{"id":20151,"date":"2023-01-23T12:35:53","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T17:35:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20151"},"modified":"2023-03-03T14:46:11","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T19:46:11","slug":"8-ways-to-alleviate-stomach-flu-symptoms-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/8-ways-to-alleviate-stomach-flu-symptoms-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Ways to Alleviate Stomach Flu Symptoms at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

The stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is spread by an infected person or through contact with contaminated food or water. The infection can cause stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever and weaken your immune system. Older adults, young children and people with certain health conditions are at the <\/span>highest risk of getting the stomach flu<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can limit your risk of stomach flu by taking preventive measures like avoiding contaminated foods and water, washing your hands often and strengthening your <\/span>immune system<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The following tips can help you manage stomach flu symptoms in the comfort of your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Avoid substantial meals for a short period<\/h2>\n

Heavy meals or certain foods can <\/span>worsen stomach flu symptoms<\/span><\/a>, like diarrhea and vomiting. It\u2019s best to avoid foods that are hard to digest, like fatty or greasy foods. Since it\u2019s common to lose your appetite with stomach flu, it\u2019s crucial not to force yourself to eat. It\u2019s okay to stop eating solid foods for a few hours to allow your stomach to settle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you feel ready to start eating again, start consuming small portions of lean meats and complex carbohydrates, like potatoes or whole-grain foods. Try eating food every two to three hours to help boost your metabolism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you feel your nausea returning, stop eating and try again later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hydrate slowly but consistently<\/h2>\n

Stomach flu symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. Dehydration occurs when there aren\u2019t enough fluids in your body to function correctly. To stay hydrated and get some electrolytes, <\/span>drink enough clear liquids<\/span><\/a> daily. Water, bone broth, clear juices, certain sports beverages and popsicles are some examples of clear liquids you can drink to relieve stomach flu symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, aim to drink about a <\/span>tablespoon of clear liquid<\/span><\/a> every 15 to 20 minutes. If you can keep the beverages down for at least 15 minutes, you can increase the amount to one-quarter cup. Continue this process until you can drink half a cup of clear liquids every 30 minutes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Avoid drinking large amounts of liquids, as it could further upset your stomach and potentially cause stomach pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine<\/h2>\n

Caffeinated drinks contain high acidic levels, which can increase stomach flu symptoms like cramping and diarrhea. Coffee, tea and certain caffeinated sodas should be avoided while recovering from the stomach flu.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alcohol also has <\/span>high acidic levels<\/span><\/a> and acts as a diuretic, encouraging water loss through the urine. Since the stomach flu can cause dehydration, it\u2019s best to stop drinking alcohol until symptoms subside.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, using nicotine products while having stomach flu can <\/span>cause inflammation<\/span><\/a> in the stomach and colon.<\/span><\/p>\n

You should avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and nicotine products for at least three to five days after your stomach flu started.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Avoid spicy and fatty foods<\/h2>\n

Spicy and fatty foods can be challenging to digest with the stomach flu. In addition, these foods aggravate stomach flu symptoms, causing an increase in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A few examples of spicy and fatty foods include:<\/span><\/p>\n