What to eat when you have gastroenteritis

Diarrhea, abdominal cramps and vomiting are the main symptoms of gastroenteritis. Caused in most cases by a virus, this illness can also be caused by germs such as bacteria or parasites. These pathogens multiply in the intestine, causing inflammation. Digestion is then disrupted, and the bacterial flora completely unbalanced. Eating properly during gastroenteritis is no easy matter, as diarrhea and vomiting are incessant.

Recommended/advisable foods when you have gastroenteritis

To rebuild intestinal flora and reduce the duration and intensity of symptoms, a suitable diet is highly recommended. In this article, we list the foods that are recommended and those that should be avoided. We go one step further, providing you with additional recommendations and solutions to relieve your symptoms.

The first recommendation is to drink plenty of water. Diarrhea and vomiting result in relatively high losses of water and mineral salts. To compensate, drink at least 2 liters of still water a day, alternating with salty broths and herbal teas. Avoid carbonated drinks, which cause bloating, and fruit juices, which are too acidic.

Coffee and alcohol should be avoided, as they have the opposite effect of increasing dehydration. Even if you're not hungry, force yourself to eat small quantities several times a day. Choose starchy foods such as white pasta and well-cooked rice. As for vegetables, opt for well-cooked carrots. Your daily dose of protein is provided by grilled or boiled fish or lean meat.

For dessert, choose a ripe banana or applesauce. On the other hand, you should avoid all fatty foods, as well as those containing fiber, as this may amplify symptoms and delay healing.

Here's a list of foods not recommended:

• Raw vegetables and greens fruit (except for ripe bananas)
• Whole starchy foods Pulses (lentils, chickpeas, etc.)
• Fried foods Spicy foods

Only when your digestive system has recovered can you gradually return to a normal diet.

Relieving the digestive system with aromatherapy

Essential oils can be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, thanks to their anti-infectious, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Here is a selection of essential oils commonly used against gastroenteritis:

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita)

• Properties: Antispasmodic, digestive, anti-nausea.
• Use: Apply 1 to 2 drops diluted in vegetable oil (sweet almond or jojoba) to the abdomen and massage gently to relieve cramps and spasms. It can also be inhaled to calm nausea.

Exotic basil (Ocimum basilicum) essential oil

• Properties: Powerful antispasmodic, helps relieve abdominal pain and bloating.
• Use: Mix 1 to 2 drops with a vegetable oil and massage into the abdomen in a clockwise direction.

Lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil

• Properties: Anti-infectious, digestive tonic, helps regulate nausea and stimulates digestion.
• Use: 1 drop of lemon essential oil can be diluted in a spoonful of honey or vegetable oil and ingested (caution: only for adults and with medical advice).

Ginger essential oil (Zingiber officinale)

• Properties: Antinauseant, digestive stimulant, helps combat nausea and vomiting.
• Use: 1 to 2 drops diluted in vegetable oil, massaged into the abdomen, or inhaled to relieve nausea.

Ceylon cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum verum)

• Properties: Powerful antibacterial, antiviral, anti-infectious.
• Use: Highly concentrated, it should be used with care and always diluted (1 drop in a spoonful of vegetable oil), applied locally to the abdomen only. Do not ingest without medical advice.

Niaouli essential oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

• Properties: Antiviral, anti-inflammatory, boosts the immune system.
• Use: Can be massaged into the stomach, diluted in a vegetable oil, to reduce inflammation and support the body in its fight against infection.

General directions for use:

• Abdominal massage: Dilute 1 to 2 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon of vegetable oil (e.g. sweet almond, jojoba), and gently massage the abdomen, in a clockwise direction, to soothe spasms and pain.
• Inhalation: You can inhale certain oils such as peppermint or ginger to relieve nausea. Put 1-2 drops on a handkerchief or diffuse into the air.

Nausea / urge to vomit?

Essential oils are excellent anti-vomiting agents and also have anti-infectious properties, helping to relieve intestinal disorders. Here's a list of essential oils recommended for treating digestive ailments:

• Peppermint essential oil: Antispasmodic and anti-nausea.
• Lemon essential oil: Digestive and antibacterial.
• Black pepper essential oil: Digestive stimulant.
• Fennel essential oil: Carminative, ideal against bloating.

Directions for use:

• Diffusion: Diffuse these essential oils for 15 minutes morning and evening for their purifying effects.
• Oral use: Dilute 1 to 2 drops in a tablespoon of honey or vegetable oil, and take 2 to 3 times a day for up to 5 days.

It is essential to adapt your diet at the same time to accelerate healing. These oils should not be taken at the same time as medicines, as they may interact with them. In addition, they are not recommended for children or pregnant women, particularly during the first trimester.

Precautions

• Always dilute essential oils in vegetable oil before applying to the skin.
• Do not ingest essential oils without the advice of a health professional.
• Certain essential oils are not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women, or young children.

Essential oils can be a natural complement to the treatment of gastroenteritis, but if symptoms persist, it's crucial to consult a doctor.