Tummy bug - Fast? BRAT?

rainydayboys

I'm on day 4 of cramping and diarrhea, a lovely tummy bug shared by my kids. Hubby had it too and his lasted about 10 days. Fun. I've been eating regular foods - more, in fact, since I'm so hungry lately. And the more I eat, well, the more I go.

I've been thinking about doing a 1 day liquid fast, maybe digging out my juicer or making a big batch of broth, just to give my poor digestive system a rest. But would it be better to stick to a BRAT diet - bananas, rice, applesauce, toast - the bland stuff to settle things down?

I've read conflicting things online. And no, I haven't contacted my medical professional yet. I know MFP isn't for medical advice, but what would YOU do if this was your situation?

emmalene1984

stick to a brat diet. i had a bad case of gastroenteritis back in feb and for the first 2 days i could only have water/ dioralyte then it was stock water, then rice then mash potato without butter or milk, i tried bananas at several points but each time they made me sick. eventually moved onto toast after about 10days. good luck and hope you shift it. but be careful when u start to eat normal again, you will most likely put on a few pounds, i lost loads with my illness but then put it all back on again when i started to eat normally. x

RachelSRoach1

Definitely the BRAT diet... and don't forget to be drinking A TON of liquid. If you have been sick for a while like that you are sure to be dehydrated too.

claire_xox

Wow I've never heard of BRAT before, ,but I guess in Australia we don't really eat applesauce (and its in so many recipes on the net from america so frustrating!) and Banana's are more expensive than gold lol.

Anyway there's no doubt you'll lose weight from being sick, and then gain it back. If I were you I'd make sure you're having plenty of liquids and fruit for energy.

MadeToCraveHIM

I would definitely drink lots of water and maybe even try to get some SOBE, Gatorade, Powerade w/ Electrolytes. Stay hydrated and the idea of a liquid diet might not be a bad idea. The BRAT diet always works too and the fiber will definitely help you feel more full and satisfied. I would also keep the meds in your body consistantly too in order to short the duration on the bug.

Jeneba

Have you tried congee? (Chinese breakfast thingy). Take 1/2 cup rice & cook it in about 4 cups of water until it makes a thick porridge. You can add a little salt & it will feel satisfying. Hope the whole family feels better soon! :flowerforyou:

peacehawk

All of those things are good ideas. Also, try taking a drop of pure peppermint oil, or nibbling some crystalized ginger. Tea of either is also helpful for me. (I'm no doctr though, so take it or leave it asfar as suggestions go). If you go another da, you may want t see the doc though. May need antibiotics or something. Also, yogurt may help balance the good bacteria in your gut so tey can help you heal yourself.