How to Feed a Recovering Gut: A Smarter Way to Eat After a Stomach Bug

How to Feed a Recovering Gut: A Smarter Way to Eat After a Stomach Bug

Author: Dr. Mercola August 29, 2026 Duration: 7:01
  • Your digestive system continues healing long after vomiting and diarrhea stop, so gradually returning to a varied, nutrient-rich diet supports recovery better than prolonged reliance on a few bland foods
  • The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) lacks enough protein, healthy fats and several key vitamins and minerals to fully support recovery, making it better as a small part of your diet than your entire eating plan
  • Temporary bloating or difficulty digesting milk and larger servings of starch after a stomach bug often reflects a healing digestive tract, not a lifelong food intolerance, and many people regain their normal tolerance over time
  • Smaller, more frequent meals, easy-to-digest protein sources, thoroughly cooked foods and gradually increasing the complexity of your meals reduce digestive stress while giving your body the nutrients it needs to repair itself
  • Every successful meal is a step toward recovery, so let your symptoms determine when to introduce new foods instead of rushing back to your usual diet or permanently eliminating foods that your gut simply isn't ready to handle yet

Each week, Dr. Joseph Mercola-Take Control of Your Health offers a direct conversation about navigating the often-confusing world of wellness. Dr. Mercola brings decades of experience as a natural health advocate to these discussions, focusing on practical strategies that go beyond conventional approaches. The episodes dig into the interconnected areas of holistic health, physical fitness, and alternative methods for building resilience. You’ll hear detailed explorations of how everyday choices impact long-term vitality, with an emphasis on personal agency and evidence-informed alternatives. This isn’t about quick fixes but about understanding the underlying principles that can help you make better decisions for yourself and your family. The tone is straightforward and investigative, aiming to equip you with knowledge that is frequently overlooked. Tuning into this podcast feels like accessing a deep resource of non-mainstream health perspectives, all centered on the fundamental goal of sustainable well-being. It’s for anyone who feels that managing their health requires looking at the full picture, from nutrition and movement to the less obvious environmental factors. Dr. Mercola’s weekly insights serve as a catalyst for taking a more active, informed role in your own health journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
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