The diet for those who have viral or bacterial gastroenteritis should include light foods easily digestible and liquids, especially water, to prevent dehydration. Fruit juices and isotonic drinks also help replenish fluids and electrolytes. If vomiting, common in gastroenteritis, prevents the person from drinking, it is recommended to suck ice cubes to maintain some hydration.
Some care should be taken with juices, since fruit fibers, like orange, tend to loosen the intestine and worsen diarrhea, another frequent symptom of gastroenteritis. Therefore, fruit juices that "trap the intestine" should be Apple and guava.
Foods should be reintroduced into the diet gradually, starting with those that are lighter and easier to digest like rice, potatoes, toast, bread, cereal, chicken breast, applesauce and banana.
Milk and dairy products, sugary and fatty foods, coffee and alcoholic beverages should be avoided until the person is completely cured of gastroenteritis.
Adults with low immunity and the elderly should include in the diet oral hydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
Gastroenteritis in babies and children requires special attention due to the greater risk of dehydration, therefore it is indicated the administration of oral hydration solutions, which can be acquired in pharmacies.
Breastfeeding or formula milk should be maintained along with the oral hydration solution. The child should be fed as soon as she is hungry.
In case of gastroenteritis, consult a general practitioner, family doctor or gastroenterologist and follow the guidelines for treatment and diet indicated.
Learn more at:
What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis? What is the treatment?
What are the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis? How is the treatment?
What are the symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis and how is the treatment?
Is Gastroenteritis contagious?
