What Fluids Can I Have with Gastroenteritis?

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

Dehydration is the most significant risk associated with viral gastroenteritis, and it can occur rapidly due to the loss of fluids and essential electrolytes from vomiting and diarrhea. The primary goal during recovery is to maintain proper hydration and replace these lost minerals. Knowing which fluids are appropriate can significantly aid the healing process and prevent complications.

Quick Summary

Clear fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions, and clear broths are essential for replenishing fluids and electrolytes during a stomach bug. Avoiding sugary and caffeinated drinks is crucial to avoid worsening symptoms.

Key Points

Prioritize Hydration: Dehydration is the biggest risk with gastroenteritis, so consistent fluid intake is vital.
Sip Slowly: When feeling nauseous, take small, frequent sips of fluid instead of large gulps to help prevent vomiting.
Oral Rehydration Solutions are Best: For replacing lost electrolytes and fluids effectively, commercial ORS products are highly recommended, especially for severe cases, children, and the elderly.
Avoid High-Sugar and Caffeinated Drinks: Sugary fluids like undiluted fruit juice and soda, as well as caffeinated beverages, can exacerbate diarrhea and dehydration.
Stick to Clear Fluids Initially: Clear liquids like broth, water, and herbal tea are easiest on a sensitive stomach during the initial stages of the illness.
Listen to Your Body: Wait for nausea to subside before attempting to drink, and reintroduce other fluids and foods gradually.
Seek Medical Advice for Severe Dehydration: If you or a child show signs of severe dehydration, such as dark urine, dizziness, or can't keep fluids down, consult a healthcare provider.

When dealing with a bout of gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, the body expels large quantities of water and vital mineral salts through vomiting and diarrhea. If these fluids are not adequately replaced, it can quickly lead to dehydration, a serious condition that can cause weakness and other complications. Therefore, focusing on rehydration with the right fluids is the cornerstone of at-home care.

The Best Fluids to Rehydrate with

Choosing the right liquids is critical for a gentle and effective recovery. The following are the best options for rehydrating during gastroenteritis:

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These over-the-counter products, such as Pedialyte, Gastrolyte, and Naturalyte, are the gold standard for rehydration. They contain a precisely balanced mixture of water, sugar, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) that allows the body to absorb fluids most efficiently. They are especially important for children, the elderly, or anyone experiencing significant dehydration.
Water: Plain water is an excellent option for basic hydration. When consuming water, it's best to take small, frequent sips, especially if nausea and vomiting are present. For children, plain water may not be enough to replace lost electrolytes, so ORS is usually preferred.
Clear Broths and Bouillon: Sodium is a key electrolyte lost during illness. Clear chicken or vegetable broths can help replenish lost sodium and provide a soothing, warm liquid that some people find more palatable than cold drinks.
Herbal Tea: Caffeine-free herbal teas, particularly ginger or peppermint, can help settle a nauseated stomach while contributing to your overall fluid intake. It is important to ensure they are not too strong and are consumed without milk or added sugar.
Diluted, Low-Sugar Juices: In some cases, diluted apple juice can be a suitable option for children who won't drink ORS. The key is to dilute it heavily to reduce the sugar content, which can otherwise worsen diarrhea. However, plain water or ORS is still preferable for rehydration.
Ice Chips or Popsicles: Sucking on ice chips or electrolyte-based popsicles can be a great way to rehydrate in small, manageable doses, especially if you are having trouble keeping liquids down.

What Fluids to Avoid

Just as important as knowing what to drink is knowing what to avoid. These fluids can irritate the digestive system, worsen dehydration, or prolong symptoms:

High-Sugar Drinks: Avoid undiluted fruit juices, sugary sodas (both regular and diet), and high-sugar sports drinks, especially for children. The high sugar content can pull water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea.
Caffeine and Alcohol: Both are diuretics, meaning they cause the body to lose water. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea (non-herbal), and some sodas, as well as all alcoholic beverages, should be avoided as they can worsen dehydration.
Dairy Products: While some people tolerate dairy products fine, gastroenteritis can cause a temporary lactose intolerance. It is often recommended to avoid milk, cheese, and yogurt initially until symptoms subside to prevent additional stomach upset.
Highly Acidic Drinks: Citrus juices like orange juice can be hard on a sensitive stomach and are often best avoided during the acute phase of the illness.

How to Manage Your Fluid Intake

Beyond simply choosing the right fluids, how you consume them can make a significant difference in your recovery:

Start with Small Sips: When nausea is a factor, start by sipping small amounts of clear fluid frequently. A good rule of thumb is a sip every few minutes. Avoid gulping large quantities, which can trigger more vomiting.
Let Your Stomach Settle: If you have just vomited, give your stomach a break for 30–60 minutes before trying to drink again. This allows the digestive tract to rest.
Gradual Introduction: As your symptoms improve, you can slowly increase the amount and frequency of your fluid intake. Only introduce solid foods once you can tolerate clear liquids well.
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on signs of dehydration, such as dark-colored urine, dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced urination. If these symptoms worsen, or if you can't keep any fluids down, it's time to seek medical attention. For infants and children, pay close attention to signs like a lack of tears when crying or fewer wet diapers.

Hydration Options Comparison Table


Fluid Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)	Ideal balance of electrolytes and sugar; proven efficacy for treating dehydration.	Can be expensive; some may dislike the taste.	Moderate to severe dehydration, children, and the elderly.
Plain Water	Widely available, gentle on the stomach.	Does not replace lost electrolytes.	Mild dehydration, general hydration.
Clear Broth/Bouillon	Replaces lost sodium, soothing and easy to tolerate.	High sodium content can be an issue for some.	Adults needing sodium replacement.
Herbal Tea (Caffeine-free)	Can soothe nausea (ginger, peppermint); calming.	Does not replace electrolytes; can be irritating if too strong.	Nausea relief, additional gentle hydration.
Diluted Apple Juice	May be more palatable for children who dislike ORS.	Can worsen diarrhea if too sugary or undiluted.	Mild cases, as a secondary option for children.

Conclusion

Successfully managing gastroenteritis hinges on your ability to stay hydrated by selecting and consuming the right fluids. Your primary goal is to prevent dehydration and replenish lost electrolytes. For most healthy adults, sticking to clear liquids like water, clear broths, and herbal tea will suffice. However, for severe cases or for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, commercial oral rehydration solutions are the most effective choice. Remember to sip slowly, listen to your body, and avoid high-sugar, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks that could aggravate your symptoms. If symptoms persist or you show signs of severe dehydration, contact a healthcare provider for professional guidance. For more comprehensive information on treatment, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases provides detailed resources.

Safe Fluid Checklist:

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
Plain water
Clear broths (chicken or vegetable)
Caffeine-free herbal teas (ginger, peppermint)
Diluted low-sugar fruit juice (e.g., apple)
Ice chips or popsicles with electrolytes
Coconut water (in moderation)

Unsafe Fluid Checklist:

Undiluted fruit juice
Sugary sodas
High-sugar sports drinks
Caffeinated drinks (coffee, black tea)
Alcohol
Milk and most dairy products
Highly acidic juices (e.g., orange juice)

Frequently Asked Questions

The best drink for gastroenteritis is an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), which provides the optimal balance of water, sugar, and electrolytes to replace what the body has lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Plain water and clear broths are also good choices for general hydration.

While sports drinks contain electrolytes, their high sugar content can often worsen diarrhea, especially in children. It is generally better to opt for an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) which has a more balanced and therapeutic formulation.

No, it's best to avoid milk and other dairy products during gastroenteritis. The illness can cause temporary lactose intolerance, making dairy difficult to digest and potentially worsening symptoms like diarrhea.

You should avoid sugary drinks because the high sugar content can draw water into the intestines, which can make diarrhea worse and increase the risk of dehydration.

Signs of dehydration include dark-colored urine, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, and decreased urination. In infants and small children, also look for a lack of tears when crying or fewer wet diapers.

It is recommended to take small, frequent sips of fluid every few minutes rather than drinking large amounts at once. Wait for 30–60 minutes after vomiting before attempting to drink again.

While homemade solutions are possible, it is best to use a commercially prepared Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to ensure the precise and safe balance of ingredients. If you must use a homemade solution, follow a precise recipe, but use with caution.

Undiluted fruit juice should be avoided for children with gastroenteritis as it can worsen diarrhea. A better option is a diluted, low-sugar juice, but oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the most effective choice for rehydration.