Liquid is Easy on the Stomach

• Liquid is easier to digest than solids, requiring less work on the part of the stomach and other elements of the digestive track. Gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and digestive disorders such as diverticulitis, can cause the intestines to work overtime as they evict the offending substances through diarrhea, vomiting, and expulsion of gas. Consuming solid food at such times will only exacerbate the problem. A clear liquid diet, consisting of transparent liquids such as water, broth, tea, or apple and cranberry juice, is the gentlest on the stomach and will help prevent dehydration which can occur due to vomiting and diarrhea. As soon as stomach cramps begin to ease on a clear liquid diet, thicker liquids such as orange juice or soup may be introduced. If this causes stomach cramping to start again, return to a clear liquid diet.
  
  

Nutrition and Electrolytes

• A liquid diet can not provide adequate nutrition over extended periods of time. Remain on a liquid diet only long enough for stomach cramps and other gastric symptoms to ease, usually about 24 to 48 hours. A person suffering from a digestive disorder or gastroenteritis will also lose electrolytes. Children suffering from vomiting and diarrhea should be given a pediatric oral rehydration solution which contains sugars and electrolytes. Adults may add sports drinks or flavored gelatin to their liquid diet to maintain necessary body chemistry. Children and adults should both return to eating solid foods as soon as stomach cramp symptoms are abated, beginning slowly with a few dry crackers or toast then adding other foods until returning to normal food consumption.
  
  

Travelers Diarrhea

• Travelers diarrhea is another common and predictable cause of stomach cramps. Every place on the globe has E.coli bacteria in water, but it differs slightly from place to place. Introduced to any new E.coli strain, the stomach will respond with gastric distress for several days until adjusting. Avoiding liquids will only lead to dehydration or worse medical conditions, so drink plenty of liquid. Stick with bottled, purified or boiled beverage sources if possible, but any source of fluid is better than none for easing stomach cramps associated with travelers diarrhea. As with intestinal problems caused by viruses and other disorders, a temporary liquid diet is the best route to addressing stomach cramp symptoms.