what to eat in stomach infection - #18464
I am really confused about what to eat in stomach infection because I've had this awful stomach pain for a few days now, and it feels like a never-ending cycle of discomfort! On Monday, I started feeling queasy, and by Tuesday, it was like a rollercoaster of nausea and cramping. I forced myself to eat some toast, but it just made me feel worse. My doctor said it sounds like a stomach infection but didn’t give me any clear guidelines on what to eat in stomach infection situations. I tried some plain rice yesterday, thinking it might help, but I still felt like I was on the edge of needing to run to the bathroom every five minutes. I want to make sure whatever I put in my stomach is going to help, not make things worse! Can anyone share what to eat in stomach infection recovery? Should I stick with simple things like broth and bananas, or is there something better? I read some stuff about probiotics too, but I don’t know if I should be trying yogurt right now. Honestly, I'm kind of lost here, and the stomach cramps are driving me crazy! What to eat in stomach infection? Is there a specific diet or list of safe foods I should follow? Super appreciate any advice!!!
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Doctors' responses
For a stomach infection, it’s important to focus on foods that are gentle on the digestive tract while you allow your body some time to heal. Start by sticking to a BRAT-like diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), which is traditionally easy on the stomach and can help firm up stools and replace nutrients. Plain, cooked white rice and toast without butter can be good staples, as they’re bland and absorbent. Bananas can provide some needed potassium, which may get depleted if you’re experiencing diarrhea. Applesauce is also an okay choice thanks to its pectin content which can help bind the stool.
Clear broths or light soups are ideal as they help keep you hydrated without heavy spices or fats that might trigger your stomach. Hydration is crucial, so ensure you’re drinking enough fluids—like water or an electrolyte solution—to avoid dehydration. Herbal teas, such as ginger or chamomile, might soothe the stomach and ease cramping. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and very sugary drinks like sodas, as they can irritate your stomach more.
Regarding yogurt or other probiotics, be cautious. Although probiotics can restore gut flora, some people with stomach infections may find the dairy in yogurt difficult to tolerate, potentially exacerbating symptoms. If you decide to try them, pick a plain, unsweetened variety and start with small amounts to see how your body reacts.
Once your symptoms start to improve, gradually reintroduce other low fiber, bland foods to avoid overwhelming your digestive system too quickly. Soft boiled or poached eggs can be a protein source without being tough to digest. Avoid fatty, spicy, or fried foods until you’re fully recovered, as these can be difficult for a tender stomach to manage and might set back your healing.
If your symptoms significantly worsen or do not improve, seek medical attention, as persistent symptoms could signal a more serious condition. Likewise, if you experience severe dehydration signs, such as dizziness or reduced urine output, seeing a healthcare provider without delay is vital.
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