By kkhealthcarecentre 
Stomach flu, known in medical terms as gastroenteritis, leads to inflammation in your stomach and small intestine. This results in persistent symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dehydration. Various factors can cause stomach flu, with bacteria, viruses, and fungi being the most common culprits. It’s highly contagious and can spread by sharing a room with an infected person, drinking contaminated water, or through close contact.
When it comes to treatment, several home remedies can help manage stomach flu symptoms. These options are beneficial since different remedies work for different people, as everyone’s body reacts uniquely. For instance, while some find it easy to sleep off the illness, others struggle to rest. Here are some effective home remedies:
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Instead of expensive electrolyte or energy drinks, drinking fruit juice diluted with water can relieve symptoms. Research from JAMA showed that children with stomach flu and mild dehydration improved more quickly when given diluted apple juice compared to sugared rehydration drinks. Sugary drinks might worsen the condition, so serving sugar-free juice mixed with water can help.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea, a traditional remedy in Asia, can relieve stomach pain. It’s usually made by boiling fresh ginger slices with some honey. Ginger contains galanolactone, which acts on your digestive system to reduce nausea and vomiting, making it ideal for combating stomach flu-induced nausea.
3. Acupressure
Acupressure, a practice from ancient China, alleviates pain by restoring energy balances in the body. Its effectiveness is recognized by science, and it can be particularly helpful for stomach flu symptoms.
4. Electrolytes
Replenishing lost electrolytes through oral rehydration therapy can help with symptoms like cramps and fatigue. In severe cases, fluids may be administered intravenously. For mild cases, electrolytes from a nearby store can be enough to prevent further intestinal harm. They are available in both liquid and powdered forms.
5. The BRAT Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)
The BRAT diet is a common recommendation for stomach flu and other digestive issues. These foods are easy to prepare and gentle on the stomach. They contain dietary fiber, which helps firm up stools and aids digestion. Applesauce has more pectin than raw apples, assisting with diarrhea, and bananas provide essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium.
6. Ice Chips
While not a comprehensive remedy, sucking on ice chips can help with dehydration and soothe the stomach lining. Freezing healthy fruit juices or electrolyte solutions into ice chips can make them more beneficial.
7. Chamomile
Chamomile, used in various herbal remedies, helps relax abdominal muscles and improve bowel movement, reducing inflammation and providing relief from stomach flu symptoms. You can easily prepare it as tea, sweetened with honey or sugar as desired.
8. Probiotics
Probiotic drinks with beneficial bacteria can help address diarrhea quickly. Research suggests that probiotics containing lactic acid bacteria (like those found in yogurt) are particularly effective. They help combat unfriendly bacteria and maintain good gut health.
9. Peppermint
Tradition uses peppermint to address symptoms of an upset stomach and irritable bowel syndrome. It has a soothing effect and can be consumed in tea or candy form. While peppermint won’t cure stomach flu, it can speed up recovery. However, be careful with high doses of peppermint oil, which might cause heartburn or irritation.
10. Proper Rest
Rest is crucial for recovery. Sometimes the simplest solutions, like hydrating and resting, are the most effective. There’s no set timeline for recovery from stomach flu—it varies from a few days to a week. It’s essential to rest for at least 24 hours after symptoms disappear to ensure a full recovery.
In conclusion, while recovering, keep necessities like a bucket nearby, and maintain cleanliness to prevent spreading the infection. Practicing good hygiene will protect others around you.