Gastroenteritis has numerous causes. To treat it effectively, first understand its underlying triggers. What causes gastroenteritis? 1.Gastroenteritis is associated with bacteria and viruses. Our daily environment contains numerous bacteria and viruses. Neglecting hygiene can lead to infection and disease. Common carriers include fruits, vegetables, and foods such as cooked or undercooked items, raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, sprouting vegetables, as well as Staphylococcus and Salmonella. Campylobacter can originate from food handlers, contaminated poultry, meat, and fish.Additionally, Escherichia coli bacteria are generally harmless, but certain strains can cause acute gastroenteritis in newborn infants. Viral infections frequently lead to gastroenteritis and enteritis, with rotavirus being the most common pathogen. Other viruses include adenovirus, enterovirus, and hand-foot-and-mouth virus.Gastroenteritis is associated with foodborne infections. Certain plants produce toxins during growth, such as yew, green-colored nightshade plants, morning glories, and horse chestnut species. The sprouts growing on potato tubers are also toxic, all of which can cause gastroenteritis.
3. Gastroenteritis can be triggered by chemical factors, such as accidental ingestion of toxic substances like arsenic, lead, or various pesticides, which can cause rapid onset of symptoms. Furthermore, certain infectious diseases, including amoebiasis and giardiasis, can also lead to gastroenteritis.
What foods are beneficial for gastroenteritis?
1. Diarrhea is the most common symptom for gastroenteritis patients. Consuming the following foods can help alleviate diarrhea: purslane, coix seed, lentils, Chinese yam, hawthorn, black plum, apple, lychee, lotus seed, glutinous rice, japonica rice, water chestnut, lotus root, ham, and black-bone chicken.
2. Fruits like persimmons, pomegranates, and apples contain tannic acid and pectin, which have astringent and anti-diarrheal effects. They promote intestinal peristalsis, enhance gut vitality, and effectively restore normal bowel function in gastroenteritis patients.
3. Fresh tender leafy greens. Leafy vegetables are best consumed as vegetable or fruit juices. Not only do they replenish nutrients, but they also help restore bodily fluids lost through prolonged diarrhea.
4. Patients with chronic enteritis often have impaired digestion and absorption. They should adopt an easily digestible, semi-liquid, low-residue diet, eating small, frequent meals to enhance nutrition and alleviate symptoms. Especially during acute flare-ups of chronic colitis, consume porridge, refined grains, fish, shellfish, eggs, and soft, easily digestible foods to allow the intestines to rest.
5. For insufficient gastric acid secretion, consume flavorful foods like concentrated fish broth or chicken soup, or moderately incorporate acidic foods such as hawthorn berries, yogurt, or tart fruit juices to stimulate gastric acid production and enhance appetite.
6. If gastric acid secretion is excessive, avoid flavorful foods like chicken, meat, or fish broths.Prepare foods as soft, tender, finely chopped, and finely ground as possible. Increase intake of milk, soy milk, steamed buns, noodles, and bread to neutralize stomach acid.
7. As the patient recovers, introduce easily digestible, nutrient-rich liquid or semi-liquid foods like rice porridge, thin noodles, steamed egg custard, and salted crackers.