1. Nine Times Out of Ten
Of all the gastroenteritis treatments out there, by far the most common is also the most simple. Hit the hay and drink lots of fluids. Bed rest gives your body the opportunity to fight off the stomach flu, so take a couple of days to get some "R and R". Additionally, the symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting and diarrhea, meaning you will be losing lots of precious fluid, so make sure that you drink lots of water and light soups. Caffeine, soda, tea, alcohol and creamy soups should all be avoided as they will aggravate your symptoms.
2. Learn to Love the Brat
The BRAT diet for gastroenteritis treatment is often recommended to help prevent loss of energy due to lack of appetite and fluid loss, and for most people, is quite tolerable on a sensitive stomach. The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast; however, it is important that you choose whole grain rice, unsweetened applesauce and plain, dry toast without butter as refined foods, sugars and fats will only make symptoms worse. Remember, fluid intake is still extremely important, so don't forget light soups, water, water and more water.
3. When Water Just Isn't Enough
Dehydration is the greatest of all risk factors of gastroenteritis, as often water and other fluids simply are not tolerated or are lost through vomiting. Many doctors recommend rehydration solutions that contain both electrolytes and glucose such as Pedialyte, Infalyte, Naturalyte and Rehydralyte. These solutions can be sipped slowly and continuously throughout the day to prevent and reverse dehydration. If these solutions do not work, however, it is extremely important that you seek medical attention, as IV rehydration may be necessary.
4. Fighting Bacteria With Bacteria
Probiotics are live bacteria cultures which can be purchased in supplement form or found in yogurts which contain active, live cultures. Probiotics are healthy bacteria which can help to restore the flora of the intestines, helping to fight off harmful bacteria, soothe the digestive tract and boost the immune system. While it may seem like the last thing you would give to someone with the stomach flu, treating gastroenteritis with yogurt is often well tolerated, even soothing upset stomach and diarrhea.
5. The One-Week Rule
If you have had symptoms of gastroenteritis for more than a week, it's time to see your doctor for more heavy-duty treatment. While rare, occasionally the bacteria causing your symptoms is simply resistant to your efforts. Often prescription medications for diarrhea and vomiting as well as IV rehydration is enough to give your body a break and boost your immune system sufficiently to fight off the bug; occasionally a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic as well.
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