Stomach flu or some might call it “stomach bug” is medically known as viral gastroenteritis. It is a common intestinal infection due to ingestion of contaminated food or water. It may also spread by contact with the contaminated person.
Following Are The Symptoms Of Stomach Flu:
- Watery diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Pain in abdominal
- Severe dehydration – extreme thirst
- Occasionally low-grade fever
- Upset stomach with stomach pain
- Sometimes headache and muscle ache.
Above mentioned symptoms may last up to 10 days. However, in the case of infants, old and immune-compromised people, it can become severe and may lead to dehydration and fatal.
Stomach flu is a viral infection. Treatment with antibiotics and other medications does not work very well. Below are a few effective home remedies effective for stomach flu:
Ice Chips
Diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating in stomach flu may lead to dehydration. Hydration is key to preventing dehydration. Most patients suffering from gastroenteritis find it challenging to keep fluids down. Ice chips more minor than ice cubes are a perfect substitute for fluids. Chew or suck ice chips at regular intervals to keep your body hydrated.
Rice Water
Boil half a cup of rice, preferably brown rice, in 3 cups of water on moderate heat. Remember not to add salt. Cook for about 45 minutes till the rice gets tender. Remove rice water from heat and strain the leftover water with the help of a cheesecloth. Cool rice water and give it to the person suffering from a stomach virus.
You can also store rice water in the refrigerator and use it throughout the day. This is an excellent home remedy for gastroenteritis and is a high source of electrolytes. Rice water is also rich in essential nutrients. Rice water restores the body salts and prevents dehydration. It is beneficial for babies and small children with viral gastroenteritis. In children, give 4oz of rice water every four hours till symptoms subside.
Banana
Banana is rich in potassium and thus restores potassium lost in diarrhea. It contains a fiber, pectin, that eases symptoms of diarrhea. Bananas also strengthen the linings of the stomach. It is the best fruit to be given in stomach flu that helps control symptoms until they disappear entirely.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is filled with minerals and potassium. It is an excellent substitute for plain water and keeps the body hydrated during stomach virus.
Yogurt
Dairy products are not a good option during the stomach flu. But yogurt contains probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that help bring the digestive system back on track. It is better to consume yogurt without adding sugar to it during stomach upset.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. It is a natural remedy to relieve pain in the stomach and nausea. It also aids digestion.
Drinking ginger tea, ginger ale, ginger juice or chewing ginger root can help reduce the symptoms of stomach flu. You may also add ginger to other foods, either powder or grated.
Red Tea and Fennel
Red tea, also known as Rooibos, soothes the digestive system. On the other hand, Fennel is a natural medicine for indigestion and the bloating of the stomach. Have a cup of red tea or Fennel if your stomach is upset. These two effectively relieve indigestion, waterbrash, belching, and flatulence.
Apple Cider Vinegar With Honey
Take 1 cup of warm water, add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and one tablespoon of honey. This solution is beneficial to relieve stomach aches and gas.
Peppermint
Peppermint is known to reduce stomach ache and also aid digestion. In stomach viruses, peppermint can be chewed or used as a tea ingredient.
Apple Juice
Apple juice contains pectin that eases diarrhea. It is high in carbohydrates and sugars and thus boosts energy. Fresh apple juice is recommended in diarrhea, especially for kids, as it is easy to digest.
White Rice
In contrast to brown rice, white rice contains fewer fibers and is easy to digest to be consumed during stomach flu.
Tips & Tricks For Preventing The Stomach Flu
Above mentioned home remedies are readily available at home and effectively manage stomach flu symptoms. Please keep in mind:
1. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration due to stomach flu. One may have plain water or a sports drink. In addition, infants should be given Oral Rehydration Solution to restore the loss of electrolytes.
2. Avoid caffeinated drinks like strong coffee, black tea, soft drinks, alcohol, and chocolate drinks as they could cause more stomach upset.
3. Avoid spicy and fatty foods as they can enhance the symptoms of gastroenteritis.
4. Avoid fibrous foods such as whole grains and vegetable soup during stomach flu as they can be hard on digestion.
5. Take plenty of rest and reduce your activities during stomach virus as your body needs the energy to fight against infection.
Prevention is always better than cure. So make a habit of washing your hands before and after eating and at regular intervals clean vegetables and fruits before consuming.
Preventing Emergencies
Signs of dehydration include increased thirst, dry mouth and skin, sunken eyes, and infrequent urination with dark colored urine. Dehydration is a medical condition that may be fatal and may lead to death. Keep yourself hydrated during stomach virus to prevent dehydration.
Reach out to your doctor right away if you kids shows these severe symptoms: bloody stools, sunken soft spot, dry mouth, lack of tears or unresponsive as these symptoms might indicate a medical emergency.
BOTTOM LINE
Stomach flu is a viral disease, so antibiotics and other medications are not of much help to get rid of the symptom. In addition, antibiotics may hamper digestion, and it may take a long time for the digestive system to get back on track.
By simple home remedies, gastroenteritis is treated and prevented from getting worse. These home remedies are natural, without any side effects on our body, and boost our immunity and digestive functions.
