Certain foods can help you feel better, fast.

When you're experiencing any type of gastro issue—vomiting, diarrhea, nausea—it's not only unpleasant to deal with but uncomfortable too.

Staying well hydrated and nourished is important for the body to recover, but not all foods are going to make you feel good. You need to softly support your digestive system with easy foods that are comforting and healing.

How to start eating when you have the flu

• Starting to eat again when your stomach flu symptoms allow it should be done gradually. Start with small portions so as not to overload your stomach.
• Go for starchy foods that are gentle on the stomach, without spices, and broths before resuming your usual eating habits.
• You can become dehydrated very quickly during a bout of the flu—especially if you're vomiting. In addition to water, broths and oral rehydration solutions will help replenish needed nutrients.
   

What to eat when you have the flu

• Starchy foods provide the body with easily digestible carbohydrates and help stabilize transit. Opt for small amounts of well-cooked white rice (without sauce), plain pasta, steamed potatoes, toast, or dry biscuits.
• Applesauce, without the added sugar, is easy to digest and helps soothe intestinal irritation.
• Bananas are rich in potassium and help compensate for mineral losses caused by dehydration.
• Vegetable broth or chicken broth provides nutrients to the body without overloading the stomach.
• Once your gastro crisis is over, you can also start eating probiotic-rich products again, such as yogurt or kefir, to rebalance your intestinal flora.

Foods To Avoid when you have the flu

• Dairy products are difficult to digest and should not be reintroduced into the diet until your sickness is over and the gastroenteritis symptoms have completely subsided.
• Fatty foods are hard to digest, so it's best to wait.
• Spicy foods can also increase irritation of the intestines, which are already weakened by gastroenteritis.
• Although raw vegetables are easy to digest, their high fibre content makes them foods to avoid during any gastro symptoms.
• Avoid coffee, black tea and alcohol, which tend to stimulate the intestines. 

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