Stomach flu is a rather common, but rather unpleasant experience that adults and children have to deal with fairly often. It is a condition where the gastrointestinal tract of the digestive system gets inflamed. This viral infection comes with a horde of nasty symptoms which makes life miserable for a while (I think we can all agree on that). Today, we are discussing the highly effective and natural home remedies for stomach flu.
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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 combination of virus, which breaks down the immunity of your body, and disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system.
Suggested read: 15 Home Remedies For Stomach Gas Which Are Effective Immediately
The four viruses which are commonly responsible for stomach flu include: rotavirus, astrovirus, adenovirus and caliciviruses. These viruses get into your system through contamination. It is a contagious infection which spreads when you come into contact with food which is infected with this virus, or you are in close proximity with a person who has stomach flu. It can be difficult to understand when and how you contract this problem, because the symptoms start showing themselves much 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 the flu. You don’t have to panic just yet, because we have compiled a list of some of the most effective home remedies for stomach flu. These home remedies can sooth your stomach and treat the condition, 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. You also get instant relief, from this otherwise painful condition.
1. Ginger
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Ginger helps reduce bloating, improves digestion, reduces inflammation in your digestive tract, and helps with many other symptoms. The healing properties of ginger are highly recommended for those who are suffering from stomach flu.
You can 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 have that two to three times a day.
2. Ice chips
Ice chips, small bits of ice, ice cubes and shaved ice, are all effective remedies against this condition. The cold, soothing nature of 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 cubes is a great way to get relief from this awful condition. However, if a child is suffering from stomach flu, try to avoid giving them ice chips as there could be a choking hazard.
3. Bananas
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Bananas are an energizing fruit which is rich in important nutrients such as potassium, iron and pectin. All these nutrients tend to get lost through your stool when you are suffering from stomach problems such as stomach flu and diarrhea. Bananas, because of their smooth texture are also easy to digest, and they replenish the nutrients that your body loses during this time.
To give your immunity the boost that it requires when you are suffering from flu, eat two to three 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 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 time.
Make tea out of fennel seeds by soaking a handful of these seeds in a tumbler of boiling water. Drink the water after you have preferably let it rest for an entire night. You will not only get immediate relief, but long-term benefits.
Suggested read: 9 Best Home Remedies For Severe Acid Reflux
5. Apple cider vinegar
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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 the virus which is lodged in your intestines, and it also makes most of the symptoms of stomach flu disappear.
Dissolve a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water and drink this on an empty stomach in the morning. This will not only kill the virus, but also get rid of bloating, gas and diarrhea for you.
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.
Add a little cinnamon powder to a glass of boiling water and let it soak for 30 seconds before drinking this mixture. This is enough to help you get immediate relief, well within a couple of days.
7. Peppermint
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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, since it is a completely natural and herbal remedy.
Make peppermint tea by boiling crushed mint leaves in water for a few minutes. You can also add peppermint essential oil to boiling water and drink that as an effective remedy against stomach flu.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of 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
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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 normal pH level to your gastric system. Consuming yogurt also regulates your appetite and soothes your irritated stomach lining and tackles most of the symptoms that come with stomach flu.
Consuming a cup of flavorless, sugarless yogurt with every meal is one of 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 have been 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 gives you a good feeling overall.
You can 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 suffering from the flu.
Suggested read: 15 Super Effective Home Remedies For An Upset Stomach
11. Lemon juice
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The Vitamin C which lemon is known for, along with its other acidic and antioxidant properties helps kill the virus and 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 process of digestion, so that you recover painlessly and fast.
Drink a tall glass of warm water, in which you have dissolved lemon juice and a little honey, 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 equipped with the best possible home remedies for stomach flu, you can start your own treatment at home, without having to wait for a proper diagnosis from the doctor. However, if the problem continues after several weeks of use, then you should definitely get the problem checked out.
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