How To Treat Viral Gastroenteritis (aka Stomach Flu) Naturally

in Gut Health, Infectious Disease

The norovirus made its way through my family this week. Now that I’m feeling better, I felt it was a good time to write about how I treated it naturally so that my family and I recovered as quickly as possible. You may have seen my post on Instagram – I posted some Norovirus tips (and the photos in this post) there, too!

What Is The Stomach Flu?Dr. Green Mom (Ashley) holding her ailing son.

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, is most often caused by the extremely contagious gastrointestinal virus: norovirus. In infants it can also be caused by rotavirus. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, fever, chills, and loss of appetite. Usually symptoms resolve in 1-2 days, but can last up to 10 days. 

Stomach Flu Treatment Basics

The most important treatment for stomach flu is to rest and stay hydrated. In my family, we sipped homemade electrolyte drink between bouts of stomach symptoms. If you choose to purchase electrolyte drinks, be sure to avoid brands with added caffeine.  

Conventional treatment sometimes involves medication to stop diarrhea, however diarrhea is the body’s way of clearing the virus, so in my practice, I don’t recommend anti-diarrheal medication, especially for children. Sometimes fever reducing medication is recommended to manage the fever, headache, and body aches that can accompany stomach flu. 

Natural treatment includes ginger, which helps soothe but not suppress nausea and vomiting. Ginger also has anti-viral properties, anti fever properties, and can ease stomach and muscle pain. Ginger can be taken undiluted, diluted in warm or cold water, or added to conventional ginger ale to make it more medicinal. 

Probiotics help to rebalance the gut microbiome and may help speed recovery from norovirus. Vitamin A has antiviral activity against norovirus and may help promote a healthy microbiome

Natural TreatmentsDr. Green Mom (Ashley) holds her ailing son. A bucket, paper towels, and cleaning wipes surround them.

  1. Electrolytes 
  2. Ginger
  3. Probiotics 
  4. Vitamin A 

Post Viral Recovery

The transition back to a normal diet often takes a couple days. Simple, bland foods like rice, bone broth, juice, toast, and crackers are easy to digest choices. Congee is a great choice if you feel up to some simple cooking, here is the congee recipe we use in my house. Probiotics are important to help rebalance the microbiome and a well rounded multivitamin can help replenish lost nutrients and recover vitality. 

Post Viral Recovery Essentials

  1. Simple Foods
  2. Probiotics 
  3. Multivitamin 

Summary

Stomach flu is a self-limiting viral illness that most people recover from in 1-2 days. Rest and hydration are the most important treatments. Ginger, probiotics, and vitamin A may help manage symptoms and speed recovery. 

Post viral recovery involves simple foods, probiotics to rebalance the gut’s microbiome, and a multivitamin to replace nutrients lost when sick. 

 

References:

Sarowska, J., Wojnicz, D., Jama-Kmiecik, A., Frej-Mądrzak, M., & Choroszy-Król, I. (2021). Antiviral Potential of Plants against Noroviruses. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(15), 4669. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154669

Bányai, K., Estes, M. K., Martella, V., & Parashar, U. D. (2018). Viral gastroenteritis. Lancet (London, England), 392(10142), 175–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31128-0

Ghosh, S., Malik, Y. S., & Kobayashi, N. (2018). Therapeutics and Immunoprophylaxis Against Noroviruses and Rotaviruses: The Past, Present, and Future. Current drug metabolism, 19(3), 170–191. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389200218666170912161449

Lee, H., & Ko, G. (2017). New perspectives regarding the antiviral effect of vitamin A on norovirus using modulation of gut microbiota. Gut microbes, 8(6), 616–620. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2017.1353842

OUR PRODUCTS

Trusted by Moms Everywhere

From foundational guidance to vaccination support, our products are pharmaceutical grade, organic, and scientifically studied to enhance your child’s immune system and neurological system. 

GET FREE ACCESS!

Dr. Ashley Mayer, founder of Dr. Green Mom®, is on a mission to provide you and your family with the tools to live a healthy life TODAY. You deserve quality healthcare information that’s easy to understand and even easier to implement.

Sign up today to get VIP access to her eBooks, health tips, and
up-to-date vaccine information for FREE!

Syringe
FREE Guide to
Prepare for Vaccines
Stethoscope
7 Secrets to
Prevent Sick Kids
Newsletter
Premium
Newsletter

Yes, sign me up for marketing emails from Dr. Ashley. For more information on how we use your information, check out our Privacy Policy. You can change your mind anytime by unsubscribing.

ORDER YOUR VACCINE
STRATEGY GUIDE
TODAY!