Stomach Flu Symptoms and Natural Stomach Flu Remedies
Stomach flu symptoms are not fun! The stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis is oftentimes caused by a virus.
For the record, the stomach flu is not a flu at all...it is not caused by an influenza virus. Stomach flu symptoms are caused by various viruses, the most common of which are rotavirus, norovirus and adenovirus. Similar stomach flu symptoms may occur as the result of bacterial infection from food contamination or spoiled food. Bacterial infections can be more serious than viral infections, however most people still weather the illness just fine. The stomach flu or gastroenteritis causes inflammation of the stomach and small intestines. The most common stomach flu symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms include headache, fever and abdominal cramping or nausea. The stomach flu is generally not a serious illness, most people recover just fine. The main issue is with dehydration. Infants, young children and the elderly are most prone to dehydration from the stomach flu. The number one stomach flu treatment is fluids. Be watchful for signs of dehydration and be sure to stay hydrated. Excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no tears, very dark urine, little urine, weakness, lethargy or dizziness are all stomach flu symptoms that could signify dehydration. Contact a medical professional if you think you may be severely dehydrated. Otherwise, sip lots of water, juices, or tea to stay hydrated. Commercial electrolyte replacement solutions tend to be rather expensive and full of sugar and artificial colors. De-carbonated soda, bananas and apples with skin all provide some electrolytes and hydration.1 Electrolyte Replacement Solution:You can make your own homemade electrolyte replacement solution. Add 1 tsp of salt and 8 teaspoons of sugar to 1 liter of water. (best if you use boiled water that has cooled). Juice, green tea or coconut water can also be added to improve the taste. Note: If a breastfed baby shows stomach flu symptoms, DO continue to breastfeed. Breastmilk is usually all the breastfed baby needs to weather the stomach flu. Rice water and chicken broth are also excellent when one is suffering from stomach flu symptoms. Stomach Flu Remedies: - Echinacea/Goldenseal Extract
are especially beneficial for gastroenteritis. The echinacea is important for immune health and goldenseal is considered to be especially important for intestinal distress and relief of the stomach flu. Some herbalists recommend always packing goldenseal when traveling as it is a great remedy for "Montezuma's Revenge." 1 Learn more about the benefits of goldenseal, and benefits of echinacea. - When you are sick, you don't want to mess with complicated remedies. Keep a bottle of Stomach Flu Fighter on hand. This 100% homeopathic remedy ought to be well-tolerated and make you just a bit more comfortable in your pain and suffering. Stomach Flu Fighter for Gastroenteritis, Diarrhea
There are numerous health benefits of ginger when it comes to relief of nausea and upset stomach. Ginger tea and Ginger Candy seem to be especially soothing.1 - Of course, don't forget about the importance of Garden of Life Primal Defense Probiotic Formula
. This is one of the most important stomach flu remedies. Lactbacillus acidophilus is an important good bacteria in the fight against the bad bacteria. You or your child may not feel like eating when you have the stomach flu, but you can break open a capsule and add to electrolyte drink, juice or tea. And, if you do feel up to eating, definitely consume probiotic foods probiotic yogurt - Olive Leaf Extract has anti-micoribal action against E. coli and H. pylori,ap which makes this herb a powerful fighter against stomach bugs. Try sipping olive leaf tea or taking olive leaf extract capsules. Learn more about olive leaf health benefits.
- Drink cinnamon tea. Cinnamon will relieve both vomiting and diarrhea. Steep 1 tsp of cinnamon or break up 1 cinnamon stick in hot water. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink. Learn more about cinnamon health benefits.
- Garlic cures the stomach flu. Well, that is if you are able to stomach it. Garlic may be a bit hard to keep down during a vomiting illness, but if you are able to, the potent antimicrobial actions will definitely hasten your recovery. Try coating crushed garlic with honey or take Deodorized Garlic Capsules
. - When the stomach flu is floating around your work or your kid's school, add 1-2 tbsp. of lemon juice to a cup of water and drink before eat meal. Lemon juice is a powerful preventative. During the actual illness, try adding up to a tsp. of lemon juice to your water or electrolyte drink. Learn more benefits of lemon juice.
- Chamomile Tea Benefits you if you have the stomach flu. This calming herb relaxes both your nerves and your smooth muscles. Sip chamomile tea during a nasty bout of gastroenteritis for a little bit of relief and faster healing.
- Peppermint and Catnip Tea
are two very common stomach flu remedies. Almost any member of the mint family will help relieve stomach flu symptoms. Drink mint tea or try Olive Leaf Mint Tea during times of gastrointestinal distress. Learn more about the benefits of the mint plant. - The famous BRAT diet stops diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Dried blueberries have also long been used to stop diarrhea in children and adults alike.
- Add a tiny pinch of Turmeric
to your rice, toast or soup. Turmeric has powerful antimicrobial properties which fight infections. Learn more about how turmeric benefits you.
Return from stomach flu symptoms to my-home-remedies.com
Do you have a great home remedy for gastorenteritis?
Do you have a great story about this? Share it!
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
|