What to Eat When You Have the Stomach Flu (And Feel Like Throwing Up Nonstop)

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By Team Home Insemination Kit
Updated: Sep. 13, 2021
Originally Published: March 5, 2021

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Jane Smith, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Smith runs a thriving pediatric practice and has extensive experience in family health.

When someone in your family contracts the stomach flu, it can be a tough time for everyone. Whether you’re personally battling the illness or caring for a loved one, the discomfort that comes with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be overwhelming. It’s unlike any other ailment, making it hard to think about food, let alone keep it down.

However, while skipping meals might seem tempting, it’s crucial to know that proper nutrition is important during recovery. Here’s a guide to what you should keep in mind regarding food when dealing with the stomach flu.

Understanding the Stomach Flu

Commonly referred to as the “stomach flu,” this condition is technically known as viral gastroenteritis. According to health experts, symptoms often include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. These symptoms can last anywhere from a day or two to up to ten days in some cases.

The virus spreads primarily through contact with infected individuals or consuming contaminated food or water. If adults or older children haven’t been able to keep liquids down for over 24 hours or have been vomiting for more than two days (especially with blood), it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Infants can be tricky since they might spit up, which is different from vomiting that could necessitate medical attention.

Foods to Avoid During Stomach Flu

Before diving into what you should eat, let’s discuss what to steer clear of. The following foods and beverages are best avoided according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other reputable sources:

Caffeinated beverages
High-fat foods (like fried items and pizza)
Sugary drinks and certain fruit juices
Dairy products containing lactose
Alcohol
Tomato-based dishes
Acidic foods
Spicy or heavily seasoned foods
Processed foods

Recommended Foods When You Have the Stomach Flu

If you grew up in a household where eating was mandatory, you might feel inclined to encourage the same for your kids. However, the stomach flu is an exception. Experts, including Dr. Emily Johnson from the Cleveland Clinic, advise against forcing yourself to eat. Instead, the focus should be on hydration and resting.

Once someone starts feeling better, they can typically return to their usual diet. However, for those wanting to ease back into eating, here are some gentle options:

Hydrating liquids (water, sports drinks, or clear decaf soda)
Plain broths
Oral rehydration solutions with electrolytes, especially for children
Ice chips
Crackers, particularly saltines
Toast
Plain chicken or rice
Gelatin
Bananas
Complex carbs like potatoes and whole grains

If nausea returns or vomiting occurs again, it’s wise to revert to just hydrating liquids for the time being.

Explore more about managing symptoms here.

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In summary, when you or a loved one is dealing with the stomach flu, focus on hydration and gradually reintroducing easy-to-digest foods. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy items to ease the recovery process and ensure better comfort.