• Home Remedies Index
  • Feedback
  • Subscribe
Top 10 Home Remedies
No Result
View All Result
Advertisements
Top 10 Home Remedies
No Result
View All Result

Home » Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Natural Ways to Help You Feel Better

by Jennifer Cumberland, BSN, RN
July 15, 2019
21

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a condition in which the stomach and the small intestine become inflamed. Gastroenteritis is primarily caused by viral or bacterial infections. The infections are typically caused by contaminated water and spoiled food.[1]

Acute gastroenteritis is a common cause of clinic visits and hospitalizations in the USA. Approximately 179 million cases of acute gastroenteritis occur each year. This results in millions of clinic visits, almost 500,000 hospitalizations, and more than 5,000 deaths per year.[2]

Contents

  • Causes of Gastroenteritis
  • Signs and Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
  • Risk Factors Associated with Gastroenteritis
  • Preventing Gastroenteritis
  • When to See a Doctor
    • 1. Increase Fluid Intake
    • 2. Salt
    • 3. Rice Water (best suited for infants)
    • 4. Probiotics
    • 5. Peppermint
    • 6. Chamomile
    • 7. Ginger
    • 8. Basil
    • 9. Green Bananas
    • 10. Lemon
  • Additional Tips

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Infectious agents such as Rotavirus, Norovirus, Escherichia coli (E. Coli), and Salmonella can cause gastroenteritis.[2]

Aside from infectious agents, other factors also play a role in the spread of stomach flu[1]:

Advertisements
  • Coming in contact with a person who has the virus
  • Consuming contaminated food or water
  • Not washing the hands after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper

Signs and Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis can be a highly contagious disease. Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the infectious agent and last for 2 to 10 days, depending on the type of infection.

Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include[1]:

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Mild to moderate diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Body aches
  • Dehydration

Risk Factors Associated with Gastroenteritis

Anyone can suffer from gastroenteritis, but children and the elderly are more prone to complications due to their weakened immune systems. It was found in a study that rotavirus was the most common gastroenteritis pathogen identified, followed by norovirus, adenovirus, and Salmonella.[1]

Preventing Gastroenteritis

If you are already suffering from gastroenteritis, it is essential to replenish the body with fluids. Diarrhea and vomiting can create an imbalance of electrolytes (salt and minerals) in the body, which leads to dehydration.[1]

You can take some steps to reduce the risk of getting gastroenteritis[1]:

  • Wash your hands regularly, particularly after going to the bathroom and before and after eating and cooking.
  • Keep the kitchen surface clean and disinfected, especially after working with raw meat, seafood, and eggs.
  • Keep raw meat, eggs, and poultry away from food that can be safely eaten raw.
  • Avoid contaminated food and water, including ice cubes, during travels. Use bottled drinking water for consumption and brushing teeth.
  • Maintain distance from anyone who appears ill. Avoid sharing plates, utensils, and drinking cups.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms of severe gastroenteritis:[3]

Advertisements
  • Blood in vomit or stools
  • Persistent vomiting for more than 48 hours
  • High-grade fever, above 101° Fahrenheit (40° Celsius)
  • Increasing intensity of abdominal pain
  • Severe dehydration characterized by weakness, feeling faint, fainting, dark or foul-smelling urine, and dry skin

Along with rehydration and rest, you can try some simple and natural home remedies to help treat the problem and reduce the symptoms. Gastroenteritis is usually a self-limiting condition that does not require medication.

For children, zinc supplementation and rotavirus vaccines are significant factors in reducing the morbidities, mortalities, and hospitalizations caused by acute gastroenteritis.[3]

home remedies for stomach flu

Here are some home remedies for gastroenteritis.

1. Increase Fluid Intake

Dehydration affects the body’s normal functioning and can even delay the healing process. So, drink plenty of water and clear, nutritious fluids like broths, soups, and rice water. Eat easy-to-digest foods, such as rice, yogurt, apples, toast, and bananas.[3]

Advertisements

Electrolyte-infused drinks, such as Gatorade and Pedialyte, may be useful in the treatment of dehydration that is associated with mild viral gastroenteritis.[3]

2. Salt

Salt contains sodium, which is an electrolyte that can be added to water to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea.[4] Furthermore, salt helps fight infection and maintain the pH levels of the digestive tract.

To get the maximum benefit from salt for gastroenteritis, use high-quality salt such as Himalayan salt or sea salt. These salts are not processed like the usual white table salt. Therefore, they still contain various minerals that generally are found in natural salt.

It is also essential not to increase the dose of the salt as this can adversely affect your health and even increase diarrhea.[4]

You can make an electrolyte drink at home.

Advertisements
  1. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 liter or 4 cups of filtered water.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix well.
  3. Drink this solution at short intervals throughout the day.

You can also try commercially available electrolyte preparations to balance out electrolytes and prevent dehydration.

3. Rice Water (best suited for infants)

If you are suffering from diarrhea and a stomachache due to stomach flu, the best remedy is rice water.[5][6] Rice water is a bland food that acts like a demulcent to help reduce inflammation of the stomach lining and to alleviate pain.

  1. In an uncovered pan, boil ½ cup of white rice in 6 cups of water until the rice is tender.
  2. Strain and allow the water to cool.
  3. Add ½ teaspoon each of honey and cinnamon powder.
  4. Sip the warm rice water slowly every hour.
  5. Follow this remedy for a week.

4. Probiotics

To rid your body of “bad bacteria” in the digestive system and replace it with “good bacteria,” start taking probiotics. Probiotics can get your digestive system back on track and provide relief from symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea.[7]

There is significant research that shows probiotics are especially suitable for treating diarrhea.[7]

Probiotic supplements have been helpful to prevent or treat acute diarrheal diseases and antibiotic-related conditions, especially gastrointestinal disorders.[7]

  • Consume probiotic yogurt, kefir, and related foods. Avoid artificially sweetened yogurt and kefir.
  • You can also take probiotic supplements after consulting with your doctor.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular traditional remedy for digestive ailments. Peppermint is known for its antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties that help in relieving gas, bloating, upset stomach, nausea, and intestinal cramps.[8]

If gastroenteritis becomes severe, then it could also lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There is supporting data that peppermint restores the digestive system in cases of IBS-related symptoms.[8]

  1. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried peppermint leaves* to 1 cup of boiling water.
  2. Cover and allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Strain and add honey to taste.
  4. Drink this herbal tea 3 times daily between meals for a few days.

*You can substitute edible peppermint oil as well; the oil is strong so add slowly according to taste.[8]

You can even chew peppermint gum to calm the stomach.

6. Chamomile

Chamomile is an effective remedy for gastroenteritis. This herb is widely used in folk medicine to alleviate skin diseases like eczema, ulcers, wounds, stress, and many gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and vomiting.[9]

Chamomile tea has been popular for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and carminative properties. All of these properties play a crucial role in the functioning of your digestive system. It can relieve symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, and gas.[9]

  1. Add 2 teaspoons of dried or 1 tablespoon of fresh chamomile flowers to a cup of hot water.
  2. Cover and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Strain and add honey to taste.
  4. Drink this a few times a day for 2 to 3 days.

You can even add a few chamomile leaves to ice tea and drink as often as needed.

7. Ginger

Ginger is another very effective remedy for treating gastroenteritis due to its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Research has indicated that the ginger extract of the plant and root showed high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, which can be a cause for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.[10]

Ginger can prevent and treat stomach infection while reducing the frequency of symptoms, such as watery stools, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. According to the Ayurvedic system of medicine, ginger minimizes the incidence of diarrhea, pain, and fever.[10]

  • Add 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped ginger root to 1½ cup of boiling water. Cover and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey, and sip slowly. You can also add a little lemon juice for flavor. Drink 2 or 3 times a day until you feel better.
  • You can make ginger ale and drink as often as you like. To prepare the drink, boil ¼ cup of chopped ginger in 1 cup of water. Next, boil ¼ cup of sugar in 1 cup of water; let simmer for a couple of minutes. Finally, mix both the prepared solutions and add ¼ cup of club soda and the juice from ½ lemon. Drink up to 3 glasses of this homemade ginger ale a day.
  • Another option is to chew a small piece of fresh ginger root to treat gastroenteritis. Do consult your doctor before taking ginger supplements.

Note: People with high blood pressure should avoid ginger remedies. Furthermore, in case of children, the dosage shall differ with age, and this remedy is not recommended for infants.[10]

8. Basil

Basil, which has antispasmodic properties and prevents gastric spasms, is also a good remedy for gastroenteritis.[11]

Basil essential oil is rich in linalool and chavicol with varying amounts of geraniol, eugenol, and methyl-eugenol. These oils can help combat the symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as vomiting and diarrhea.[11]

  • Mix equal amounts of basil and ginger juice and drink 2 or 3 times a day to ease stomach pain.
  • You can also boil 10 to 15 basil leaves in 1 cup of water. Drink with a pinch of rock salt twice daily for a few days.
  • Alternatively, drink basil tea with honey as needed.

9. Green Bananas

Bananas, both ripe and unripe, also help in the treatment of gastroenteritis. The high content of amylase-resistant starch in bananas helps reduce the severity of symptoms.[12]

Bananas can replenish potassium and magnesium deficiencies, two essential electrolytes required for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Bananas are also rich in vitamin B6. Additionally, banana is a bland food that is easy to digest and helps in the recovery process.[12]

Green bananas have been found especially useful in treating gastroenteritis as they have an even higher starch content than ripened bananas.[12]

A green banana provides an antidiarrheal effect and improves the permeability of the small intestine.[12]

  • Add a few slices of banana to a cup of yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal and enjoy as desired.
  • You can also eat a few ripe bananas or try a banana smoothie.

Follow these remedies until your digestive system is back on track.

10. Lemon

The acidic effect of lemon makes it an excellent treatment for stomach flu. The citric acid present in lemon prevents the highly contagious norovirus from spreading by inhibiting its grasp on the digestive system.

Lemon juice can be a safe and practical way to fight off the common causes of severe gastrointestinal infections.[13] Plus, the vitamin C in lemon, as well as the antimicrobial properties, boost the immune system to help ward off the virus.[13]

  1. Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice in a glass of water.
  2. Drink it 30 minutes before meals.
  3. Follow this remedy until you recover completely.

Additional Tips

  • Rinse all vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating.[1]
  • Avoid raw or uncooked foods.[1]
  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.[1]
  • Rest and sleep as much as possible for quick recovery.[1]
  • Avoid carbonated beverages as they can increase gas and bloating.[3]
  • Avoid alcohol and nicotine when on a diet for gastroenteritis.[3]
  • Eat bland foods until symptoms subside and avoid full-fat dairy products.[3]
  • Apply a warm compress or hot water bag on the stomach to reduce pain and cramping.
  • You can also try acupressure, acupuncture, and aromatherapy to treat symptoms of gastroenteritis.
  • Drink coconut water to replenish dehydration.

If you do not feel better within one week, consult a physician.[3]

Resources:

  1. Chow CM, Leung AKC, Hon KL. Acute gastroenteritis: from guidelines to real life. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3108653/. Published July 15, 2010.
  2. Bresee, S. J, Marcus, et al. Etiology of severe Acute Gastroenteritis among adults visiting Emergency Departments in the United States | The Journal of Infectious Diseases | Oxford Academic. OUP Academic. https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/205/9/1374/2192242. Published March 27, 2012.
  3. Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes. Published May 1, 2018.
  4. Gastrointestinal Society. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Gastrointestinal Society. https://www.badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/gas troenteritis/. Published 2017.
  5. Tavarez LA, Gomez M, Mendoza HR. [Management of acute diarrheal disease with rice water]. Arch Domin Pediatr. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12290546. Published 1991.
  6. Wong HB. Rice water in treatment of infantile gastroenteritis. The Lancet. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6113434. Published July 11, 1981.
  7. Kechagia M, Basoulis D, Konstantopoulou S, et al. Health benefits of probiotics: A review. ISRN Nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045285/. Published 2013.
  8. NCCIH. Peppermint Oil. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil.
    Published December 1, 2016.
  9. Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/ . Published November 1, 2010.
  10. Bode AM. The amazing and mighty ginger. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/ . Published January 1, 1970.
  11. Jamshidi N, Cohen MM. The clinical efficacy and safety of tulsi in humans: A systematic review of the literature. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376420/. Published 2017.
  12. Rabbani GH, Teka T, Zaman B, Majid N, Khatun M, Fuchs GJ. Clinical studies in persistent diarrhea: dietary management with green banana or pectin in Bangladeshi children. Gastroenterology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11522739. Published September 2001.
  13. Lemon juice disinfects against human norovirus. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150825103120.htm. Published August 25, 2015.
Advertisements

Comments 21

  1. mischelle Rizaldo Panganiban says:
    7 years ago

    This is a very good suggestions for everyone.

  2. Nate says:
    6 years ago

    My doctor says don’t eat things like onion or garlic. May want to remove garlic from the list. Instead stick to rice porridge

    • Momma C says:
      4 years ago

      I tough the same. Garlic has many benefits but in my experience garlic is a preventative measure. To hard on an upset stomach in my opinion. Garlic upsets babies tummies that are breastfed when the Mom has very much garlic.

  3. Ethel Grimes says:
    6 years ago

    I was pretty surprised to see garlic up there myself, or cinnamon. Lemon and peppermint are good, though.

    • erin says:
      6 years ago

      It’s ginger ..not garlic:)

      • Jhay says:
        6 years ago

        Garlics on the 2nd page…

  4. donna padilla says:
    6 years ago

    eating peach yogurt is really helping my stomach cramps! never would have thought that yogurt would help. next I’m trying a banana!

  5. aajayunlimited says:
    6 years ago

    || I have heard about ginger and cinammon at other sites. Still, garlic and vinegar make perfect sense; you can actually clean with the latter two(granted, you must put sweet smelling cleaners with both and use only a little vinegar due to the acid wearing away your floor or whatever). But, garlic is completely natural and vinegar can be naturally created; I believe. So, God seems to be in the disinfectant business. Anyway, if you can use them as disinfectant agents and they are widely edible, then why not give them a try? Here’s a note, though, vinegar appears to weaken you and if you take it, compensate for this factor.

    • Traci says:
      5 years ago

      Garlic, onion, and vinegar are all natural disinfectants and Antibacterials and antivirals. Garlic and onion ate bug staples in my household. Nit only do we cook with them, but i will cut an onion in half and leave on a plate in the center of the house to absorb all bacteria and viruses. Imagjne yo my surprise when i ended up sick, not an iunce of inikn or gatluc to be found in the house!

  6. becky says:
    5 years ago

    I’ve tried garlic and raw Apple cider vinegar ..I cut the small clove of garlic in pieces and swallow whole .it works great and so does the Apple cider ..

    • Christina says:
      3 years ago

      How much garlic did u eat

  7. Elina Martin says:
    5 years ago

    Probiotics, ACV are good natural remedies for stomach flu.

  8. Asmita dey says:
    5 years ago

    I hope maybe all these will help…. Because I really am in A helpless condition

  9. ghulam mir says:
    5 years ago

    Im using all these remedies… Alhamdullillah i got a lot of difference since morning…

  10. Ashly says:
    5 years ago

    What if you don’t have none of these in your house and no money

    • Tami says:
      4 years ago

      Then you’re in trouble…

    • Tcdramafree says:
      4 years ago

      Stay hydrated drink water and get plenty of rest and wash your hands frequently. It will pass in about 72 hours.

  11. Tcdramafree says:
    4 years ago

    Drink small amounts of water a little at a time, just enough to stay hydrated get as much sleep as possible, wash your hands frequently. It should pass in about 72 hours.

  12. Trina Butler says:
    4 years ago

    Apple cider vinegar and local raw honey , the cure all !!!

  13. patricia johnson says:
    3 years ago

    i try the Apple cider Vinegar and lemon juice it work very good for me its a cure for your Stomach flu”’

  14. Raven says:
    3 years ago

    Also, activated charcoal is a miracle for stomach pain. The charcoal cleans out the infection and calms the lining in your stomach. Take one to teaspoons, or capsules with water or tea. I’ve been very ill with this virus, and charcoal was a lifesaver.

Recommended

face tingling treatment
Home Remedies

Facial Tingling: Causes, Diagnosis, Natural Treatment

by Mahesh Karandikar, MD - Neurosurgeon
July 11, 2019
0

A sudden tingling sensation overtaking your hands, feet, or face is a fairly common complaint reported by people in the...

Read more
Advertisements
how to sterilize baby bottles
Healthy Living

How to Sterilize Baby Bottles: 5 Safe Methods

by Karen M. Walker, MD, FAAP
April 1, 2019
0

The best way for a new mother to establish a nurturing bond with her baby is through breastfeeding. But sooner...

Read more
Advertisements

Homemade

How to make your homemade pain balm
DIY Homemade

How to Make Your Own Homemade Pain Balm

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
January 30, 2019
2

Pain disrupts our daily life and messes with our routine. Sore muscles and achy joints can be hard to bear,...

Read more
DIY bentonite clay face mask for acne free skin

DIY Bentonite Clay Face Mask Recipes for Acne-Free Skin

February 19, 2019
Advertisements

Trending

mediterranean diet benefits
Healthy Living

Mediterranean Diet 101: Benefits, Drawbacks, Myths and More

by Miriam Christie, MS, RD, LD, ABD
August 21, 2019
0

The Mediterranean diet emerges from the kind of foods eaten in countries situated along the Mediterranean Sea. These include France,...

Read more
Neem Oil for hair and skin
Healthy Living

Neem Oil for Hair and Skin: 9 Benefits and How to Use It

by Robert Signore, DO - Dermatologist
July 2, 2019
0

Neem is often referred to as Indian lilac as it is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, but its medicinal virtues...

Read more
Advertisements

Don't Miss

consume aloe vera

Different Ways to Consume Aloe Vera for its Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

Gone are the days when aloe vera was just a potted plant sitting on your windowsill, jazzing up your home...

honeydew melon for health

Honeydew Melon: Origins, Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

Honeydew melon makes for a sweet-tasting and refreshing treat that can take the sting out of the sweltering summer heat....

fava beans for health

Fava Beans: Nutritional Value, Recipes and Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

The fava bean, alternatively known as broad bean, is a large, flat, green leguminous vegetable. The earliest record of its...

Apple cider vinegar benefits for women

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Women

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
March 28, 2019
12

Apple cider vinegar is used in a whole gamut of home remedies that offer something for everyone. Along with curing...

Advertisements
how to control hair loss
Common Conditions

How to Control Hair Fall

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
August 5, 2019
2

Long, luscious hair is a desire of many! But it seems very few people are lucky enough to have a...

Read more
Advertisements

All the tips mentioned here are strictly informational. This site does not provide medical advice. Consult with your doctor or other health care provider before using any of these tips or treatments. Read more.

 

Categories: Home Remedies | Kitchen Ingredients | Healthy Living | Pets | Common Conditions | Pregnancy | Healthy Foods

 

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Terms and Conditions of Use
  • Unsubscribe

© 2018 Top 10 Home Remedies

No Result
View All Result
  • Home Remedies
  • Kitchen Ingredients
  • DIY Homemade
  • Healthy Foods
  • Healthy Living
  • Pregnancy

© 2018 Top 10 Home Remedies