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Stomach Flu: Symptoms and Home Remedies

By on September 11, 2017

What is Stomach Flu?

Stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis and is an intestinal infection that is caused due to ingesting contaminated food or water or may also spread via contact with the
infected person or surface. It is more common during monsoons.

Stomach Flu: Symptoms and Home Remedies

Stomach Flu: Symptoms and Home Remedies

What are the symptoms of stomach flu

Stomach flu is marked by symptoms like watery diarrhoea, nausea. Vomiting, pain in abdominal, occasionally low-grade fever, abdominal cramps and sometimes
headache or muscle ache.

the symptoms of stomach flu

the symptoms of stomach flu

The stomach flu has no effective treatment, and the healthy person recovers from stomach flu in 1 to 3 days without much complications. Symptoms of stomach flu may last up to 10 days and in the case of infants, old and immune compromised people it can be severe as it may lead to dehydration and death. This article is home remedies for stomach flu that will be quite useful to manage stomach flu. 

Top Home Remedies for Stomach Flu

The cause of stomach flu is viral, antibiotics and other medicines are not much help. To ease the symptoms, discussed below are home remedies for stomach flu:

1.Ice Chips-

Diarrhoea and vomiting in stomach flu may lead to dehydration. Ice chips prevent dehydration and keep the body hydrated.

Ice Chips

Ice Chips

2. Rice water-

Boil rice in water. Strain the leftover water, cool it and give it to the person suffering from stomach flu. This is an excellent home remedy for stomach flu
as it is a high source of electrolytes. The rising water provides the necessary body salts and prevents dehydration. It is handy for babies and small children

3. Banana in Stomach Flu-

Banana is rich in potassium and thus restores potassium lost in diarrhoea. Banana contains a fibre pectin that eases diarrhoea.

Bananas

Bananas

4. Coconut Water –

Coconut water is rich in potassium and other minerals. Also, it is a good substitute for plain water and keeps the body hydrated during stomach flu.

5. Yogurt-

Dairy products are not a good option during stomach flu. But yogurt contains probiotics; these are the good bacteria that helps to bring the digestive system back to the track. Refrain yourself to add sweet to yogurt when given in stomach flu.

Yogurt

Yogurt

6. Burnt Toast-

Burnt toast eases stomach flu symptoms by absorbing the toxins.

7. Peppermint-

Peppermint is known to reduce the symptoms of stomach flu and aids digestion. Peppermint can be chewed or used as an ingredient in tea to relieve the symptoms of stomach flu.

8. Apple cider vinegar with honey-

ACV reduces from gas and cramps. Add a teaspoon of ACV to a cup of water and drink a half hour before every meal.

9. Ginger-

Ginger aids digestion. It relieves inflammation. Chew ginger root or drink its tea to ease the symptoms of stomach flu.

ginger

ginger

10. Apple sauce in stomach flu-

Apple sauce contains pectin and is rich in carbohydrate and sugars, and thus it prevents diarrhoea and boosts energy.

11. White Rice in Stomach Flu-

White rice contains less in fibre and is easy to digest thus can be given during stomach flu.

White Rice in Stomach Flu

White Rice in Stomach Flu

The above home, remedies are very effective in managing the symptoms of stomach flu, but there are a few more points that should be kept in mind:

Beside above home remedies, drink plenty of liquid to prevent dehydration due to stomach flu. One may have clear, plain water or sports drink. Infants may be given Oral
Rehydration Solution to restore the loss of electrolytes.

If you have stomach flu, avoid coffee, black tea, soft drinks, alcohol, and chocolate drinks, fatty foods and also fibrous foods during stomach flu as they can be hard the
digestion and worsen the symptoms of stomach flu. During stomach flu, your body needs the energy to fight against infection so better stay at home and take rest.

How to Prevent Stomach Flu

Always wash your hands before and after eating and at regular interval. Clean vegetables and fruits before consuming. Take plenty of fluids and proper rest.

How to Prevent Stomach Flu

How to Prevent Stomach Flu

See a doctor if symptoms of stomach flu prevail even after ten days. Also immediately see the doctor if there is high fever or if you see the signs of dehydration.
Dehydration is a life threatening condition. The signs of dehydration include increased thirst, dry skin, dry mouth, little or no urination in 24 hours and sunken eyes.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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