Gastroenteritis or Gastric Problems or Vai Hedhun

Almost all of my friends have/had Gastroenteritis at some point of their life. This is commonly known as gastric problems or 'via hedhun' (in Dhivehi). Most of us (including me) don’t know how we get infected with this disease and how to avoid and/or recover. I have had this problem over the last two years.

I found that a viral infection is often considered the main cause of gastroenteritis.

My friends and family have suggested and advice a lot of things about this issue. Some, of course are contradictory with one and other. But based on my bad experience of gastric problems I can assure that anyone can recover within a short time by drinking fluids and following the prescribed diet/should do’s.

Tonight is one bad night, I even feel vomitish. I am guessing the reason for tonight’s discomfort is eating out, from restaurants. Commonly, when I have gastric problems you get a digestive problem in which the stomach and the intestines are inflamed (swollen). Also, there may be other symptoms such as,
-Diarrhea (not happened to me yet)
-Excessive vomiting
-Nausea
-Abdominal cramping, bloating or pain

Anyone suffering from gastric problems has to avoid certain foods, until s/he feels better. One can easily recover from this disorder by following a proper diet that prevents fluid loss.

Should do's:
-Take a lot of liquid: as diarrhea causes dehydration. Excessive vomiting and frequent stools reduce the quantity of water and electrolytes in the body.
-Drinking clear fruit juices or other beverages.
-Drink strong tea: this is a traditional method to cure gastric problems. It can help relieve the patient's pain.
-Eat foods like white rice, apple sauce, white bread and bananas.
-After the symptoms subside, one may include solid foods (white toasts, dry cereal).
-Prefer home cooked food and avoid eating outside.
-Have frequent small meals that are spaced evenly throughout the day.
-After few days, the patient can start eating cooked vegetables, fruits and low fat milk products in small amounts.

Avoid:
-Greasy and citrus foods: they can aggravate the condition.
-Dairy products such as ice cream: can aggravate diarrhea.
-Consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee: they can make matters worse.