If you have the flu, what kind of food should you eat?
2007-04-04 22:55:09 · 8 answers · asked by bkanastoplus 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Soft foods like applesauce (if one likes it), and soup such as chicken soup. Above all else it's very important to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of clear liquids (especially when it comes to the nausea). I found that drinking 7 Up or Sprite if I don't have fresh ginger to make a tea from can help with the nausea to settle the stomach.
2007-04-04 23:00:32 · answer #1 · answered by sokokl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keeping up your fluid intake is vital. We loose more fluid through sweating with a temperature and expiring (breathing out) through our mouths when we are fighting off a flu bug
Best way to measure your input is enough is by looking at your urine as you go to the toilet. If it is clear, then you are well hydrated. If it is dark yellow, then you need to drink more.
Eating comes secondary. MAke up soup or a stew and have that. You can put in some nice foods and meats or chicken and pasta and rice and get a good meal out of it. It will be soft and easy to drink if you have a sore throat.
2007-04-04 23:19:17 · answer #2 · answered by caz_v8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It rather depends on the symptoms you're having. If there's nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (which some people get) then stick with the BRAT diet until stools are formed and solid and for 24 hours after that. Bananas, plain steamed Rice, Applesauce and dry Toast. If the symptoms are all respiratory, eat what you like. Water should be a component for either one.
2007-04-04 23:00:57 · answer #3 · answered by TweetyBird 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found this one the web and I think it pretty much covers what you should and should NOT eat while you have the stomach flu. I hope this helps...Get Well Soon!!!
BRAT: Is a acronym for bananas, rice, apples and toast.
TREATMENT: A short-term gastrointestinal (stomach or bowel) illness requires a change in your diet to begin the recuperation process.
For Nausea and/or Vomiting:
First six hours: In the immediate six or so hours after vomiting has stopped, it is best to give your stomach a rest. Following a period of one to two hours, suck on a hard candy or popsicle (no chewing). Then progress to ice chips or sips of water if nausea persists.
First 24 hours: (Day One) Gradually add clear liquids if the vomiting has ceased. Beginning with a sip or two every ten minutes is a good way to start. Suggestions include water, apple juice, flat soda, weak tea, jello (in liquid or gelatin form), broth or bouillon (clear based from non-greasy soup). If symptoms of nausea or vomiting return, begin the process again, taking nothing by mouth for an hour or so.
(DAY TWO) - Begin to add bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers, cooked cereals (Farina, Cream of Wheat), toast and jelly.
(DAY THREE) - Progress to a “regular” diet by adding such things as soft cooked eggs, sherbert, stewed fruits, cooked vegetables, white meat of chicken or turkey.
WHAT FOODS TO AVOID
Avoid milk and dairy products for three days.
Avoid fried, fatty, greasy and spicy foods.
Avoid pork, veal, salmon and sardines.
Avoid raw vegetables such as parsnips, beets, sauerkraut, corn on the cob, cabbage family, onions.
Avoid citrus fruits: pineapples, oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes.
Other fruits to avoid are cherries, grapes, figs, currants, raisins, rhubarb, seeded berries.
Avoid extremely hot or cold beverages.
Avoid Alcohol.
Avoid coffee and caffeinated sodas.
Drink plenty of water or liquids to avoid dehydration from fluid losses due to your illness.
Rest and avoid exertion to give your body a chance to recover.
Consult the Health Service about taking medication.
Make an appointment if you are not getting better despite dietary compliance after 24 hours, if you have a problem with chronic diarrhea or if you have additional symptoms of fever, weight loss, lightheadedness (feeling of faintness), rectal bleeding or abdominal pain.
2007-04-04 23:09:45 · answer #4 · answered by rellimztik_arual 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mild foods, if you can keep it down. Applesauce and chicken soup come highly recommended. And when my husband is ill, I make him a tea with ginger in it to help calm his stomach. Another thing that will stay down easily- if you take it slowly- is crushed ice and Coke Classic.
2007-04-05 00:21:33 · answer #5 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only drink liquids until the flu passes
2007-04-04 22:58:46 · answer #6 · answered by sad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Porridge. It has sufficient carbohydrates, has chicken(is good for colds) and is liquid form. Drink lots of water also. Ginger beer also helps.
2007-04-04 23:05:29 · answer #7 · answered by timfoong92 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eat anything you feel like eating and make sure you have a lot of fluid inside you... eating soup would be the best I think.
2007-04-04 23:03:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋