Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte are the best choice for stomach flu, replacing both fluids and lost electrolytes.
When stomach flu hits, the last thing you want is to make it worse. The right drink can ease recovery, while the wrong one can prolong your misery. Knowing what to drink with stomach flu comes down to one principle: replace what you’re losing without irritating an already sensitive system. That means fluids with the right balance of water, sugar, and salts — taken in tiny, frequent sips.
Why Oral Rehydration Solutions Work Best
Oral rehydration solutions, or ORS, are the gold standard for stomach flu. Products like Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Infalyte, and CeraLyte contain a precise mix of water, glucose, and electrolytes that your intestines can absorb even when you’re actively sick. Plain water helps, but it doesn’t replace the sodium, potassium, and chloride you lose through vomiting and diarrhea.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases specifically recommends ORS for children with viral gastroenteritis, and MedlinePlus notes these solutions are needed when vomiting or diarrhea causes significant electrolyte losses. For adults, water, broths, and diluted juices can work, but ORS remains the most efficient choice.
How to Start Drinking Again
If you’re still vomiting, wait about two hours after your last episode before trying anything. Then begin with just 1 to 2 teaspoons of clear liquid every 15 to 20 minutes, as advised by Cleveland Clinic. If that stays down, gradually increase the amount.
MedlinePlus suggests working up to 2 to 4 ounces every 30 to 60 minutes as you tolerate more. The key is patience:
- Sip slowly — small amounts give your stomach time to process.
- Use ice chips or frozen electrolyte pops if liquids feel overwhelming.
- Stick with clear liquids for the first 24 hours before adding solid food.
Drinks to Skip While Recovering
Some drinks make stomach flu worse. Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding coffee, carbonated beverages, alcohol, juice, and dairy during recovery. MedlinePlus specifically warns that fruit juice, sodas, and even some broths can worsen diarrhea because they don’t adequately replace minerals.
The biggest mistake people make is drinking too much too fast. A large gulp of water can trigger another round of vomiting. Another common error is relying on plain water when symptoms last more than a day or two — you need those salts replaced before dehydration sets in.
| Drink | Good or Bad? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pedialyte / ORS | Best choice | Replaces fluid and electrolytes efficiently |
| Water | Good in small sips | Prevents dehydration but lacks salts |
| Ice chips | Good | Slow, gentle hydration option |
| Clear broth | Good | Adds sodium and warmth |
| Ginger or peppermint tea | Good, if decaffeinated | Soothing and gentle on the stomach |
| Sports drinks | OK for older kids and adults | Too much sugar for young children |
| Soda, coffee, alcohol | Avoid | Irritate the stomach and worsen dehydration |
| Fruit juice | Avoid undiluted | High sugar can worsen diarrhea |
While you’re managing symptoms at home, you may want to compare the top rehydration products side by side. Our review of the best electrolyte drinks for stomach flu breaks down which formulas taste best and work fastest.
When to Seek Medical Help
Most stomach flu cases resolve within a few days. But severe dehydration can require medical attention, sometimes IV fluids. Call a doctor if you can’t keep any liquids down for more than 24 hours, notice blood in vomit or stool, or feel dizzy, confused, or extremely weak. The NIDDK’s treatment guidelines for viral gastroenteritis offer a clear reference for when professional care becomes necessary.
For most people, the path forward looks like this: wait out the vomiting, start with tiny sips of an oral rehydration solution, graduate to water and clear broth, and avoid everything on the skip list until symptoms fully clear. Listen to your body and take it slow.
FAQs
Can I drink coffee with stomach flu?
Coffee is a poor choice during stomach flu recovery. The caffeine acts as a diuretic, which can worsen dehydration, and its acidity often irritates an already inflamed stomach lining. Cleveland Clinic specifically lists coffee among drinks to avoid until symptoms improve.
Is Gatorade okay for stomach flu?
Sports drinks like Gatorade can work for older children and adults, but they contain more sugar and fewer electrolytes than dedicated oral rehydration solutions. MedlinePlus notes sports beverages are not suitable for younger children. If Gatorade is all you have, dilute it with water.
How much should I drink each hour?
Start very small. Begin with 1 to 2 teaspoons every 15 to 20 minutes, then gradually increase to 2 to 4 ounces every 30 to 60 minutes as your stomach settles. The total depends on your body size and how much you’re losing through vomiting or diarrhea.
References & Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. “What to Eat (and Avoid) When You Have the Stomach Flu.” Details on when to resume drinking and which beverages to avoid.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Treatment of Viral Gastroenteritis.” Official guidance on ORS use and fluid replacement.
- MedlinePlus. “Viral Gastroenteritis.” Authoritative reference on electrolyte replacement and fluid intake guidelines.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.