If you’ve recently been struck with vomiting or diarrhea, you know how miserable it can make you feel. Not only is your stomach in knots, but you’re also likely feeling weak and dehydrated. After vomiting or having diarrhea, it is crucial to replace the fluids and nutrients that you have lost. If you want to get back on your feet as quickly as possible, you need to know which foods are best for you. But what are the best foods to eat after vomiting or diarrhea? It’s essential to choose foods that are easy on your stomach and will help to hydrate and replenish your body.
The following list of ten foods is excellent for helping your body recover from this unpleasant experience. So next time you find yourself in this situation, reach for one of these items. Also, be sure to check with your doctor before eating any of these foods if you have a specific medical condition.
1. Rice
Rice is a good option if you’re looking for bland food that is easy on your stomach. Rice is a good carbohydrate source and can help replenish your energy levels. It’s also low in fat and calories, making it a good choice for those who are trying to lose weight. And best of all, rice is easy to digest and won’t upset your stomach. Plus, it’s hydrating and will help to replenish the fluids that you’ve lost. When choosing rice, opt for white rice over brown rice. White rice is less likely to irritate your stomach and will be easier for your body to digest. So if you’re looking for something to eat after vomiting or having diarrhea, give the rice a try.
2. Broth-Based Soup
Soup can be a great option when you’re feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach. The best soups to choose from are broth-based and not too thick or creamy. Chicken soup is always a good choice, but you can also try other options like miso soup or vegetable soup. Avoid cream-based soups as they are more likely to irritate your stomach. And be sure to go easy on the spices, as they can also aggravate your symptoms. A bowl of warm, broth-based soup will help to rehydrate your body and give you the nutrients you need to start feeling better.
How to make a quick and easy broth-based soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 small celery stalk, diced
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add the chicken broth and water to a pot and bring to a boil.
- Add the celery, onion, garlic, carrot and to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy.
3. Banana
Banana is the best food to eat after vomiting or diarrhea as it is light and easily digestible. It also replenishes electrolytes lost during vomiting or diarrhea. They’re also high in potassium, which is important for those experiencing vomiting or diarrhea because it can help prevent dehydration. Bananas are best eaten when ripe as they are easier to digest. You can also try eating a banana with some honey if you find it difficult to get down a whole banana.
Make sure to avoid eating unripe bananas, as they can make your vomiting or diarrhea worse. If you’re unsure whether a banana is ripe, check to see if the peel is primarily yellow with some brown spots. So, the next time you feel sick to your stomach, reach for a banana!
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4. Toast
Toast is another bland food that can help settle your stomach. It’s easy on the stomach and can be consumed even when feeling nauseous. Be sure to avoid any toast that is too greasy or loaded with toppings, as this can worsen your symptoms. Toast is also a good source of carbohydrates, which can help to replenish your energy levels.
And best of all, toast is hydrating and will help to replenish the fluids you’ve lost. Choose whole-wheat toast over white bread for an added boost of nutrients. Because toast is so bland, you should eat it with some honey or jam to make it more palatable. You can also try dipping your toast in soup or eating it with broth-based soup.
5. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are a good choice for those who are vomiting or have diarrhea because they help to replenish electrolytes. They’re also hydrating and can help to prevent or treat dehydration. Avoid sugary sports drinks as they can make your symptoms worse. Instead, choose sports drinks that are low in sugar or sugar-free.
You can also make your own sports drink at home by adding a pinch of salt and some honey to the water. Sports drinks can help you feel better by giving you the necessary electrolytes and fluids, so if you’re looking for something to drink after vomiting or having diarrhea, reach for a sports drink.
6. BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is often recommended for people recovering from vomiting or diarrhea. These foods are bland and easy to digest and can help relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You can eat the foods on the BRAT diet as individual snacks or meals or combine them into one meal. For example, you could have a bowl of rice with some applesauce and toast on the side. The BRAT diet can help to regulate your digestive system and make you feel better. However, it’s important to note that the BRAT diet is not a long-term solution, and you should eventually add other foods back into your diet.
How to follow the BRAT diet?
If you are following the BRAT diet, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. You may also want to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can further dehydrate you. It is best to eat small, frequent meals while following the BRAT diet. You can add other bland foods such as boiled chicken or fish, boiled vegetables, and plain white rice to your diet. The BRAT diet is typically followed for a period of one to two days, after which you can slowly add other foods back into your diet.
7. Clear Liquids
After vomiting or diarrhea, clear liquids are the best things to drink. This means drinks like water, sports drinks, broth, and tea. These drinks will help to replenish your body with fluids and electrolytes. Clear liquids can help to ease your symptoms and make you feel better. You should avoid drinking anything with caffeine or alcohol, as these can worsen your dehydration.
If you are feeling hungry, try bland foods like toast, crackers, boiled potatoes, or soup. Avoid fatty or fried foods, as well as anything high in sugar. This is because these foods can make your symptoms worse. Once you’re feeling better, you can slowly add other foods to your diet.
8. Ice Chips
If you’re feeling nauseous, drinking ice chips can help to ease your symptoms. Ice chips are also hydrating and can help to prevent dehydration. You can make your own ice chips at home by freezing water or fruit juice in an ice tray. Alternatively, you can buy ice chips at the store. Just check the label to ensure they’re free of sugar and other additives. You can eat ice chips as a snack or drink them throughout the day.
9. Herbal Tea
Herbal tea can be a calming way to ease your symptoms after vomiting or having diarrhea. There are many different types of herbal tea, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. For example, ginger tea can help to ease nausea, while chamomile tea can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Herbal tea is also hydrating and can help to prevent dehydration.
To make herbal tea, steep one teaspoon of dried herbs in eight ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes. You can also add honey or lemon to your tea for added flavor. Drink two to three cups of herbal tea per day.
10. Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are found in yogurt and other fermented foods. These bacteria can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Probiotics can also help ease diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting symptoms. You can get probiotics from foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. You can also take probiotic supplements. Just make sure to speak to your physician before taking any supplements.
Foods to Avoid When You’re Vomiting or Having Diarrhea
When you’re vomiting or having diarrhea, it’s best to avoid certain foods. These include:
- Greasy, fried, or fatty foods
- Spicy foods
- Dairy products (such as milk and cheese)
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Sugar and high-sugar foods (such as candy, cakes, and cookies)
- Raw fruits and vegetables that are hard to digest (such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts)
- Foods that are difficult to digest (such as processed meats and aged cheeses).
By avoiding these foods, you can ease your symptoms and make sure that your body has enough time to heal. Once your vomiting and diarrhea have subsided, then you can slowly add other foods back into your diet.
When to see a doctor?
If your symptoms are severe or last more prolonged than one to two days, it is best to see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have blood in your vomit or stool, are dehydrated, or have a fever. These could be signs of a more serious condition and require medical treatment.
Conclusion:
Vomiting and diarrhea can be unpleasant experiences, but following the right diet can help to ease your symptoms and make you feel better. Clear liquids, bland foods, ice chips, herbal teas, and probiotics are all the best foods to eat after vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, you should avoid greasy, fried, or fatty foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol. If your symptoms don’t improve after one to two days, it’s best to see a doctor. With the proper nutrition and care, you can recover from vomiting.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What should I avoid eating after vomiting or diarrhea?
In general, you should avoid greasy, fatty, fried foods, dairy; caffeine, alcohol; and spicy foods. These can all exacerbate vomiting and diarrhea and make you feel worse.
How long after vomiting or diarrhea should I wait before eating again?
It’s best to wait an hour after vomiting or diarrhea before eating or drinking again. This gives your stomach and intestines time to settle down and recover.
How do you regain strength after vomiting and diarrhea?
Vomiting and diarrhea can be draining, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the proper nutrition and rest. Start with clear liquids (such as water or tea) and gradually progress to bland foods like toast, bananas, crackers, plain pasta, or rice. You should also consider taking probiotics to help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut.
Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest and relaxation until you are feeling better. With the proper nutrition and care, you can regain your strength quickly. Usually, it can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week.