Well, guys, flu season is upon us and unfortunately it has already hit my house. My sweet little daughter has been down with the flu the last couple days which got me thinking what kind of foods really are the best to eat when you or your loved ones can’t keep anything down?? I naturally think of saltine crackers and Sprite—I think a lot of us were raised on this when we are not feeling well. My husband said that is what his mom would give him and a couple of my friends said the same thing. The crackers sound right to me—the Sprite seems a little confusing. How that could help an upset stomach? So I was a on a search to find the foods that are the most easy on our digestive systems that could help my little ones right now (and just keep it in mind for future reference).

The answer is the BRAT diet — bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast — should be your go-to when it comes to an uneasy stomach. It consists of foods that are easy to digest, contain a lot of carbohydrates to give you energy, and replenish nutrients lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

• Bananas: Bananas are easy to digest and can replace the potassium you lose from vomiting and diarrhea.

• Rice: Brown rice has too much fiber, but white rice is easier on the stomach and provides energy from carbs.

• Applesauce: Applesauce can provide an energy boost due to the carbs and sugars, and also contains pectin, which can help with diarrhea.

• Toast: Avoid whole-wheat bread, as fiber can be difficult on the digestive system. White bread is processed and easier to digest.

Here are a couple other natural home remedies you can try that are particularly effective if started at the very beginning of when you start to feel something coming on:

Apple Cider Vinegar
Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice, to a glass of water helps to alkalinize the body. Creating an alkaline environment helps kill bacteria and viruses. Start drinking it at the first sign of illness and repeat several times a day until the symptoms subside.

Warm Liquids
Homemade bone broth, hot lemon water, and herbal teas all help boost the immune system and soothe you when feeling sick. Ginger is good for sinus trouble and congestion. Chamomile helps reduce inflammation and calms nerves, which can result in better sleep. Homemade cinnamon tea made with one tablespoon of cinnamon and one teaspoon of honey helps reduce coughing and congestion.

What not to eat

General foods to avoid are dairy, fibrous foods, and anything fatty or spicy.

I hope you guys are actually able to completely miss the flu bug this year—but if you do, I hope some of these tips might help you get over it quickly! Do you have anything you would add to the list that helps deal with the flu bug at your house??