Hello, I'm Dr. Smith, a gastroenterologist. I've been working in the field for over 20 years, and I've seen my fair share of stomach viruses.

It's important to understand that a stomach virus is actually a viral gastroenteritis, and it can be caused by a variety of viruses, most commonly norovirus and rotavirus. It's important to remember that stomach viruses are self-limiting, meaning they usually resolve on their own within a few days.

During this time, your main focus should be hydration and rest.

**What you can eat with a stomach virus can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms.**

Here are some general guidelines:

1. Start with bland foods:

* Plain crackers: These are often easy on the stomach and can help settle nausea.
* Toast: Like crackers, toast is easy to digest and can help absorb excess stomach acid.
* Rice: This is another bland food that can be easily tolerated.
* Bananas: These provide potassium, which is often lost during vomiting.
* Applesauce: This is a good source of pectin, which can help with diarrhea.

2. Gradually reintroduce other foods:

Once you can tolerate the bland foods, you can start adding in other foods, but make sure you do it gradually.

* Broth: Broth is a good source of fluids and electrolytes. You can try chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth.
* Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a good source of fiber and can help absorb excess water.
* Cooked vegetables: Choose cooked vegetables over raw vegetables, as they are easier to digest.
* Lean protein: Once you can tolerate solid foods, you can start adding in lean protein sources, such as grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.

3. Stay hydrated:

* Water: Water is the best way to stay hydrated.
* Pedialyte: Pedialyte is an electrolyte solution that can help replace fluids and electrolytes lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.
* Sports drinks: Sports drinks can also help replace electrolytes, but they are often high in sugar, so use them in moderation.

4. Foods to avoid:

* Fatty foods: Fatty foods can make diarrhea worse.
* Spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the stomach and make nausea and vomiting worse.
* Dairy products: Some people have difficulty digesting dairy products when they have a stomach virus.
* Caffeine: Caffeine can dehydrate you, so it's best to avoid it.
* Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the stomach and make diarrhea worse.

5. Listen to your body:

* **If you're nauseous or vomiting, it's best to stick to bland foods.**
* **If you have diarrhea, it's important to stay hydrated.**
* **If you have any concerns, it's always best to talk to your doctor.**

**Remember, everyone's experience with a stomach virus is different.** Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms.

**If you have any concerns about your symptoms or your diet, please talk to your doctor.**

read more >>

Gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns. Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.read more >>