The stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, and it’s important to prevent this when you have the stomach flu. Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes can help you feel better faster and avoid complications. This article provides tips on the best drinks and strategies to avoid dehydration if you develop a stomach virus.
Best Drinks For Dehydration After Vomiting
It’s common to lose fluids quickly with repeated vomiting during stomach flu. Sticking to clear, hydrating liquids in small sips is key. Some of the best options include:
Water: Small sips of plain water or ice chips can help replace fluids gently. Let your stomach settle first before trying larger amounts.
Broths: Warm chicken, vegetable, or bone broths contain sodium and other electrolytes to replenish what’s lost.
Coconut water: The naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals in coconut make it ideal for rehydration. Look for varieties low in sugar.
Diluted Fruit Juices: Clear juices like apple, grape or cranberry can help restore fluids when diluted with water 50/50. Natural sugars help with energy too.
Oral Rehydration Solutions: Special powders like Pedialyte or sports drinks with balanced electrolytes can effectively replace what the body has lost.
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Tips for Surviving a Stomach Virus
Getting through a stomach bug quickly starts with smart self-care:
Get Plenty of Rest: Don’t fight fatigue – extra sleep helps preserve energy and lets your body heal.
Eat Gentle Foods: Give digestion a rest and stick to crackers, rice, toast, and clear broths until appetite improves. Avoid dairy, sugars, spices, fats, and fried fare.
Stay Hydrated: Sip approved fluids all day, even when not thirsty. Dehydration makes fatigue and discomfort worse.
Consider Probiotics: They can help restore healthy gut flora to ease symptoms sooner. Talk to your doctor first about probiotic options.
Wash Hands Frequently: Frequent, thorough hand washing stops the spread of illness-causing germs.
Disinfect Surfaces: Use antibacterial wipes and cleaners to prevent reinfection from contaminated surfaces.
Know When to Seek Help: Seek medical treatment promptly with severe diarrhea, unrelenting vomiting, or signs of dehydration like excessive fatigue, dry mouth, or dark urine.
Conclusion
Getting through a bout of stomach flu often comes down to supportive self-care strategies. Resting, sticking to gentle fluids and foods, staying hydrated, and maintaining good hygiene can help ease discomfort.
Pay close attention so that worsening symptoms or dehydration don’t go unchecked. Knowing what to drink and do makes it more likely you’ll bounce back quickly when stomach bugs strike.
