We can all act like brats when we’re sick. And rightfully so. Feeling miserable is no fun. Next time you’re sick with a stomach bug, I’m giving you full permission to be a BRAT”” or at least to eat like one ““ you’ll be surprised that it actually helps you feel better.
A nasty stomach virus made its rounds through our house over the weekend, with everything from vomiting to diarrhea. If you’re like me, you want to do what you can to get rid of it as quickly as possible and reduce the risk of it spreading to every member of the family. My husband was up all Friday night, so around 2 a.m. I decided to move to the couch and clean all the areas that could be infection-spreading culprits like door knobs, light switches, toilet lids and sinks. I reminded everyone to thoroughly wash their hands, but even my preventative measures didn’t stop it from hitting me two days later. Yuck!
I offer some advice I received when I called both my doctor’s and pediatrician’s office, so you’ll be covered if it hits your house.
Drink plenty of fluids. Water is good, but drinks that contain electrolytes, as well broth, are better because they can help replace the salt and minerals you’ve lost and help prevent dehydration. Don’t drink a huge glass of water at first. Chances are it will come right back up and may even dilute the electrolytes left in your body.
Go ahead and be a BRAT. One thing you may not have heard of, is the BRAT diet. It’s easy to remember when you’re finally able to reintroduce the foods you’ve been missing out on the past couple of days, or even when you just have an upset stomach. The BRAT foods are mild and should be introduced slowly.
Banana
Rice
Applesauce
Toast
If you feel okay after trying these, then it is safe to add protein, vegetables and plain yogurt, and eventually return to your normal diet. And, don’t forget to get lots of rest.
