest
• Spicy foods, which can irritate your stomach lining further
• Sugary drinks, which can draw more water into your intestines and worsen diarrhea

When in doubt, skip any questionable foods or beverages for a few days until you’re feeling better.

When to go to the doctor for the stomach flu

Most cases of the stomach flu improve within a few days with proper rest and hydration. However, you should seek medical attention if you’re concerned about your health or if you experience:

• Severe dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, little to no urination)
• Bloody diarrhea or vomit
• A high fever (over 102°F)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Symptoms lasting more than a week

If you’re struggling to recover or if you have questions about your symptoms, our team is here to help. We specialize in convenient family medicine care, and we can diagnose your symptoms and give you a treatment plan to start you on the road to recovery. 

Call Wynantskill Family Medicine at 518-283-1974 or request an appointment online today.