What to eat after gastro: GP approved

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Overview

Gastroenteritis, often referred to as the stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by bacterial infection, viral, or parasitic infections. The estimated number of gastroenteritis cases in Australia is 17.2 million, with a 95% confidence interval of 14.5–19.9 million.¹ It leads to symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and nausea.

Recovery from gastroenteritis involves rest, staying hydrated, and gradually reintroducing food to the body. Your post-gastroenteritis diet plays a vital role in promoting recovery, rehydrating the body, and restoring digestive health. GP-approved advice for recovery generally involves a gentle, step-by-step approach to eating.

If your symptoms are persistent, severe or you’re concerned about your recovery, a telehealth consultation can provide a convenient way to discuss your symptoms with a doctor from home when an online consultation is clinically appropriate.

Recovering from gastro takes time, and you definitely shouldn’t be rushing back to work while your stomach is still settling. Give your digestive system a break and request a same-day online doctor’s certificate without having to leave your bed or be far from a bathroom.

What are the best things to eat after gastro?

After gastroenteritis, it’s essential to eat gentle foods that are easy on the stomach and help your body recover. Here is a list of some of the best things to eat:   

1. Clear liquids:

Start with water, clear soups, herbal teas (like chamomile or ginger), and electrolyte solutions to stay hydrated and replenish lost minerals. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can worsen dehydration. 

2. BRAT diet (s):

• Bananas: Easy to digest and assist in restoring potassium balance. 
• Rice: Plain, white rice is mild, bland, and unlikely to upset the stomach. 
• Applesauce: Easy on the stomach and provides natural sugars for energy.  
• Toast: Plain, white toast is easy to digest and helps solidify stools. 

It is suggested to complement with small amounts of lean protein or vegetables when tolerated. 

3. Boiled or steamed vegetables:

Vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, or zucchini are ideal choices as you begin to add solid foods back into your diet. Avoid fibrous or gas-producing vegetables (eg. broccoli or cabbage) initially. 

4. Plain crackers:

Simple carbohydrates that provide easily digestible carbohydrates for energy and that don’t strain the digestive system.  

5. Lean proteins:

Skinless chicken, scrambled eggs or tofu can provide the protein your body requires without putting a strain on the digestive system. 

6. Oatmeal or plain cereals:

These are mild, digestible fibre options once you are ready for a wider range of food.

Intense symptoms that prevent you from tolerating even these mild foods overnight often require a quick consultation with an after-hours doctor  or medical practitioner to ensure your recovery is on the right track.

How many days after gastro can you eat normal food?

Following an episode of gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as stomach flu, it is essential to reintroduce standard food items to facilitate the recovery of the digestive system. Typically, one may resume normal dietary intake two to three days after the resolution of symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea. However, this timeline may vary based on the severity of the illness and individual recovery processes. 

The following is a structured guideline for the reintroduction of food: 

• For the initial 24 to 48 hours: It is advisable to adhere to clear liquids, such as water, broths, or electrolyte solutions, to maintain adequate hydration. 
• In the subsequent one to two days: It is recommended to gradually incorporate bland and easily digestible foods, including crackers, plain rice, bananas, and toast, a regimen often referred to as the BRAT diet. 
• After three days: If one feels sufficiently well, it is appropriate to slowly begin the introduction of a wider range of normal foods, while initially avoiding fatty, spicy, or heavy meals. 

For individuals with underlying conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or lactose intolerance, recovery may require longer adherence to a bland diet before reintroducing certain foods. 

How do you replenish your body after gastro?

After gastroenteritis, it’s important to replenish your body by focusing on hydration and gradual reintroduction of nutrients. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Ensure adequate hydration: It is important to consume sufficient amounts of water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions to replace fluids and salts that have been lost. 
2. Restore electrolyte balance: It is advisable to consume beverages or foods that contain essential electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Options may include bananas, broth, coconut water or sports drinks. 
3. Introduce bland foods: One should gradually include easily digestible foods in the diet, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, commonly referred to as the BRAT diet. 
4. Avoid gastrointestinal irritants: It is recommended to refrain from consuming heavy, spicy, or fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods, and high-fibre raw fruits/vegetables until the digestive system has fully recovered. 
5. Probiotics: Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt (if well-tolerated), which can help restore beneficial gut bacteria and promote faster recovery. 
6. Prioritise rest: Allowing the body sufficient time to recover is essential for regaining energy. 

How long does it take for your stomach to recover from gastro?

The duration required for the stomach to recover from gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as stomach flu, is subject to variation based on the severity of the condition and individual health considerations. In most cases, individuals begin to experience an improvement in their condition within two to three days following the absence of the most severe symptoms, which include vomiting and diarrhoea. Complete recovery, which encompasses the restoration of appetite and energy levels, may extend to one week. 

Nevertheless, certain individuals may encounter persistent symptoms, such as mild abdominal discomfort or fatigue, for several days after the acute symptoms have resolved. It is essential to maintain adequate hydration and to gradually reintroduce food to prevent additional gastrointestinal irritation. Should symptoms continue or deteriorate beyond one week, it is advisable to seek a consultation with a doctor or medical practitioner for further assessment of potential secondary issues like post-infectious IBS.

Consult a GP online from home

Consulting a general practitioner through an online platform from the comfort of one’s home presents a practical approach to addressing health-related issues. Telehealth appointments facilitate the communication of symptoms where the practitioner can evaluate the necessity for medical intervention or advising on appropriate measures for symptom management at home. 

Through a virtual consultation with an online doctor, a healthcare provider can assess the symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and suggest safe treatment options. In situations deemed necessary, instant scripts or a doctor’s certificate may be transmitted directly to the designated pharmacy. Telehealth facilitates the delivery of prompt and professional medical guidance while allowing individuals to remain in the comfort of their homes, thereby serving as a practical alternative for managing non-emergency health issues. While telehealth appointments are convenient, some cases may require an in-person examination to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of symptoms.  

Hola Health offers a comprehensive range of telehealth services designed to enhance healthcare accessibility in Australia. Their services include: 

• Instant consult: Patients can consult with registered medical practitioners 24/7 via video calls, often within a few minutes.
• Medical Certificates: Users can obtain valid medical certificates for work, school, or carer responsibilities online, with approval from accredited practitioners typically within a few minutes. Whether it is for the same day or multi day medical certificate, an AHPRA-registered health practitioner can help you with a quick doctor’s note. 
• Instant scripts : Patients can receive online prescriptions and have medications delivered directly to their homes, often within two hours. 
• Referrals: Hola Health facilitates referrals to specialists as needed during consultations. 
• COVID Antivirals: The service provides access to COVID-19 antiviral medications through online consultations. 

After recovering from gastroenteritis, it’s important to ease back into eating by starting with clear liquids and light, easily digestible foods like the BRAT diet. As your body heals, gradually incorporate various healthy foods while avoiding irritants like dairy and fatty foods. Staying hydrated and being in tune with your body’s needs is important for a smooth recovery. If symptoms persist, seek advice from a healthcare provider.