What to Eat When You Have the Flu

The flu can drain our energy and also take away our appetite. Many foods seem unappealing when we are ill. It is important to stay home, get plenty of rest, and to take it easy as our body recovers from the flu and its symptoms. Our body and digestive systems will be sensitive to certain foods and liquids until we are fully recovered. Below is a list of foods that can be consumed while you are sick with the flu.

Water or Lemon-Lime Carbonated Drink

• If you have vomited recently, do not eat or drink for at least one hour afterwords. If an hour or more has passed and you haven't vomited again, begin by trying two ounces of water or a flat lemon-lime carbonated drink.

Tea, Fruit Juice, Soup Broth

• If you have not vomited for a few hours, begin to drink more liquids to keep from becoming dehydrated. Try drinking tea, fruit juice or carbonated drinks, or sipping soup broths like chicken broth.

Plain Toast or Crackers

• Eat plain toast or soda crackers to help keep nausea down. Gradually introduce these foods as the vomiting subsides.

Bananas, Apple Juice, Applesauce, Rice

• To help ease diarrhea symptoms, eat foods that have soluble fibers such as bananas, apple juice, applesauce, or rice.

Solid Foods

• As you begin to get more rest, and symptoms begin to disappear, gradually add solid foods back into your diet. At the beginning, eat foods like mashed potatoes that are easy on your digestive system. Introduce more foods as your appetite comes back and you feel yourself recovering.