Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is caused by a viral, bacterial or parasitic infection that inflames the stomach and intestines. The stomach flu generally lasts for one to three days, and the symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and chills. Treatment options for the stomach flu should be focused on providing supportive care such as keeping the body hydrated and eating bland food such as toast and rice while your immune system clears the virus.
Oral Rehydration Therapy
The first line of treatment for stomach flu should be focused on supportive care, such as ensuring that the body is fully hydrated while the body fights the stomach flu. Individuals with the stomach flu lose important salts and minerals known as electrolytes due to vomiting and diarrhea. Oral rehydration therapy is an effective way to prevent dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. Oral rehydration fluids such as juice replenish essential electrolytes lost due to the stomach flu.
BRAT Diet
According to the website Pandemic-Flu-Guide.com, many doctors recommend the BRAT diet---which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and dry toast---to patients suffering from the stomach flu. Apples soothe and help heal the lining of the stomach and intestines, and bananas are easy to digest and are a good source of potassium and magnesium. This diet is highly recommended because it is easily digested and it does not irritate or further inflame the gastrointestinal tract.
Garlic Oil and Onion Juice
According to the website Naturaltreatmentguide.com, a mixture of garlic oil and onion juice along with honey is an effective treatment for the stomach. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which makes it an excellent home remedy for the stomach flu.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is effective at soothing the inflammation and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract associated with the stomach flu. Chamomile tea acts an anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxer that helps rid the body of the bacterial infection causing the stomach virus as well as easing the inflammation of the stomach.
