The treatment of gastroenteritis is aimed at maintaining hydration while the vomiting and diarrhea resolve, often spontaneously. Home remedies that address keeping fluid in the body are key to recovery.
Since most causes of gastroenteritis are due to viruses, replacing the fluid lost because of vomiting and diarrhea allows the body to recuperate and fight the infection itself. Dehydration can also intensify the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The critical step is replacing fluids when the affected individual is nauseous and doesn't want to drink (hydrate). This is especially difficult with infants and children. Small frequent offerings of clear fluids, sometimes only a mouthful at a time, may be enough to replenish the body's fluid stores and prevent an admission to the hospital for intravenous (IV) fluid administration.
In general, clear fluids (anything you can see through), may be tolerated in small amounts. Think of it as adding just an ounce or less to the normal saliva that the patient is already swallowing. However, giving too much fluid at one time may cause increased nausea due to a distended stomach, which causes additional irritation.
Clear fluids do not include carbonated beverages but flat colas or ginger ale with the fizz gone are often well tolerated. Coke syrup may also be helpful in settling the stomach.
Jello and popsicles may be "solid food" alternatives to clear fluids in children who aren't interested in clear fluids.
Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu or gastric flu, is a condition in which the stomach and the small intestine become inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection.
The primary causes of gastroenteritis are the rotavirus, norovirus, and the bacteria known as Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) and Campylobacter. There are many other infectious agents can cause it.
Gastroenteritis is 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 upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting. It can also be accompanied by fever, headache, chills, body aches, dry skin and dry mouth.
Anyone can suffer from gastroenteritis, but children are more prone to it due to their weak immune systems.
When suffering from gastroenteritis, it is essential to replenish the body with fluids and electrolytes as the diarrhea and vomiting create an imbalance of electrolytes (salt and minerals) in the body, which causes dehydration.
Dehydration affects the body’s normal functioning and can even delay the healing process. So, drink plenty of water and clear fluids like broths, soups and rice water. Also, get as much rest as possible.
Along with rehydration and rest, you can try some simple and easy home remedies to help treat the problem and reduce the symptoms. It is usually a self-limiting condition that does not require medication.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for gastroenteritis.
1. Salt
Salt contains sodium, which is an electrolyte that can be added to water to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Plus, salt will help fight infection and maintain the pH level of the digestive tract.
*Add 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 liter or 4 cups of filtered water.
*Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix well.
*Drink this solution at short intervals throughout the day.
You can also try commercially available electrolyte preparations to balance out electrolytes and prevent dehydration.
2. Ginger
Ginger is another very effective remedy for treating gastroenteritis due to its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can prevent and treat stomach infection, and also reduce the frequency of symptoms like watery stools, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
*Add 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped ginger root to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and allow it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain, add honey and sip this tea slowly. Drink this soothing tea 2 or 3 times a day until you feel better.
*You can also prepare ginger ale with fresh ginger and drink it several times a day.
*You can even chew a small piece of fresh ginger root or take ginger capsules to treat gastroenteritis.
Note: People with high blood pressure should avoid ginger remedies.
3. Asafetida
Being rich in antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties, asafetida combats viruses and bacteria and thus helps alleviate the symptoms of gastroenteritis quickly and effectively. Plus, this spice will improve digestion and strengthen the digestive tract.
*Add 1/2 teaspoon of asafetida powder to a glass of warm water and stir it well.
*Drink it twice daily for a few days until your condition improves.
To prevent gastroenteritis and other digestive problems, add a little bit of asafetida to curries and food on a regular basis.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar will also help relieve many symptoms of gastroenteritis. It will promote the proper pH level of the stomach and remove harmful toxins from the body. Plus, being high in pectin, it soothes an irritated stomach and reduces stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and gas.
*Add 1 teaspoon of organic, unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water. Drink it 30 minutes before eating your meal. Follow this on a regular basis until you feel better.
*Alternatively, you can add 1 teaspoon of organic, unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of grape juice and drink it twice daily for a few days.
5. Baking Soda
Being a natural antacid, baking soda can neutralize the acid in your stomach, which in turn will help reduce sour stomach and heartburn symptoms of gastroenteritis. Baking soda is also known to reduce vomiting and diarrhea.
*Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 4 tablespoons of sugar in 1 quart of water.
*Drink it 2 or 3 times a day.
Note: People who have high blood pressure should avoid taking baking soda, which contains sodium.
6. Basil
Basil, which has antispasmodic properties and prevents gastric spasms, is also a good remedy for gastroenteritis. It can make your stomach stronger and prevent many symptoms of gastroenteritis.
*Mix equal amounts of basil juice and ginger juice and have it 2 or 3 times a day to ease stomach pain.
*You can also boil 10 to 15 basil leaves in a cup of water. Drink it with a pinch of rock salt twice daily for a few days.
*You can also drink basil tea with honey a few times a day.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint has antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties that help relieve gas, bloating, upset stomach, nausea, and stomach and intestinal cramps.
*Add 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to 1 cup of boiling water.
*Cover and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
*Strain, then add some honey for taste.
*Drink this herbal tea 3 times daily between meals for a few days.
*You can even chew sugar-free peppermint gum to calm the stomach.
8. Chamomile
Chamomile is an effective remedy for gastroenteritis due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and carminative properties that play a key role in smooth functioning of your digestive system. It can relieve symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea and gas.
*Add 2 teaspoons of dried or 1 tablespoon of fresh chamomile flowers to a cup of hot water.
*Cover and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
*Strain, then add some lemon juice and honey.
*Drink this tea a few times a day for 2 to 3 days.
You can even add a few chamomile leaves to ice tea and drink it frequently.
9. Bananas
Bananas, both ripe and raw, also help in the treatment of gastroenteritis. The high content of amylase-resistant starch in bananas helps reduce the symptoms.
Bananas will also replenish potassium and magnesium, two important electrolytes required for smooth functioning of the digestive system. Plus, bananas are a bland food that is easy to digest and helps in the recovery process.
*Add a few slices of banana to a cup of yogurt and eat it 2 or 3 times a day.
*You can also eat a few ripe bananas or try raw banana soup.
Follow these remedies until your digestive system is back on track.
10. Probiotics
To get rid of the ‘bad bacteria’ in the digestive tract and replace it with ‘good bacteria’ that can improve digestion, start taking probiotics. Probiotics can bring your digestive system back on track very quickly and give you relief from symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
*Eat foods, such as yogurt and kefir, that have probiotics. Avoid artificially sweetened yogurt and kefir.
*You can also take probiotic supplements after consulting with your doctor.
Additional Tips
*Clean all vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating.
*Avoid raw or uncooked foods.
*Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.
*Avoid milk and milk-based products for a few days.
*Follow the “BRAT” diet for a week, which includes bananas, rice (white), applesauce and toast (dry).
*Rest and sleep as much as possible for a quick recovery.
*Drinks that have a lot of acid like orange juice should be avoided.
*Caffeinated and carbonated beverages should be avoided, too.
*Eat only home-cooked and light meals for a few weeks after the illness.
*Avoid alcohol and nicotine when on a diet for gastroenteritis.
*Apply a warm compress or hot water bag on the stomach to reduce pain and cramping.
*You can also try acupressure, aromatherapy or acupuncture to treat symptoms of gastroenteritis.
*If you do not feel better within a week, consult a doctor.
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