Grape juice and stomach flu: Insights from scientific research
In the United States, approximately 27 million people contract stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, each year. This highly contagious illness can be caught from an infected person, contaminated surfaces, or consuming food or drinks prepared by a person with the illness [1].
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that a person with norovirus or stomach flu symptoms should not prepare food for others and recommends washing any items the person uses at the hottest temperature the fabric allows, washing them immediately if they come into contact with any vomit or feces [2].
The CDC also stresses the importance of maintaining a clean environment. They recommend keeping surfaces clean and disinfected as part of regular household cleaning, and a thorough cleanup immediately if someone with stomach flu vomits or has diarrhea [3].
While some people believe that drinking grape juice may help prevent stomach flu, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. Grapes and grape juices are high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps fight off illness, but this does not translate to a direct antiviral effect on stomach viruses [4].
A study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that taking a grape powder supplement can increase gut microbiome diversity, which may promote good health. However, this does not imply that grape juice has antiviral properties against stomach viruses [5].
Current scientific research does not specifically support the belief that drinking grape juice prevents or treats stomach viruses. While some juices, like grapefruit juice, have been studied for their effects on the intestines, direct antiviral effects of grape juice on stomach viruses are not established in research [6].
The CDC acknowledges that there are no specific medicines to treat stomach flu and recommends drinking lots of liquids to replace those lost through vomiting or diarrhea [7].
In terms of nutritional advice, when dealing with digestive conditions, grape juice may be included due to its gentle nature and nutrition, but this is dietary management rather than evidence of antiviral treatment [8].
The CDC also emphasises the importance of good hygiene practices. They recommend a proper hand hygiene regime, including washing hands regularly with soap and water, being extra careful after using the toilet or changing a diaper, before preparing food or eating, and before taking any medication [9].
People with stomach flu are recommended to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration [10]. However, when it comes to preventing or treating stomach flu, the focus should be on maintaining good hygiene practices and a healthy lifestyle, rather than relying on specific foods or drinks.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Norovirus - CDC Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/fs-norovirus.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Cleaning and Disinfection for Norovirus. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/prevention-and-control/cleaning-disinfection.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Norovirus - Preventing Spread in Child Care Settings. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/prevention-and-control/child-care-settings.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Fruit Juice and Your Child's Diet. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/fruitjuice.html
- Bauer, J. A., & Cox, M. M. (2018). Grape juice and gut health: A review. Nutrients, 10(10), 1534.
- Food Control, (2015). Resveratrol as a potential inhibitor of feline calicivirus infection: implications for norovirus. Food Control, 53, 186-193.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Norovirus - Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/treatment.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Grape Juice: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Risks. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/foods/grape-juice/nutrition-charts/grape-juice
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Handwashing. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Norovirus - Symptoms and Complications. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/symptoms-and-complications.html
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