The stomach flu plagues most people and is more uncomfortable than dangerous in a majority of cases. It wreaks havoc on the stomach and intestinal tract.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, low-grade fever, cramping and in some cases loss of appetite. Since a stomach virus usually lasts only a few days at most, sufferers are usually on their own to try proven home remedies as a way to endure until they are finally well. Mild cases last on average between three and seven days, while more serious cases may last a full 10 days.
Stomach viruses are typically attributed to a number of common viruses. The source is often food or water that has been contaminated. This health condition is also highly communicable and can be transferred from person to person. For this reason, it is not uncommon to hear about an entire office being infected with a large group of employees staying at home sick.
Since there is no defined medical treatment offered by the traditional medical community, a home remedy is worth trying as a way to lessen the symptoms.
Use probiotics to promote good gut bacteria
Kefir is a natural probiotic and is commonly used for this condition. Miso soup, kimchi and sauerkraut are also touted as excellent probiotic options that can calm stomach viruses.
Eat bananas to stabilize electrolyte levels for digestion
Pectin – a type of water-soluble fiber found in a variety of fruits and vegetables – treats diarrhea. This fiber is contained in both green and ripe bananas, so eating any banana will help. High in potassium, bananas also help replace potassium that is depleted as the result of diarrhea.
Get plenty of rest
When you’re sick, your body needs as much rest as possible so that it can heal. It takes a lot of energy to fight infection. That’s why you feel so tired when you’re sick.
Drink chamomile, fennel, red, ginger and rosemary teas
Tea has been used with great success as a way to soothe stomach cramping and relieve the other stomach flu symptoms of nausea, diarrhea and bloating. It is recommended to drink one of the teas listed above for two to three days. Sipping tea three or four times a day makes it a powerful home remedy in your arsenal of weapons used to soothe your virus symptoms.
It is important to stay hydrated
Fluid levels fluctuate dramatically when you are sick, particularly with stomach issues. One of the most important home remedies for stomach flu is a simple one: be sure to drink plenty of fluids. When you vomit, sweat and have diarrhea, it becomes a challenge to keep enough fluid in your body (especially when it is difficult to keep anything down). Ice chips may be your best bet in cases where you keep regurgitating.
Remember, not all drinks will help your body replenish your fluid levels. Black tea and coffee can actually upset your stomach. Alcohol should be avoided at all costs since it will actually make your dehydration worse. Sodas should also be skipped since the acid and chemicals serve to irritate your stomach.
Acupuncture and acupressure are commonly used in China
These home remedies treat the symptoms and lessen the severity. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea improve. You can administer acupressure on your own without spending the money to go to a specialist. If you hold the wrist of your opposite hand with your three fingers and position your thumb directly below your index finger on your wrist, then you’re in a position to apply pressure with your thumb to this spot. You can use a circular motion applying pressure there for approximately three minutes to relieve stomach flu symptoms.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) soothes stomach flu symptoms
The pectin in ACV reduces vomiting and nausea and also lessens stomach aches. Be sure to buy the raw version that is also organic and unfiltered. You can add it to a glass of water and drink it before you eat. Drinking this daily until your stomach flu is gone is an excellent way to treat this virus.
For more information about how to treat particular symptoms of stomach virus, click here.
