Are you experiencing nausea, vomiting and cramps? You are probably experiencing the symptoms of an infection known as gastroenteritis. This illness can hit anyone, and when it does, you will find yourself dashing into the bathroom or rolling into your bed with never-ending stomach cramps. If you want to treat it yourself, there are a number of natural and effective home remedies available to you. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, is a condition wherein the stomach and small intestine become inflamed due to bacterial infection. The primary cause of the condition is the norovirus, rotavirus and Campylobacter or E. coli virus. There are many other infectious agents that may cause the condition, but these are the most common.
What Causes Gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is a parasitic or bacterial infection that you may get from eating contaminated foods. The illness causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, causing vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Normally, it heals its self, but there is a concern that frequent vomiting and diarrhea may result in dehydration.
Symptoms
Symptoms will be visible within two to three days of contracting the infection. The full illness lasts approximately ten days, depending on the type. Though there are some similarities in symptoms, it’s important to note that gastroenteritis unfavorably affects the gastrointestinal tract, not the respiratory system. The following are symptoms that you may have if you have gastroenteritis:
– Low-grade fever
– Body pain
– Vomiting
– Nausea
– Diarrhea
– Stomach cramps
– Abdominal pain
Home Remedies for Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis may really bring down the best of you, making you unable to eat heavy foods. Instead, you’ll be drinking a lot of liquids and getting a lot of bed rest. To help ease your pain, here are some of the most amazing home remedies for gastroenteritis:
Lemon. Some acidic fruits, like lemon, help treat stomach illnesses. Moreover, the vitamin C content of the fruit helps boost immunity.
Mint. For centuries now, mint has been used to treat stomach illnesses. It also helps you relax, since it has antimicrobial properties.
Chamomile. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile help relax you. It also helps relieve discomfort.
Baking Soda. Since baking soda is rich in anti-bacterial properties, it soothes the gastrointestinal tract and relieves the symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Ice pack. One more that you can try at home is an ice pack. You just need to apply it to where you’re feeling uncomfortable. Not only will it ease the discomfort, it will also give you relief from constant vomiting.
Electrolytes. To avoid dehydration caused by constant vomiting and diarrhea, you must drink electrolytes. There’s no need to go to the grocery store, though; you can make it yourself by adding 5 tsp. of sugar and a pinch of salt to your water.
Bed rest. This is one of the best home remedies for gastroenteritis. There’s no doubt about it. Sleeping makes you relax, thus easing the pain you’re experiencing. Diarrhea and vomiting can render you weak and unable to stand.
Additional Tips for Treating Gastroenteritis
To help keep yourself more comfortable and prevent the risk of dehydration while you are recovering, try the following:
– Be cautious about what medication you take.
– Get a lot of rest, since gastroenteritis may make you weak.
– Avoid certain foods until you get better, such as those high in salt.
– Ease back on how much you eat.
– Try to suck on some ice chips or take small sips of water.
– Let your stomach settle and stop eating solid foods for a few hours.
Conclusion
Gastroenteritis shouldn’t be ignored, as it’s better to treat it before it gets too bad to handle. If you are taking any prescription medications, don’t try any of the above home remedies without first discussing them with your doctor, as they may interfere.
