Gastroenteritis is a very common disease referred to as stomach flu and can affect anyone male and female, children and adults alike. It can be caused due to a variety of factors such as allergies to certain foods, parasitic, viral or bacterial infections, antibiotics drugs etc that can cause inflammation of the mucus membranes that line the intestinal wall and stomach.
The infection can be identified by diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, pain in the abdomen, dehydration, fever and chills and loss of appetite. This can last from a few hours to anywhere up to a few days. In spite of being a commonplace affliction this disease has no specific treatment. The broad spectrum antibiotics that are prescribed only suppress the symptoms and may end up harming the body rather than helping recover from the infection. Hence alternative therapies and Natural Cures are highly recommended for the treatment of Gastroenteritis.
Various Ways To Cure Gastroenteritis
Food
Food is one of the most important aspects of recovery from any disease including Gastroenteritis. But the biggest problem with Stomach Flu is trying to keep the food consumed inside the body. The vomiting and nausea cause the food to be thrown out of the body immediately after consumption. Bland and non spicy foods like toast, cereal, crackers, rice and potatoes is highly recommended if it is possible for you to eat.
Eating very small portions of bananas, yoghurt and fresh apples can help in controlling the diarrhea. It is very important for a person suffering from Gastroenteritis to avoid foods that are high in fat content, spicy foods, dairy products and any food containing caffeine as digestion of these foods leads to additional stress on the stomach and may worsen your symptoms. Try to eat only home cooked meals and avoid all sorts of alcohol and nicotine. Diet is a very important part of treating Gastroenteritis and hence must be adhered to strictly for a person to recover from this disease.
Probiotics
If the symptoms of gastroenteritis are being caused by any kind of Parasitic, viral or bacterial infection, then probiotics are amongst the best natural cures for the infection. Probiotics are essentially good bacteria that are present in the stomach of an individual. During an infection the amount of good bacteria reduces and the infecting organisms take its place.
When we supplement the body with the good bacteria, they help in fighting off the infection by taking the place of the bad organisms. They also aid in digestion, rebalance the system and make it easier on the stomach and the intestine that are already expending energy in fighting off the infection. Yoghurt is a natural probiotic and can be consumed easily. Supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium are also easily available in the market.
Fluids
While suffering from Gastroenteritis there is a heavy loss of fluids from the body because of heavy vomiting and diarrhea. To avoid the risk of dehydration it becomes very important to consume plenty of fluids. Liquids also help in bringing down the fever. Clear liquids like water and broth are very highly recommended while dealing with stomach flu.
Electrolyte replacements drinks are also available in the market which are useful in replacing the lost electrolytes and maintain the balance of the various systems of the body. If there is heavy nausea and vomiting take the liquids intermittently in small sips. This will help in keeping the liquids down. Soda, Ginger ale or tea can also be very useful for the nausea. Sucking on ice chips also helps in reducing nausea and dehydration.
Herbal Remedies
Certain Ayurvedic remedies are available which can be easily prepared at home to help alleviate the symptoms of Gastroenteritis. A great herbal remedy can be prepared by using carom seeds, garlic, lemon juice and ginger. Crush some ginger and garlic into paste. Add half tablespoon each of ginger paste and garlic paste to half a teaspoon of carom seed. To this mixture add one tablespoon of lemon juice.
Mix this well and consume this three time a day till the symptoms relieve. This mixture helps to release the toxins from the body and also helps in strengthening the digestive system. Another great remedy is Asafoetida which is very good for digestion and helps in the recovery from infection. Mix half a teaspoon of Asafoetida in a glass of hot water and drink regularly for it to be effective.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic treatment depends on the treatment of the body as a whole and not the symptomatic treatment of any particular organ. Aresenium, Podophyllum and Ipecacuanha are the commonly administered medication depending on the causes and the symptoms of Gastroenteritis.
Homeopathic remedies are extremely effective in curing the infection and can be taken for long periods without any fear of side effects or reactions.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.