Easy-to-digest foods for easing gastroenteritis

Whether you call it gastroenteritis, a stomach bug or simply feeling “sick,” symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or nausea, are no fun. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that typically are a result from bacterial toxins such as from food poisoning or from a viral infection.   

Stomach issues such as gastroenteritis are not only uncomfortable but also is concerning in knowing what foods to eat and what foods to avoid. Ideally, this is a time for choosing foods easy to digest and gentle on your GI tract. The last thing you want to do is cause any further irritation making the situation worse.

It’s important to keep yourself hydrated and nutritionally sustained during these times, but what foods are best?  Here’s a list of foods (and some to avoid) that can help ease you back to health while avoiding any major GI upsets:

·      Fruits to choose

Of course fruit is highly nutritious and good for us but when tummy troubles are brewing, certain fruits are best to avoid. Berries and fruit with skin may cause stomach upset as they contain more fiber.  Fiber is healthy for you but is not digested completely. During gastroenteritis, this can lead to excess gas and bloating only making the situation worse.

The best fruits to eat with gastroenteritis are those with less fiber and easy-to-digest such as bananas, avocados, and any cooked or canned fruits such as applesauce, peaches, or pears.

·      Vegetables to choose

Fiber is also found in vegetables so during a bout with gastroenteritis, skip raw vegetables and opt for cooked or canned instead. Certain vegetables even when cooked, can still cause gassiness such as beans, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, onions, and artichokes.

The best vegetables to choose for keeping stomach upset to a minimum are cooked spinach, carrots, beets and peeled white potatoes.

·      Grains to choose

Whole wheat grains are one of our best food products to be eating for their nutrient density and fiber. But, when not feeling with a “stomach bug,” this is the one time to avoid whole grains altogether. Instead, choose the white, refined grains such as white rice, white bread, and white bagels. Oatmeal is also another good choice when dealing with gastroenteritis.

·      Protein foods to choose

When it comes to meats, poultry, and seafood, fortunately these tend to be gentle on your GI tract during gastroenteritis as long as you eat them in small portions. However, do skip greasy, fried meats which are harder to digest and can lead to indigestion. As long as meats are grilled, baked, or boiled, these are healthier, less irritating cooking methods good for easier digestion.

·      Beverages to choose

The best beverages to choose from when not feeling well is plain water, herbal teas such as green tea, or ginger ale. Stay away from carbonated, caffeinated, or sugary beverages which can be irritating and problematic for causing bloating and gassiness.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.