Stomach flu is a rather common, but instead unpleasant experience that children and adults have to deal with fairly often. It is a condition in which the gastrointestinal tract of the digestive system gets inflamed. This viral infection has a horde of nasty symptoms making life miserable for a while (I think we can all agree on that). Today, we're discussing the highly effective and home cures for stomach flu.
This condition is also known as gastroenteritis. When you contract stomach flu, the gastrointestinal tract gets inflamed. This happens due to the ingestion of a mixture of virus, which breaks down the immunity of your body, and disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system.
The four viruses that are commonly responsible for stomach flu include: rotavirus, astrovirus, adenovirus and caliciviruses. These viruses get into your system through contamination. It's a contagious infection which spreads whenever you come into contact with food which is infected with this virus, or you are in closeness with a person who has stomach flu. It can be difficult to understand when and how you contract this issue, because the symptoms start showing themselves later, nearly after 48 hours after the virus has entered your body.
Some of the most common symptoms of stomach flu include:
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Excessive fatigue
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Body ache
You might also see a loss of appetite and revulsion to certain kinds of food, when you contract influenza. You don't have to panic just yet, because we've compiled a list of some of the most effective home remedies for stomach flu. These natural home remedies can sooth your stomach and treat the problem, so that you recover faster than you otherwise would have.
The best part is, the following home remedies are completely natural and make use of things that you can find in your kitchen or pantry. There is also instant relief, from this otherwise painful condition.
1. Ginger
Ginger helps reduce bloating, improves digestion, reduces inflammation inside your digestive tract, and helps with many other symptoms. The healing properties of ginger are recommended for those who are suffering from stomach flu.
You could make soothing ginger tea by boiling a one-inch piece of ginger in water and drinking the water. You can dissolve ginger juice in water and also have that two to three times a day.
2. Ice chips
Ice chips, small bits of ice, ice cubes and shaved ice, are effective remedies against this condition. The cold, soothing nature from the ice helps in keeping your food down and preventing nausea and vomiting from dehydrating your body. Ice also increases your appetite and improves digestion.
Simply sucking on ice is a great way to get relief from this awful condition. However, if your child is suffering from stomach flu, try to avoid giving them ice chips because there could be a choking hazard.
3. Bananas
Bananas are an energizing fruit that is rich in important nutrients such as potassium, iron and pectin. Each one of these nutrients tend to get lost using your stool when you are suffering from stomach problems such as stomach flu and diarrhea. Bananas, due to their smooth texture are also easy to digest, and they replenish the nutrients that the body loses during this time.
To provide your immunity the boost required when you are suffering from flu, eat 2 to 3 bananas every day. They also keep you full for longer, so that you don't have to keep searching for food that you don't find repulsive.
4. Fennel seeds
Fennel seeds really are a wonderful soothing home remedy for stomach flu. It is particularly effective when you are trying to get rid of stomach gas, cramps, bloating and indigestion, all of which are foremost symptoms of stomach flu. It also helps in strengthening up the walls of your intestine, which get greatly weakened during this period.
Make tea out of fennel seeds by soaking a number of these seeds in a tumbler of boiling water. Drink the water after you have preferably let it rest for a whole night. You will not only get immediate relief, but long-term benefits.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties, all of which are required when you are suffering from stomach flu. The acidic nature of ACV kills herpes which is lodged in your intestines, and in addition it makes most of the symptoms of stomach flu disappear.
Dissolve a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water and drink this before eating anything in the morning. This will not only kill the virus, but also get rid of bloating, gas and diarrhea for you personally.
6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has well known antiviral properties, which can strengthen the walls of your intestine, and kill the bacteria which is weakening your immune system and causing your stomach flu. Cinnamon is also a soothing remedy, because if you are feeling a burning sensation in your stomach and you are unable to pass stool without feeling pain, then cinnamon can solve that for you personally.
Add a little cinnamon powder to some glass of boiling water and allow it to soak for 30 seconds before drinking this mix. This is enough to help you get immediate relief, well within a couple of days.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint is a wonderfully fresh remedy for problems such as stomach flu. It is soothing, healing and can cure symptoms such as bloating, gas, cramps, nausea, etc. Peppermint has antispasmodic properties, which is ideal for condition such as stomach flu, and you can use it without worrying about harmful side-effects, as it is a completely natural and herbal remedy.
Make peppermint tea by boiling crushed mint leaves in water for some minutes. You can also add peppermint essential oil to boiling water and drink that as a good remedy against stomach flu.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric is among the best natural antibacterial agents, and it also has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties. It is a natural remedy for your irritated bowel and the inflamed walls of your intestines. Turmeric can also kill the microorganisms which are inhabiting your body and causing your condition to worsen.
Mix a teaspoon of freshly ground turmeric in a glass of water with a little honey and drink this on an empty stomach. You can also chew on a piece of raw turmeric with jiggery if you are feeling hardcore and desperate for fast relief.
9. Yogurt
Yogurt is a probiotic which means it is replete with good bacteria. These good bacteria help to kill the bad microbes I your intestines, and restore the standard pH level to your gastric system. Consuming yogurt also regulates your appetite and soothes your irritated stomach lining and tackles the majority of the symptoms that come with stomach flu.
Consuming a cup of flavorless, sugarless yogurt with every meal is among the easiest and most effective remedies you could try at home, to deal with your stomach flu problem. You will see a marked difference within a couple of days.
10. Chamomile tea
The healing properties of chamomile tea happen to be taken advantage of for several centuries. If you have been having trouble sleeping because of your paining stomach, then this can sooth your frazzled nerves and give you a good night's rest. Chamomile tea also reduces bloating, cramps and nausea and provides you a good feeling overall.
You can also add chamomile essential oil to boiling water to make instant tea, or even use chamomile tea bags, which are available widely. This is surely going to be beneficial for you when you are struggling with the flu.
11. Lemon juice
The Vitamin C which lemon is renowned for, along with its other acidic and antioxidants helps kill the virus and then any other infectious microorganisms in your system. Lemons are also tangy and sharp in flavor, which clears your mouth of the foul taste and soothes your bloated stomach. It eases the entire process of digestion, so that you recover painlessly and fast.
Drink a tall glass of tepid to warm water, in which you have dissolved fresh lemon juice and a little honey, very first thing in the morning. This will not only cure your stomach flu symptoms, but be beneficial for your health in general.
Now that you are designed with the best possible home remedies for stomach flu, you can begin your own treatment at home, without having to wait for a proper diagnosis in the doctor. However, if the problem continues after weeks of use, then you should definitely get the problem checked out.