Home Remedy for Stomach Flu
Having the stomach flu is never fun, and it can be difficult to determine whether or not it’s a simple virus or if it’s something more serious.
If you have had stomach pain or vomiting for over 24 hours, it is best to speak to a doctor, especially for children or the elderly. Doctors will likely not help you if it is just a virus, but you will definitely want to rule out any possibilities of a bacterial infection (strep throat or a urinary tract infection can sometimes cause stomach pain and vomiting for example) – as well as rule out other life threatening problems such as appendicitis or an obstructed bowel.
So, when you get back from the doctor and they tell you that it’s a virus and there’s nothing they can do, this is when home remedies can help relieve any discomfort or nausea you may be experiencing.
#1 Rule: Stay Hydrated!
Staying hydrated is the best way for your body to fight the virus, though it can be difficult to do. Drinking an electrolyte solution (such as clear Gatorade or Pedialyte for children) can help you get hydrated without having to consume a lot of liquid. Take small, frequent sips – do not gulp a lot at once or it may come back up! You should drink at least 4-5 cups of Gatorade. Water does not help with dehydration, so it should only be used if there is nothing else or until someone can get the sick person an electrolyte drink.
Ginger Ale or Ginger tea can also be helpful, as ginger is known to help soothe upset stomachs. We recommend going with a ginger ale that does not have artificial sweeteners or too high of a sugar content, as this can upset some sensitive stomachs more. If the carbonation of the soda bothers you, stir it with a spoon until all of the bubbles are gone.
Black tea with honey is also another popular remedy that can help calm an upset stomach.
Heating Pads
If your stomach is especially crampy, a heating pad can sometimes help alleviate some of the discomfort. If you have a high fever however, you may not want to use a heating pad, and heating pads should be used with care around children or pets.
Eat Bland Solids
The BRAT diet is a popular solution for both adults and children. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Other white foods can be okay, such as mashed potatoes or saltine crackers. Generally you want to eat very small amounts of bland foods. Organic applesauce is a good choice also, as apples are believed to help with healing the stomach lining. In general foods should be whole foods (no preservatives) and be nice and boring.
The broth from chicken soup can sometimes be tolerated by people who have upset stomachs, and it can help their body replenish some of the nutrients it needs. Diluting it with water can help make it slightly more bland and easier to go down.
Avoid Medications
Pain medications are not recommended, as you will likely throw them up before they can be of any benefit, and some can also cause stomach problems to worsen. Aspirin should never be given to children. Tylenol does not usually help, neither does Ibuprofen. If you are on prescription medications that you take regularly, contact the doctor who prescribed them or the pharmacy to find out what safety concerns you may need to take into consideration if you skip a few days of dosage or if you take the medication and throw up soon after. Medications will vary, so if you take prescription medications always check with the doctor first!
Get Plenty of Rest
Rest is the best medication. Lying in bed perhaps watching TV or reading a book can help between nap times. Do not try to go to work or school if you have the stomach flu. Not only will it make you feel a lot worse, but you will risk passing the virus to others as well.
Chills and Hot Flashes
When you have a stomach virus, you will likely experience fever which can result in hot flashes or chills. It is best to wear loose and comfortable clothing, such as your pajamas and wear layers so you can easily adjust for being too hot or too cold. If you feel very cold, wear extra clothes and add more blankets. If you feel very hot, it can sometimes help to dab your face with a warm, wet washcloth.
Avoid Trigger Foods
You probably will not be in the mood for say spicy hot peppers or coffee, but we thought we would list them as foods you should avoid anyways. Things like spicy foods or foods with high acid content can make your stomach hurt even more.
Prevent Spreading the Virus
Washing your hands in an obsessive compulsive manner is your best defense against spreading the virus to other family members. Be sure to frequently also disinfect common household areas such as the sink and toilet in the bathroom. You may want to consider washing the dishes with bleach. (1-2 teaspoons per every gallon of water and rinse thoroughly).
Remember: If your stomach pain or nausea persists or gets worse or you show signs of dehydration, always contact your doctor right away. Stomach pain and Nausea is usually related to viruses, but it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Do you have any home remedies for stomach flu, nausea or upset stomach? Share them in the comments section below.
Category: Home Remedies
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
