Should I Eat Eggs with Gastroenteritis?

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2021 study, consuming bland, low-fat foods like cooked eggs can help individuals with diarrhea recover faster. So, should I eat eggs with gastroenteritis? In most cases, yes, if prepared simply and without added fats like butter or oil, eggs can be a nutritious and gentle food choice.

Quick Summary

Eggs can be a safe and valuable source of protein for individuals with gastroenteritis, provided they are cooked simply and without excess fat. Easy-to-digest preparations like boiled or scrambled eggs can aid in recovery, while fatty additions should be avoided. The key is moderation and listening to your body's response.

Key Points

Eat eggs simply cooked: Opt for boiled, poached, or scrambled with minimal fat, such as cooking with a little water instead of oil or butter, to make them easy to digest.
Start with small portions: Test your tolerance with a small amount of egg first before eating a full serving to ensure your stomach handles it well.
Avoid high-fat preparations: Greasy, fried eggs or those with rich, creamy sauces can aggravate an upset stomach and worsen symptoms like diarrhea.
Source of vital nutrients: Eggs provide essential protein and vitamins like selenium, which supports the immune system during recovery.
Listen to your body: If you feel any discomfort after eating eggs, stop and revert to simpler, blander foods for a bit longer.
Remember hydration is key: Before reintroducing solid food, focus on staying hydrated with clear liquids and oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Can I eat eggs with gastroenteritis?

When you're dealing with gastroenteritis, often called the stomach flu, your digestive system is inflamed and highly sensitive. The typical symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea make it difficult to keep food down and can leave you feeling weak and depleted. As you begin to recover and reintroduce solid foods, choosing items that are easy to digest is crucial to avoid a setback. Eggs, when cooked correctly, are a great source of protein and can be a beneficial part of your recovery diet.

The right way to eat eggs with gastroenteritis

Proper preparation is the most important factor when deciding to eat eggs with gastroenteritis. The goal is to make them as easy on your digestive system as possible by minimizing added fats and seasonings.

Boiled or poached: These are the simplest and most gentle methods. A hard-boiled egg offers a solid, protein-rich food that your stomach doesn't have to work hard to process.
Scrambled with minimal fat: If you prefer scrambled eggs, cook them with a tiny amount of water or non-fat milk instead of butter or oil. Season with just a dash of salt, avoiding heavy cheeses or spicy additions.
Small, frequent portions: Start with a small amount of egg to see how your body reacts. If it goes down well, you can gradually increase the portion size over subsequent meals.

Why are eggs a good choice?

Eggs offer several nutritional advantages that support your body during recovery from gastroenteritis:

Excellent protein source: A single large egg contains about 6 grams of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for rebuilding and repairing body tissues, something your body needs after fighting off an infection.
Provides energy: The protein and nutrients in eggs can help combat the fatigue and weakness that often accompany the stomach flu.
Rich in vitamins and minerals: Eggs are packed with B vitamins and selenium, which are important for your immune system.
Easy to digest (when prepared properly): Unlike high-fat or sugary foods, simple egg preparations don't put a strain on your compromised digestive tract.

Foods to avoid with gastroenteritis

Just as important as choosing the right foods is knowing which ones to steer clear of during recovery. Avoiding these items can prevent further irritation of your digestive system and help prevent a relapse of symptoms.


Foods to Include	Foods to Avoid
Bland, low-fat foods: plain eggs (boiled, scrambled with water), white rice, toast, crackers, cooked potatoes	High-fat and greasy foods: fried eggs, french fries, fatty meats, pastries, pizza
Clear liquids and broth: water, electrolyte beverages, clear broth-based soups	High-sugar drinks and foods: fruit juices with added sugar, soda, candy, desserts
Low-fiber starches: oatmeal, plain pasta, refined grains	Dairy products: milk, cheese, ice cream (unless low-fat yogurt is tolerated)
Soft, peeled fruits: bananas, unsweetened applesauce, cantaloupe	Spicy foods and acidic foods: hot peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes
Lean, simple proteins: skinless chicken or turkey, low-fat fish	Alcohol and caffeine: coffee, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages

Reintroducing eggs and other foods

After a period of vomiting and diarrhea, it is best to reintroduce foods slowly. Start with simple liquids and bland solids like toast and rice. Once you feel your stomach has settled, you can begin to incorporate plain, cooked eggs. Monitor your body for any signs of discomfort, such as renewed nausea or cramping. If you experience negative symptoms, hold off on eggs for a bit longer.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that eggs contribute positively to your recovery rather than aggravating your symptoms. Always listen to your body, as everyone's tolerance for food during illness can vary.

Conclusion

When managed correctly, eggs can be a valuable part of a recovery diet during and after gastroenteritis. By choosing low-fat preparation methods like boiling or scrambling with minimal additives, you can provide your body with much-needed protein and nutrients without irritating your sensitive digestive system. Remember to proceed slowly, start with small portions, and avoid high-fat, sugary, and spicy foods that could worsen symptoms. Prioritizing hydration and bland foods early on will pave the way for a smoother transition back to a normal diet. When in doubt, always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if symptoms persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, scrambled eggs are acceptable if prepared with minimal fat, such as using a tiny bit of water or non-fat milk instead of butter or oil. Rich, fatty additions should be avoided.

Yes, hard-boiled eggs are one of the best options for a stomach bug. They are simple, low in fat, and a great source of protein that is easy for your system to digest.

You should avoid fried eggs because the high fat content from cooking oil or butter is difficult for a sensitive digestive system to process and can worsen symptoms like diarrhea.

After the initial bout of vomiting and diarrhea subsides and you can tolerate clear liquids and bland foods like toast, you can slowly reintroduce plain, cooked eggs.

Eggs themselves are unlikely to cause diarrhea unless you have an allergy or they are prepared with too much fat. In fact, simple preparations can help solidify stools for many people.

The egg white is generally easier to tolerate as it is fat-free, but most people can also handle the yolk. The key is to cook the entire egg simply, without high-fat cooking methods.

Pair your simple eggs with other bland foods that are easy on the stomach, such as plain white rice, toast, or crackers. Avoid adding cheese, rich sauces, or spicy seasonings.