10 Incredible Home Remedies for Stomach Flu You Should Know
Stomach flu is a droplet-borne illness that can be caused by noroviruses and rotaviruses. The viruses that cause stomach flu can leave you dehydrated and drained. Although there are no medications for these viruses, some effective natural remedies can safely relieve the symptoms. Frequent trips to the toilet, vomiting and dehydration – these are the typical signs of stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis. Stomach flu can also be accompanied by fever, muscle aches and abdominal cramps. It takes about one to three days for symptoms to become visible after infection. It is a droplet-borne disease...

10 Incredible Home Remedies for Stomach Flu You Should Know
Stomach flu is a droplet-borne illness that can be caused by noroviruses and rotaviruses.
The viruses that cause stomach flu can leave you dehydrated and drained. Although there are no medications for these viruses, some effective natural remedies can safely relieve the symptoms.
Frequent trips to the toilet, vomiting and dehydration – these are the typical signs of stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis. Stomach flu can also be accompanied by fever, muscle aches and abdominal cramps. It takes about one to three days for symptoms to become visible after infection. It is a droplet-borne disease that can be caused by noroviruses and rotaviruses.
If norovirus is the cause of your stomach flu, symptoms will likely resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Rotaviruses, which are known to affect children more than adults, can still be detected even after symptoms have subsided. They remain in your body for weeks after recovery.
You can become infected by sharing food, drinks, or dishes with an infected person, putting your hand in your mouth after touching a contaminated surface, or by caring for someone who has the stomach flu.
Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics and other medications cannot be an effective solution. Additionally, overuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria in your body.
Treatment therefore involves medication to control symptoms rather than combat the culprit. However, in the case of stomach flu, home remedies can prove to be extremely effective. Here are a few easy-to-use home remedies for you.
Drink plenty of water
The stomach flu affects appetite, which further dehydrates the body. Shutterstock
The stomach flu causes diarrhea, vomiting and sweating. This removes water and other fluids from the body. Additionally, this viral infection deprives the body of its appetite, further dehydrating it. Therefore, it is important to replenish lost fluids during this time. Drink water, coconut water, electrolyte drinks, etc. to ensure hydration. However, don't drink too much at once or you'll vomit. Sip these drinks in small quantities throughout the day. Other good options for hydration include water with added fruit, fresh watermelon juice, etc. Avoid liquids that can upset your stomach: coffee, black tea, and alcohol.
Eat light foods
When stomach flu symptoms seem to begin to subside, start eating simple solid foods like bananas and rice. These are easy to digest and bind well, making your stool firm. Bananas also contain many important nutrients such as potassium, which can help compensate for the electrolyte deficiency in your body. Additionally, apple cider vinegar, oranges, cinnamon, and turmeric in your recipes can also help.
Avoid dairy products and foods rich in fiber
Dairy products can increase your blood sugar levels and cause nausea. Shutterstock
Poor digestion during stomach flu makes your body lactose intolerant. Lactose is a protein found in dairy products such as milk and cheese. Fatty foods such as nuts and animal protein such as meat can also make life difficult for you during stomach flu. Aside from that, hot spices like garlic and pepper can worsen symptoms and loosen the intestines. Sugary foods can increase blood sugar levels and cause nausea, while high-fiber foods like whole grains, seeds, nuts, and potatoes can loosen the intestines. Therefore, if you have viral gastroenteritis, you should avoid these two food groups or at least go slow. Tomato-based dishes can also make diarrhea worse.
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