Top 12 Stomach Flu Remedies

Stomach flu, which is otherwise known as viral gastroenteritis, can be experienced by anybody and everyone. People suffering from the condition may experience abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever and diarrhea.

Stomach flu is caused by viruses from food, water or any contaminated object or vermin that may come in contact with the gastrointestinal tract through the mouth. Since it is caused by viruses, it cannot be treated using antibiotics. Furthermore, antiviral drugs are also not effective in relieving the condition. In this regard, people suffering from the condition may benefit from these simple stomach flu treatment remedies:

Natural Remedies for Stomach Flu

Mint

There are various kinds of mint available such as peppermint, catnip, lemon balm, spearmint and wintergreen mint. Mint may be beneficial for stomach flu because it has antimicrobial properties that may help lessen the amount of virus in the GIT.

Banana

Bananas are rich sources of potassium, which is essential during diarrhea to prevent electrolyte imbalances. People with stomach flu may benefit from bananas to manage loose bowel movements and prevent problems related to potassium loss.

Apple sauce

Apple sauce is another remedy for stomach flu. It improves the bulk in stools in order to improve the consistency of the feces during diarrhea. Apples also contain rich amounts of potassium to prevent electrolyte imbalances.

Oral Rehydration Solution

Sodium or salt is normally present in our body and is depleted when one has viral gastroenteritis due to diarrhea and vomiting. If you have stomach flu, be sure to include the needed amounts of sodium in the diet by using iodized salt. Also, you can drink a salt and sugar solution in the form of oral rehydration solution. Mix 1 tsp of sugar and a pinch of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and drink the solution every after each bowel movement or vomiting.

Crackers and Toast

These are one the effective ways to combat nausea associated with viral gastroenteritis. Crackers and toasts are easy to digest preventing gastric distention. In addition, it also reduces the acidity of the stomach that is usually increased during stomach flu. Make sure to grab a cracker or a toast before getting out of bed to limit nausea and vomiting episodes.

Rice Water

Rice water is another effective remedy for the condition. Rice water contains high amounts of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium that prevents diarrhea complications. In addition, rice water also reduces the workload of the stomach and the intestines; thereby limiting food intolerances associated with stomach flu. You may want to add either cinnamon or honey to improve the taste.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain high amounts of dietary fiber that can improve the bulk in stools. It is high in fiber, but low in roughage, which limits loose bowel movements. In addition, blueberries have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to reduce the virus and toxins in the GIT that causes gastroenteritis.

Yogurt

Yogurt is probably the most popular stomach flu remedy. It is also one of the most effective remedies since it contains live microorganisms or probiotics that maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. It prevents other opportunistic microorganisms such as viruses from infecting the GIT.

Garlic

Garlic is also a popular remedy because of its antimicrobial properties. However, make sure not to take garlic raw because it may lead to further gastric irritation. You may take blanched or roasted garlic instead.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an old and one of the most effective stomach flu remedies, which has lots of benefits such as smooth muscular relaxation, sedation, carminative effects, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti microbial properties.

Rest

Rest is one of the best remedies. Since there are no specific treatments for it, rest may help the body regain energy lost though vomiting and diarrhea.

Water

Among all the stomach flu remedies, water is the most beneficial because the body needs water more than anything else during the presence of stomach flu because of vomiting and diarrhea.

Viral infections are usually self-limiting meaning that they resolve on their own. With these, stomach flu remedies are geared at supportive managements in order to allow a complication-free course of the disease.

Guest Author Bio

Dr. Amarendra, the author is blogger cum freelance health writer. He writes at dental implants and www.dentalimplantsblog.co.uk.