Gastroenteritis, gastro for short, is a fancy name for the stomach flu. Don’t confuse it with influenza, though, because they are not related. Gastro is the result of inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. It is usually caused by infection, but can also be related to bacteria or something ingested. Making sure foods are properly cleaned and prepared is a good way to avoid it, but if you find yourself suffering from it, here are a few tips.
Instructions
1. Avoid food. Avoid putting anything in your body except clear liquids until diarrhea has stopped. Then continue the clear fluid diet for at least 24 hours. “Clear liquids” are anything you can see through such as lemonade, weak tea, or bouillon.
2. Stay hydrated. It’s important to consume an abundance of these clear liquids to replace those lost during diarrhea and vomiting. Otherwise you will become dehydrated and your problems are compounded.
3. Avoid dairy. Stay completely away from any dairy products. They aggravated the stomach discomfort.
4. Reintroduce food. 24 hours after the diarrhea has stopped you may reintroduce a light diet. High fiber and low fat is what you need so look for things like chicken noodle soup, dry toast, rice, and bananas. Veggies are okay but they must be cooked. Raw veggies and fruit, whole grain bread or pasta, dairy, spicy foods, and heavy fats should all be avoided until a full recovery is made.
5. See a doctor. If the diarrhea is persistent you can try an over the counter anti-diarrheal to ease your discomfort. If symptoms don’t soon improve, you should see your doctor.
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