What to eat in case of gastroenteritis (gastro)?

When gastroenteritis , commonly called “ gastro ,” strikes, our daily lives are quickly turned upside down! Between uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting 🤮, it is crucial to know how to adapt your diet to relieve your body.

But what can you eat when you have gastro? In this article, you will discover the foods to favor and those to avoid to regain strength without worsening your condition , as well as practical advice for hydrating yourself correctly and starting to eat normally again.

👉 You will also discover how certain food supplements can support you during this delicate period, helping your body recover more quickly.

What is gastroenteritis?

Every year, millions of people are affected by gastroenteritis around the world, making it a frequent cause of medical consultation.

It is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a pathogen, usually a virus (norovirus or rotavirus). This acute inflammation mainly manifests itself as acute diarrhea , vomiting , abdominal pain and sometimes fever ( 1 ). 🤒

It can affect people of all ages, but children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable because of their less robust immune systems.

Although most cases are mild and resolve within a few days, dehydration resulting from diarrhea and vomiting may require medical attention , especially in high-risk groups.

In the event of symptoms, it is crucial to maintain good hydration 💧 and adopt an appropriate diet to facilitate recovery, while limiting the risk of transmission to those around you.

What to eat in case of gastroenteritis?

When you're dealing with gastroenteritis , your body goes through a period of extreme vulnerability, where every food choice can influence your path to recovery. The dietary philosophy to adopt during this period must therefore be guided by prudence, simplicity and listening to your body (2,3).

Concretely, this means choosing foods that support the healing process without overloading an already weakened digestive system. The watchwords are: ease of digestion and hydration.

Choose gentle, non-irritating foods that provide energy and nutrients without causing discomfort or worsening symptoms.

At the same time, the importance of hydration cannot be underestimated: fluids play a crucial role not only in replenishing losses due to diarrhea and vomiting but also in facilitating digestion and absorption of nutrients.

This dietary approach, focused on well-being and recovery, often requires a return to simplicity: light meals, not very spicy and not very fatty. 🍲

What foods should you choose when you have gastro?

Here are the foods to favor that can help you get through gastro more peacefully (4) 👇

• Bananas : Rich in potassium, they help restore electrolytes lost due to vomiting and diarrhea. Their soft texture and ease of digestion make them an ideal choice!
• White rice : Rice is an easily digestible source of energy. It also contributes to the formation of more consistent stools, which is beneficial in cases of diarrhea.
• Applesauce : Applesauce, preferably without added sugar, is gentle on the stomach and provides a moderate amount of soluble fiber which helps regulate intestinal transit.
• Toast or white bread : White bread or toast can be eaten without toppings to avoid further irritation to the stomach.
• Clear broths : Clear vegetable or chicken broths are excellent for staying hydrated while providing essential mineral salts. Make sure they are low in fat and not too spicy.

What foods should you avoid?

If you have gastroenteritis, certain foods can make your symptoms worse and delay your recovery. It is therefore crucial to know which foods to set aside during your convalescence. Here is a list of the main foods to avoid to facilitate your healing (4) 👇

• Fatty and fried foods : Foods high in fat are difficult to digest and can intensify nausea and gastrointestinal upset.
• Dairy products : Although some dairy products can be tolerated, many people find that lactose worsens symptoms of diarrhea during gastroenteritis.
• Spicy foods : Spices can further irritate the digestive system, which should be avoided when you suffer from gastro.
• Caffeine and alcohol : These substances can increase dehydration and further disrupt your body's fluid balance.
• Foods rich in fiber : although normally beneficial, foods very rich in fiber can accelerate intestinal transit and exacerbate diarrhea.
• Raw fruits and vegetables : some can be difficult to digest and irritating to already sensitive intestines. It is best to avoid them or eat them cooked to aid digestion.
• Sweets and sugary drinks : Very sugary foods and drinks (soda, fruit juice, etc.) can cause “osmotic diarrhea,” where sugar draws water into the intestine, increasing the bulk of stools.

By avoiding the foods above, you help your body focus on fighting the infection and reduce the uncomfortable symptoms associated with this condition.

Steaming, poaching, boiling, stewing, or in the oven at low temperature: cooking methods recommended in the context of gastroenteritis.

What should you drink in case of gastro?

Hydration is a fundamental pillar in the management of gastroenteritis. Due to significant fluid losses caused by diarrhea and vomiting, the risk of dehydration is high , especially in children and the elderly.

Rehydrating the body is not only vital to compensate for these losses, but also to help dilute and flush out toxins more effectively, aiding recovery. 💪

Here are the most recommended options for maintaining good hydration:

• Water : the basis of all hydration! Make sure to drink regularly, even in small sips, to compensate for fluid losses.
• Oral rehydration solutions : these solutions, available in pharmacies, contain a precise mixture of salts and glucose intended to optimize the absorption of water by the intestine. They are particularly recommended in cases of moderate to severe dehydration.
• Clear broths : These are a good source of mineral salts and may be more palatable than water for some people, thus encouraging sufficient fluid intake.
• Light, non-caffeinated herbal teas : Chamomile or mint herbal teas, for example, can have a soothing effect on the digestive system while restoring proper hydration.
• Natural coconut waters : rich in electrolytes, they can help rehydrate the body naturally.

How and when to start eating normally again after gastrointestinal illness?

Recovering from gastroenteritis requires patience and caution, especially when it comes to reintroducing solid foods into your diet. 🍽️

After a period of digestive rest, where clear liquids and gentle foods have made up the bulk of your diet, knowing when and how to expand your diet is crucial for a full recovery without relapse.

Here are tips for navigating this transition smoothly 👇

• Listen to your body : Look for decreased symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting as indicators to reintroduce solid foods.
• Start with small portions of foods that are easy to digest (e.g. toast, crackers, white rice).
• Gradually increase dietary diversity by sticking to mild foods.
• Pay attention to your body's reactions : any increase in symptoms means you need to slow down!
• Stay hydrated : Maintain sufficient hydration with water, clear broths, and rehydration solutions.
• Avoid irritating foods : Continue to avoid fatty, spicy, very sugary, or high-fiber foods to prevent unwanted symptoms.
• Regular meals in small quantities : favor smaller and frequent meals to stabilize digestion and not overload the stomach.

👉 By following these guidelines, you will help your digestive system regain its strength and functionality, while minimizing the risk of complications.

Remember that patience is your best ally in this healing process!

Food supplements to adopt in case of gastroenteritis

Certain dietary supplements 💊 can help relieve symptoms and speed recovery from gastroenteritis.

Among the most recommended are activated charcoal , humic acids and probiotics .

Here's how these supplements can help you with gastro.👇

Activated charcoal to counter gastrointestinal symptoms

Activated carbon is known for its exceptional absorbent properties. In cases of gastroenteritis, it can help absorb toxins in the digestive system, thereby reducing symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea (5,6).

It is important to note that activated charcoal should be taken with caution and should not be used as a long-term remedy.

Additionally, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine, especially if you are under treatment, as it may interfere with the absorption of certain medications.

Humicol (humic acids) to restore intestinal balance

Humicol , our supplement based on humic acids , is another interesting option for those suffering from gastroenteritis. Humic acids help support intestinal health by promoting the growth of good bacteria and restoring balance to intestinal flora.

This can be particularly beneficial after a period of intense diarrhea, when the gut flora may be out of balance.

Probiotics to strengthen the intestinal flora

Probiotics are among the most recommended supplements in cases of gastroenteritis (7–11). These “good” bacteria 🦠 help restore and maintain the balance of intestinal flora, which is crucial for rapid recovery.

Probiotics can help reduce the duration of gastro symptoms and prevent possible recurrences. They are available as dietary supplements, but can also be found in fermented foods such as yogurt , kefir , and kimchi .

It is important to choose specific probiotic strains that have proven effective against gastroenteritis, such as ABBGen brand Beocin .

Conclusion

Gastroenteritis , with its disturbing symptoms and its impact on our daily well-being, requires special attention both in the choice of our diet and in the way we support our body during this delicate period.

The dietary and hydration tips presented here are intended to facilitate the healing process, with an emphasis on caution and listening to our bodies.

Furthermore, the integration of dietary supplements such as activated charcoal , Humicol , and probiotics like Beocin , can offer additional support in overcoming the challenges posed by gastroenteritis, helping to relieve symptoms, restore the intestinal balance and accelerate recovery.

Of course, these supplements do not replace a balanced and appropriate diet, nor the advice of a health professional, but they can constitute valuable help as part of a global approach to managing gastroenteritis.

So, by combining an appropriate diet , adequate hydration , and the judicious use of food supplements , you can give yourself every chance of quickly regaining health and comfort! ❤️

FAQs

References

• Onyon C, Dawson T. Gastroenteritis. Pediatrician Child Health. 2018;28(11):527‑32.
• Isolauri E, Juntunen M, Wiren S, Vuorinen P, Koivula T. Intestinal Permeability Changes in Acute Gastroenteritis: Effects of Clinical Factors and Nutritional Management. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. May 1989;8(4):466-73.
• Murphy MS. Guidelines for managing acute gastroenteritis based on a systematic review of published research. Arch Dis Child. 1998;79(3):279-84.
• Government of Quebec [Internet]. [cited March 1, 2024]. Eating during gastroenteritis.
• Hoegberg LCG, Shepherd G, Wood DM, Johnson J, Hoffman RS, Caravati EM, et al. Systematic review on the use of activated charcoal for gastrointestinal decontamination following acute oral overdose. Clin Toxicol. 2 Dec 2021;59(12):1196‑227.
• Bond GR. The role of activated charcoal and gastric emptying in gastrointestinal decontamination: a state-of-the-art review. Ann Emerg Med. 2002;39(3):273-86.
• Uwera R. Acute gastroenteritis treatment principles. [cited March 1, 2024]
• An RCT. Probiotics versus placebo in cases of acute gastroenteritis. [cited March 2, 2024]
• Scaillon M, Vandenplas Y. Treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children. Rev Medical Brux. 2016;37(2):87‑94.
• Marteau P, Rambaud JC. Probiotics in gastroenterology: rational bases, demonstrated effects and perspectives. Hepato-Gastro Oncol Dig. 1998;5(4):267-73.
• Khelili D. Effect of probiotics and prebiotics on viral infections [Internet] [PhD Thesis]. Mouloud Mammeri University; 2020 [cited March 3, 2024].