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Enteritis Diet
Enteritis, also known as gastroenteritis (‘gastro’ meaning gastrointestinal and ‘itis’ meaning
inflammation) is an inflammation of the gut lining, and causes swelling and irritation of the
small intestine. It usually occurs from consumption of foods or beverages that are
contaminated with bacteria or viruses.
Symptoms include:
 Abdominal pain
 Bloating
 Dehydration
 Diarrhea
 Fever
 Gassiness
 Nausea
 Vomiting
Enteritis is also secondary to Crohn’s disease and long-term use of certain drugs, including
ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and cocaine. While most cases of enteritis last only a few days, it
may last longer. If symptoms persist for more than 5 days or if there is blood in the stool,
contact your health-care provider, who may recommend a course of antibiotic treatment.
Types of enteritis
 Bacterial gastroenteritis
 Campylobacter enteritis
 Escherichia coli enteritis
 Food poisoning
 Radiation enteritis
 Radiation enteritis from cancer treatment
 Salmonella enteritidis
 Shigella enteritis
 Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning
Dietary management of enteritis
Dietary management of enteritis consists of:
 Initiating a clear liquid diet until vomiting and diarrhea subside
 Rehydrating with an electrolyte beverage if fluid intake is poor
 Slowly progressing to easily digested bland foods such as bananas, white rice, or
applesauce, and then slowly adding soft-cooked vegetables
 Avoiding foods that are high in fiber or are possibly difficult to digest—often called a “lowresidue diet”
 Avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables
 Avoiding dairy products, fatty foods, alcohol, seeds, nuts, and tobacco
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Emphasizing water and fluid consumption to prevent dehydration:
o A goal of consuming 3 liters (or twelve 8-fluid-ounce glasses of fluids) by sipping
throughout the day
o Intravenous fluids are necessary in severe cases, if severe vomiting or diarrhea occur
Consuming foods and fluids that are at room temperature, and avoiding those that are
too hot or cold
Taking antinausea medications, if prescribed by your physician
o Do not use over-the-counter medicines to treat diarrhea without a doctor’s
recommendation
o The body is trying to expel toxins—medications may counter this goal
Drinking a lactose-free nutrition supplement can help maintain caloric intake without
exacerbating symptoms
Including the following foods, which should not exacerbate enteritis:
o Baked, broiled, or grilled chicken and fish
o Cooked eggs
o Cooked vegetables
o Macaroni
o White bread
References and recommended reading
Lehrer JK. Enteritis. MedlinePlus website.
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001149.htm#top. Updated May 15, 2014. Accessed
October 25, 2016.
Radiation enteritis. National Cancer Institute website. https://www.cancer.gov/aboutcancer/treatment/side-effects/constipation/gi-complications-pdq#section/all. Updated June 6,
2016. Accessed October 25, 2016.
Contributed by Stacia Helfand, MEd, RD, CDN
Updated by Nutrition411 staff
Review date: 10/30/16