What do I feed a sick family?

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   sandra rinckposted 14 years ago

   Woke up about midnight this morning, everyone is puking and poop peeing.
   
   Not sure feeding them is a good idea since they all got some pretty disgusting stomach flu.  I didn't realize so much stuff could come out of a living human being but I guess it does.
   
   So what should I feed my 3 year old and my boyfriend or is it just best to keep giving them fluids and no food?

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      sooner than laterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      swine flu?

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         sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         No, the woman that we are staying with took her son to the ER a couple days ago and determined that it was some sort of gastral intestinal virus that he would have to wait out.
         
         I think the swine flu is milder than this though to tell ya the truth.

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            sooner than laterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            ahh, the ol screen door stomach flu. thats the worst

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         soumya singhposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         hello,
         give them acidophilus a prebiotic supplement, but make sure they are not on any antibiotics. if they are taking nay antibiotics then make sure theres a difference of atleast 4 hrs before the doses.
         bit more about prebiotics, these are the healthy bacteria which are naturally produced in the gut, but antibiotics and faulty food habits destroy them. prebiotics help in boosting our immune system.
         some health stores sell a prebiotic flavoured drink which is suitable for kids.

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      DogSiDaedposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Toast and a small amount of jam always worked for me, maybe not butter as this may not help as much. Things like bread and rice, (especially brown) always seem to work, not least for bunging you up a bit more so the squits aren't as bad XD I have also heard drinking small quantities of very slightly salty water may also help? Although I couldn't testify to that.

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         sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         That was a couple months ago. 
         
         What worked to control the amount of vomiting was to withhold liquid for a while and then give them sips here and there and no food.  Absolutely no food!
         
         I got it about a week later, it was not a good feeling.

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      Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Chicken broth soup and saltine crackers and water.

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      Curious Jenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Stick to fluids for a few days.  Water, broth, juice.  The key is to drink as much as possible.  If your child isn't able to drink much make sure she gets a tablespoon of water every 30 minutes.  Once things calm down add some toast and rice.

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   jenblacksheepposted 14 years ago

   chicken soup!!!

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      Daniel Carterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      What she said!
      But mostly broth to begin.
      
      Also make sure you get electrolytes in them, which is potassium and a few other things. Bananas are good, sports drinks usually have electrolytes in them.

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         sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Okay hopefully you guys don't think I am being irresponsible but I cannot get to a store, its far and I don't have a car to get there. And the other woman in the house with a car is also sick.
         
         SO on hand I have Arizona green tea, Capri Sun, Water, Seltzer water and green tea (bags). 
         
         I have some bread, graham crackers and roman noodle. 
         
         I am sorta afraid to give my kid the capri sun but she wont drink the regular water or seltzer water so I figure maybe I can give her the Arizona green tea because it is sweet and she might go for it.
         
         Other than that maybe I could go with bread instead of crackers????

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      archdawposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree home made if possible.  Chicken soup has penisilin that is good to help your body's blood cell fight off the attack!!!

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   heart4thewordposted 14 years ago

   Saltine crackers, sipping on 7-up, sipping water to not get dehydrated.  Of worse when they can chicken or vegetable broth, and chicken noodle soup.  I'm sure you've heard this before.
   
   Also just a reminder, have them gargle with warm salt water, and chewing vitamin C.

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   Rehma Jamshedposted 14 years ago

   In the east, children and elders drink green tea especially for indigestion problems. Believe me, it works miracles.
   
   If you dont have green tea, a few drop of lemon in a little warm water will help in flushing out whatever is causing it.
   
   Hope they all get well soon. Take care of yourself.

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      sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That sounds doable.  Should I add sugar or no?

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5. 0

   Janettaposted 14 years ago

   I give my boys saltine crackers and very closely monitor liquids. Often too much on the stomach will induce vomiting. We try to wait it out as long as we can before adding in too mush solid food. A few sips of clear liquid every 20 mins or so for the first few hours. Once he seems to have the vomiting under control, I would introduce a few saltines. Water can make them vomit more so you may want to stick to Sprite or popsicles. Ice is ok (i don't see why but a nurse told us that one) Gatorade is better. Pedialyte is also good for the little ones IF you can get them to drink it. Once they stop throwing up, I let my guys have whatever food they feel like eating, excluding anything with too much grease or dairy. Milk plus fever equals nasty mess for mom later! Hope your family feels better soon!!

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      sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, good tips.

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   jenblacksheepposted 14 years ago

   I actually heard once that drink flat Coke or Lemonade is good for lining the stomach and stopping you throw up. I've never tested it, but it's sposed to work!

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      Patty Inglish, MSposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Coca Cola worked for me when I once had food poisoning. Mint or ginger tea also sometimes works on the upset stomach.
      
      Hope they all get better soon, Sandra.

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   buffalo wingposted 14 years ago

   refer to "BRAT" diet--bananas--rice--applesauce--toast--bland foods--google it for more info

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      Janettaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      My grandma swears by this but I couldn't remember the name!

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8. 78

   Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

   Hi Sandra,
   Two sick at once. That's gotta be tough.
   All good advice here. Small sips of Sprite or Gingerale (ginger is another spice that's good for the stomach) if they can tolerate it.
   Don't force any solid food until they feel like they can eat again.
   For the poopy part, the old BRAT recipe works well:Bananas Rice Applesauce Toast (or Tea -- I've heard both ways).
   YES to adding sugar or honey!
   
   My sister (who is a nurse) just went through this with her 5th grader. It lasted 5 days and he lost 11 lbs. She found that out when he had to weigh in for football. She knew he was better when he asked to go get something to eat. His choice? A weiner and a vanilla shake!
   
   If you're worried about dehydration take your little one to the ER and have them put him on fluids.
   Good luck and know we love ya! MM

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      sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks MM for answering my questions so I am off to catch more vomit if need be.  Been a fun morning so far and everything smells like puke.
      
      Can't wait for my turn.   Hopefully it will skip right over me but it seems inevitable since no one has been able to escape. lol
      
      Thanks again.

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   jenblacksheepposted 14 years ago

   I was in Florida a few years ago and I got really sick. I was really ill and for days all I ate was tortilla chips and watermelon! really random!

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      sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      too funny!

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10. 59

    dustin56posted 14 years ago

    Hi, When your family gets sick, and even when they are not sick, especially in these times where swine flu is becoming the new Spanish influenza you need to feed your children plenty of anti-oxidants. Make your family shakes that incorporate thin skinned berries such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries. Even throw them in with some meals. Thin skinned berries are loaded with antioxidants. Another great anti-oxidant that takes an undeserved back seat is cinnamon. Cinnamon is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants you will find. I personally train and work in a call center so i am around people everywhere i go, yet i am the only one around me that seems to be perfectly fine. I thank anti-oxidants for that. I write health articles, if you wish to know more about eating healthy just subscribe to me, i love hearing questions as well and would be glad to help anyone out.

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    Oldskool903posted 14 years ago

    Potatoes or brown rice for carbohydrates so your their body has the energy to heal muscles and get rid of the virus.
    Always make sure they are hydrated so force them to drink water or if they want soda make sure it is flat.
    And make sure they are fed, the more they are not fed the more they will throw up unless their stomachs are totally empty. throwing up is a sign of dehydration, unless it is a virus effecting their body. Which in this case it is, but you don't want two problems happening at the same time, dehydration and a virus. So make sure they are fed, the more vitamins they are getting the better off they are.
    Chicken soup is a great idea, it will support the water issue and keep them full.

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    IzzyMposted 14 years ago

    I just read this thread, and I was about to say to you to give them sips of fluids - any fluid but preferrably water, and nothing else.
    When the stomach is upset to that degree, it just needs a rest.
    BUT it is vital to keep the fluid levels up to prevent dehydration which is a killer.
    Anyway I didn't say it because I noticed the thread was two months old LOL

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    L. Andrew Marrposted 14 years ago

    Chicken Soup is always a good bet.
    
    ...
    
    Also, define 'poop-peeing'? I'm intrigued as to what it is
    
    

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14. 0

    A Texanposted 14 years ago

    Food no!  Fluids yes!

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    Madame Xposted 14 years ago

    homemade chicken or turkey broth. I hope they feel better soon

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16. 40

    bodybychocolatesposted 14 years ago

    Hi
    
    with something like this I would first get some characoal as it will absorb all that stuff and still the stomach.  You can get it at any fred meyers or health stores like huckle berry's
    
    Next I would keep the food really simple Fruits are the easiest for digestion and herb teas are great.  Like pepperment and other stomach soothing type of teas.
    
    Fruit soup is great just use the fruit you like and put in pot warm it up you can choose to thicken it or leave as is.

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    bodybychocolatesposted 14 years ago

    Hi
    
    with something like this I would first get some characoal as it will absorb all that stuff and still the stomach.  You can get it at any fred meyers or health stores like huckle berry's
    
    Next I would keep the food really simple Fruits are the easiest for digestion and herb teas are great.  Like pepperment and other stomach soothing type of teas.
    
    Fruit soup is great just use the fruit you like and put in pot warm it up you can choose to thicken it or leave as is.

    replyreport
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    flread45posted 14 years ago

    Ah yes!!Blackberry Jam on toast and Chicken Broth with water only..
    24 hours and all is normal..

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