Drink lots of fluids
Fluids are critically important since you’re losing vital bodily fluids through sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you are having trouble keeping liquids down, try taking small sips at regular intervals or chewing ice chips. The best fluids to drink are:
clear liquids, such as water and broth
over-the-counter preparations like Pedialyte (good choice for any age)
sports drinks, which can help with electrolyte replacement (this should be reserved for older children and adults)
certain teas, such as ginger and peppermint, which can help calm your stomach and alleviate nausea (avoid highly caffeinated teas)
Try eating the BRAT diet
try eating BRAT diet
Keeping food down can be difficult with the stomach flu. Don’t force yourself to eat if the mere thought of food makes you cringe. When you do finally feel you can get something down, it’s best to start slow and simple.
The BRAT diet — bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast — can be your go-to when it comes to an uneasy stomach. These four foods are easy to digest, contain carbohydrates to give you energy, and replenish nutrients:
Bananas: Bananas are easy to digest, can replace the potassium you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, and strengthens stomach lining.
Rice: Brown rice has too much fiber and may produce excess gas. White rice is easy for your body to process and provides energy from carbs.
Applesauce: Applesauce provides an energy boost due to the carbs and sugars, and it contains pectin, which can help with diarrhea. It is also easy to digest.
Toast: Avoid whole-wheat bread, as fiber can be difficult on the digestive system. White bread is processed and easier to digest.
Try acupressure to reduce nausea
Acupressure has been shown to be effective in treating some types of nausea. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center suggests finding pressure point P-6 by measuring the width of three fingers down from the bottom of your palm. Press below that width with your thumb and you’ll feel a sensitive spot between two tendons. Gently massage with your thumb for two or three minutes. For a tutorial, be sure to watch this video.
Sea-Bands are a product worn on the wrists. These can be useful in treating nausea if the P-6 acupressure point gives you relief.