When a stomach virus hits you, you can feel like everything is backwards. Although the sensation of fighting the viral gastroenteritis, also called the stomach flu, will make you want to seek a medication to relieve symptoms, you may know that natural remedies can be just as effective.
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How to beat viral gastroenteritis with home remedies
If you are stuck in bed with a viral gastroenteritis, never fear. With the best home remedies, you can use all-natural and proven techniques to start feeling better. The following 12 home remedies are the best ways to start treating the stomach flu.
1. Get quality sleep
Although we all want a quick and easy way to cure the flu, experts say that sleeping is the best option. Although you may be tired of lying-in bed all day, your body needs the rest to recover from the virus that is waging war on your body.
While you can expect your doctor to prescribe medications to magically remove the virus from your body, the fact is that this infection will not respond to medications. Although antibiotics will work against bacteria-borne diseases, they will not work against viruses. The best medicine for you right now is spending your days and nights in bed.
Fight the flu by reducing your physical activity and allowing your body to heal. If possible, change your sheets and disinfect all surfaces to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Although being forced to rest can be aggravating, the more you sleep, the faster you will recover.
2. Consume chunks of ice
With a stomach virus, you are likely to experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. The most disruptive complication caused by this virus is dehydration. Although you may not feel like eating or drinking anything, you need to rehydrate.
One of the most effective ways to combat dehydration when you are sick is to suck on ice chips. The benefit of using ice chips is that you can consume fluids at a steady rate without causing nausea. If you don’t eat or drink anything else, consuming ice chips will help rehydrate your body.
3. Drink clear liquids
Once you can keep fluids down, the next best step on your road to recovery is drinking more fluids. The more fluids you drink, the faster you can overcome dehydration.
Stock up on clear liquids as your appetite returns. Since clear liquids are primarily carbohydrates and water, they will be the easiest to digest. Broth, water, and decaffeinated teas are great options for recovering from viral gastroenteritis.
Don’t neglect fruit juices while you rehydrate. Try organic selections with no added sugar, like cranberry and grape.
4. Make your own rice water
Rice water is another liquid to consider as you recover from your illness. Rice water or “rice tea” has long been a remedy for an upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms associated with the viral stomach flu.
If you already have rice at home, you can easily make rice water. After boiling the rice for 15 minutes, strain the rice and drink the water after it cools. Water is most effective when consumed warm.
5. Eat soft foods while you recover from viral gastroenteritis
As your body fights the virus, it is natural to avoid eating any food. However, your body needs the energy to keep fighting. If you don’t feel like eating a large meal, bland foods like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce are all food options that will fill you up without causing nausea.
Often referred to as the BRAT diet, this simple all-soft-food diet will be gentle on your body. While this diet is safe as you recover, remember that you still need to add more nutrients to your meals. Once you rehydrate properly and begin to feel less nauseous, returning to a nutrient-dense diet is essential.
6. Eat ginger
Ginger is another superfood to consider to add to your comprehensive recovery diet. Ginger is incredibly helpful in relieving nausea. Although ginger is helpful at this time, it is best consumed in moderation as concentrated amounts of ginger can lead to diarrhea.
As you get over the flu, it is best to eat grated ginger in your tea or soup. This way, you can eat a moderate amount.
7. Take peppermint capsules
Peppermint is another favorite for calming indigestion and an upset stomach. If you experience symptoms of flu-like lower gut pain or indigestion, peppermint may help.
Research shows that the most effective way to consume peppermint is by taking coated capsules. Found online, in supermarkets and health food stores, these capsules contain peppermint oil and are highly effective.
The tablets allow the peppermint oil to pass over the stomach and instead be released into the small intestine. By taking these capsules twice a day, you will feel the most relief from the worst symptoms of the flu.
8. Drink some tea
Tea is another calming drink to consider as you recover from the flu. The best tea to drink when dealing with the stomach flu is herbal tea.
Herbs like cinnamon, cloves, and sage are incredibly helpful in helping the body fight germs. Together or separately, these herbal teas will help calm your stomach and fight the virus with their many antioxidants.
If you already have these fresh herbs in your home, try making this tea yourself. Soak the cinnamon, cloves, and sage in freshly boiled water. Drink the unsweetened tea to reduce the chance of diarrhea.
9. Use apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most versatile healing remedies when it comes to treating a variety of ailments. If you’re an avid apple cider vinegar drinker, experts found that it can even prevent stomach viruses.
If you are currently battling gastroenteritis, vinegar is something you should add to your diet as soon as possible. The many benefits of this superfood make it a great treatment for the worst of the flu. Raw vinegar with “the mother” is a powerful probiotic that will help with digestion as it increases the good bacteria in the gut.
Likewise, the antimicrobial and anti-infective qualities of apple cider vinegar help destroy germs, fight infection, and treat an upset stomach.
Besides boosting your immunity, take vinegar to balance the pH of your stomach. By adjusting your pH, you will restore your body’s alkalinity to normal levels, which will help fight the virus.
When purchasing the vinegar, be sure to get the raw version. Most of the vinegars you’ll see are artificially processed and don’t have the probiotics you need to treat the flu.
10. Eat yogurt
While most people are under the impression to avoid dairy during the flu, kefir and yogurt are great options for regaining strength after getting relief from the flu.
If you’re still nauseous, stick with soft foods until you feel better. Once you can support your regular diet, yogurt and kefir can help restore your body to its natural level of good bacteria.
Yogurt and kefir are rich in probiotics. So, go to them if you are trying to recover from the stomach virus. These foods will stabilize your blood sugar and help you feel stronger.
Don’t you want to add dairy to your diet? Try lactose-free yogurt options. Remember, it’s best to try plain yogurt, as the flavored kind can be too irritating for anyone still in recovery mode after dealing with a stomach bug.
11. Take probiotic supplements
If you’ve had your fill of yogurt and kefir or are not ready to eat yet, consider purchasing your probiotics elsewhere. Get rid of harmful flu bacteria with probiotic supplements. These probiotics eliminate the antibiotics that are responsible for bothersome symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Add probiotic supplements to your diet to start replenishing the good bacteria in your gut. In this way, you can balance your digestive system. Look for those probiotics that specifically target the stomach flu.
12. Try citrus fruits
Don’t forget fresh fruits when fighting the stomach flu. Citrus fruits like grapefruits, lemons, and oranges are another option to consider as you work to fight the flu.
These types of fruits have higher levels of vitamin C and flavonoids that will help boost your immunity and decrease inflammation as you fight the stomach virus.
If you are not ready to eat anything, try drinking fresh juice. To absorb all the effects of these fruits, it is better to drink the fresh juice.
Final thoughts
Put an end to your worst stomach flu symptoms with these powerful natural remedies. Natural herbs, fruits, and similar solutions are quite effective in helping your body heal itself.
Never underestimate the power of sleep, fresh fruit juice, water, and the rest of the home remedies above. By relying on holistic healing techniques, you will find that you feel better in no time.