Gastrointestinal flu is an extremely unpleasant infection of the gastrointestinal tract that can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. If it is caused by bacteria, it cannot be cured with antibiotics. There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of getting the stomach flu. It is important that you always wash your hands well and disinfect your surroundings regularly. It is particularly important that you avoid contact with sick people.
Fortunately, in most cases, stomach flu is not dangerous and the body can recover in a short period of time. It usually lasts between 3 and 5 days. In order to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, which include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting caused by inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, despite the lack of medication, it is important to ensure that:which foodsyou take in.
What you should consider when it comes to food intake
In this article we would like to explain to you, just in case, what you should do if you become ill should be taken into account in relation to food intake.
1. Avoid dehydration
Vomiting and diarrhea cause dehydration of the body. However, so that the body can fight the bacteria and recover, it is extremely important that the lost fluids are replenished. However, it often happens that the nausea is so severe that it is impossible to drink water or other liquids. In such a case, you should wait a few hours until the symptoms subside somewhat. This usually takes 2 to 4 hours. Only take small sips and it is best to choose water as it is more neutral and will irritate the stomach less.
2. What foods should be chosen
Sick people usually have no appetite. The disease often begins with this symptom. Added to this are nausea and vomiting, which make it virtually impossible to eat food. Therefore, wait until these symptoms subside and gradually start eating a normal diet again, including some harder foods. At the beginning, however, it is important to consume products that are easy to digest. These include toasted bread, pretzel sticks, rice, boiled potatoes, apple juice and bananas. These products also help with diarrhea.
3. Which foods should be avoided
Since the body is busy fighting the bacteria that caused the disease, you should avoid some products that would only further irritate the stomach. These include spicy or sour dishes, as well as vegetables, meat, dairy products and grain products.
