There's nothing quite like the feeling of having a stomach virus. The nausea, the vomiting, and the diarrhea can make you feel absolutely miserable. Thankfully, there are some remedies that can help settle your tummy when it's not feeling its best.
So if you're suffering from a stomach virus and need some relief pronto - read on! We've got all the tips and tricks to get your tummy back to normal in no time.
Hydration is Key
When you're experiencing symptoms of a stomach virus, hydration is vital. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration quickly - and this will only make things worse!
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sipping small amounts at regular intervals will help replace fluids lost through vomiting or diarrhea without irritating your already sensitive digestive system.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
It may be tempting to skip meals altogether when dealing with a stomach virus but try not to let hunger take over completely- starving yourself could lead further complications! Instead focus on consuming smaller portions but more frequently throughout the day
Try sticking to bland carbohydrates such as toast/rice/crackers etc.. for easy digestion and avoid fatty foods that could irritate an inflamed gut lining . Also steer clear of acidic drinks (think lemonade/orange juice ) , carbonated drinks , caffeine or alcohol since these tend redolent acidity which exacerbates stomache cramps thus triggering even bigger panic mode!!
Gotta Lactose Intolerance ? Read This!
As we all know lactose intolerance disqualifies any kind of dairy products from one's daily diet . Having said that Soft cheeses( brie/ feta) yoghurt /kefir act as probiotics promoting growth good bacteria in our guts thereby aiding swift recovery., So if lactase normally messes you up, it's actually okay to have these foods in small and moderated amounts while coping with stomach flu!
Change Your Beverages
Speaking of avoiding acidic drinks, there are some other beverages that you might want to consider incorporating into your diet when dealing with a stomach virus.
Coconut water is an excellent source of hydration with additional electrolytes aiding rapid hydration Moreover Ginger tea/ Peppermint Tea help calm the acid reflux thereby easing queasiness. Ingesting at least two cups daily accelerates healing!!!
From ginger ale to chamomile tea, there are plenty of delicious options available that can soothe your tummy during this trying time.
Try Some Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar(ACV) earns its notoriety as an age-old folk wisdom helping keep gut health A1 . ACV has acetic acid which helps lower bacterial count/balance PH levels in the digestive track Additionally it detoxifies microbes harnessing potent antimicrobial properties!!
Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water (add honey if needed!) and drink 20 mins before every meal - this will aid digestion process/root out any bacteria lurking about !
BONUS: Lemons Too Have Some Healing Properties!
Who Knew ? Lemons are also Anti-Microbial Agents just like ACVs!. They Help Alkalize pH levels hence creating unpleasant conditions for Microbes impeding growth factors ! Moreover Vitamin C contained keeps infection agents away from gastrointestinal tract they heal painful blisters /sores on mouth connected with the virus .
However although citrusy fruits (lemons ) tend make people fear increased acidity leading towards inflammation/severe discomfort Science says otherwise Believe it or not lemons juice aids digestion reduces bloating minimizing gastric pressure all by improving metabolism rate
Make yourself a mugful charm:
Juice half lemon Two tbsp honey Sliced ginger root.
Steep together in hot water for ten minutes and voila your stomach union sos is ready.
Essential Oils ? You Bet!
If you haven't explored the world of essential oils yet, there's never a better time than when dealing with stomach flu. Check out these handy helpers:
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can help reduce nausea and alleviate stomach pain . For quick relief apply on stomach area while diluting it in coconut/olive oil mixture But stay clear from consuming it orally as that might aggravate acid refluxes / gastric burning predispositions!
Ginger Extracts
Ginger root extracts contain anti-inflammatory substances called gingerols shagoals: this contributes to soothing achy gut lining hence faster healing process.Use of low-dosages (1000 mg) supplements twice daily helps restore gastrointestinal order as them containing over eight essential Amino acids act like self-custodians keeping microbes at bay !
Over-The - Counter Medications : To Medicate or Not: That Is The Question
Over-the-counter medications such as pepto bismol , loperamide(and other related pills i.e. diphenoxylateatropine )are heavily marketed to nauseous/stomach virus plagued people However roadblock aside turns intake any type medication could result further complexities Therefore before heading drugstores/Taking pills Non prescribed by professionals first off consult physician/dietician who can diagnose root causes advise appropriate medical interventions!
In conclusion, dealing with a stomach virus is no fun -- but hopefully one or more of our suggested remedies will help settle your tummy and bring some much- needed relief. Don't forget to hydrate, eat lightly, avoid irritants/carbonated beverages try some ACV / Lemon juice make yourself an aromatic brew using peppermint oil/Ginger extracts...there are plenty of options available until symptoms cease!