Treatment
Most stomach aches can be treated at home. During the first 24 to 36 hours, the best treatment is a diet of clear liquids in frequent, small amounts. Drink enough fluids to keep your urine a pale yellow or clear color. If you vomit, start with sips of water or sucking on ice chips. If these are well tolerated, try other fluids:
- Sports drinks
- Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as 7-Up, Sprite or ginger ale
- Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry or cranberry(avoid citrus juices)
- Clear soup broth or bouillon
- Popsicles
- Decaffeinated tea
If fluids are well tolerated, slowly add bland solid foods, but continue to focus on fluid intake at the same time.
- White toast with only honey or jelly
- Soda crackers
- Plain white rice
- Applesauce
- Bananas
FOODS TO AVOID: non-cultured dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream,) spicy, greasy or fatty foods, whole grains, raw vegetables, alcohol, caffeine.
It may take several days to one week to regain your appetite, energy level, and for bowels to be normal again.
