10 Must Eat Food Items to Prevent Stomach Flu in Summer 2023

The summer, along with being the season of mangoes, watermelons, ice cream, and summer vacations, is also the season of rapid spreading of various pathogens. These pathogens can sometimes be very dangerous to your immune system. Illness can be brought on by bacteria, parasites, poisons, and viruses. A virus is the main culprit behind the so-called stomach flu. Norovirus commonly causes stomach flu in adults, but rotavirus frequently causes stomach flu in children. These viruses most frequently infect the lining of the small intestine.

These viruses can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea and spread easily. The early symptoms of stomach flu are nausea, stomach ache and cramps, headache, and low fever. You can prevent stomach flu in adults as well as kids by including the following food items in your daily diet. All the items listed below are easily available seasonal food items and are very healthy in nature.

Water

Water is the key to all solutions. The summer season can make you very dehydrated, and you may forget to replenish your water supply. Put an alarm or reminder on your phone for the same, and do not forget to drink as much water as you can. Having an adequate amount of water can protect you from a number of diseases, including the stomach flu.

Mint Tea

Peppermint, in particular, can calm an upset stomach and alleviate gas and bloating. The most effective way to use it for stomach upset is to drink mint tea. To make mint tea, one can take a few fresh mint leaves, boil them in water, and then strain the resulting infusion.

Ginger

Ginger is a wonderful herb that can do amazingly well to treat stomach flu and keep such infections at bay. It can be included as a spice in meals or taken in capsule form. Nowadays, ginger ale is also readily available to drink in the market. Ginger can also be consumed as a tea by adding 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger or half a fresh ginger root to a cup of water. It should be boiled for five minutes and then strained. Drink this potion two to three times a day for relief.

BRAT Diet

This is a new term in the health sector. BRAT is the acronym for toast, bananas, rice, and applesauce. All patients with diarrhea should be given these meals, since they are the best. Its blandness and binding properties help firm up the stools. Bananas are also a good source of potassium, which helps replenish the electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

Cinnamon

The natural herb cinnamon is utilized for its potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. It enhances digestion and helps treat infections. However, cinnamon also lessens nausea and vomiting. The warming effects of cinnamon can help reduce pain and the effects of cold. 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon should be added to a cup of hot water. Strain it once it has cooled. One teaspoon of honey can also be used. This tea, taken twice daily for at least two days, may alleviate symptoms of the stomach flu. For a simpler version of the drink, mix one tablespoon of pure honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of warm water.

Turmeric

Turmeric, the primary component of curry, is one of several "superfoods" that people frequently favor because of their associations with "health." Having said that, curcumin, an inner orange pigment that has been utilized for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic medicine because of its capacity to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, is a key factor in why turmeric is a really nutritious meal. Turmeric shall be included in daily meals for the prevention of stomach flu.

Curd

Curd is the Holy Grail and a one-stop solution for all stomach-related issues, be it Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diarrhea, or constipation. Buttermilk is a convenient beverage prepared from curd that, when consumed every day after supper, can help with obstruction-causing problems. The living bacteria in the curd surely assist in the treatment of the ailment that causes constipation by preserving a healthy gut. Digestion is aided by curd, which also helps to remove toxic substances and undigested food from the lining of the digestive tract. This unquestionably avoids problems like intestinal or stomach infections, leading to a healthy stomach. To combat diarrhea, consume 2-3 glasses of buttermilk a day.

Plain Potatoes

Foods that are bland, like simple, boiled potatoes, are excellent choices when you have a stomach illness. Simple potatoes have soft, low-fat, and readily digested carbohydrates. They also contain a lot of potassium, one of the necessary electrolytes lost through regurgitation and loose stools. Avoid high-fat toppings, such as butter, cheese, and sour cream. These can worsen your diarrhea. Instead, season your potatoes with salt as sodium will be depleted due to the stomach flu.

Eggs

When you have stomach sickness, eggs are a healthy choice. When cooked with a minimum amount of additional oil, dairy, and seasonings, eggs are easy on the stomach. Large eggs include 6 grams of protein and are a rich source of selenium, a mineral that supports your immune system, as well as other nutrients, including B vitamins.

Fruits

It's crucial to drink extra water if you have the stomach flu. Drinks are not the only way to stay hydrated. In fact, many natural products include between 80 and 90 percent water. The following is a list of some of the fruits with the greatest water content. Numerous vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamins A and C, may be found in fruits, including watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, and peaches. But a lot of whole fruits are high in fiber, which makes them difficult to digest. Fruits that have been cooked, like applesauce, may be easier to tolerate.

The stomach flu may make it difficult to keep down foods and beverages. Start with ice chips, clear liquids, and electrolyte beverages. This may help in the replenishment of fluids and electrolytes. Bland options such as broth-based soups, refined grains, and plain potatoes are safe too. Eggs, applesauce, and low-fat poultry are easier to digest, too. Allow your body to rest, hydrate, and try some foods to help yourself recover quickly.