How to Cure a Stomach Virus

Of course you can't CURE a stomach virus (also known as the stomach flu), but you can certainly TREAT the symptoms. A stomach virus can cause all kinds of symptoms - vomiting, diarrhea, nausea fever and the like. While you're waiting for the vomiting and diarrhea to run its course, there are some all-natural ways to relieve the symptoms of a stomach virus. Here's how:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Drink plenty of water.

   Drink at least a half gallon of water a day. You need to keep hydrated while the stomach virus runs its course, especially if you have diarrhea. Water will also help flush out your system and pave the way to recovery. Avoid any drinks that have sugar in them - sugar increases the amount of inflammation in your body when you're sick. If you have nausea, be sure to sip the water over a longer period of time.

2. 
   Eat bland foods.

   Eat bland foods. If you are nautious, you may not be able to get anything down the first day of having the stomach virus, but gradually start eating some of these foods as soon as you can: egg whites, plain chicken or turkey, plain bread, unsalted crackers, plain noodles, bananas, rice, toast, papaya (you get the idea). Even if you end up vomiting it all up, stay the course - eventually you will be able to keep it down. Don't eat anything with sauce, oil, butter, or whole nuts in it. It will only increase your diarrhea and make you feel worse. The more food you can keep down, the better your body can nourish itself and fight off the stomach virus.

3. 
   Rest as much as you can.

   Get plenty of rest. You're body will be drained and tired during and after having a stomach virus. Vomiting and diarrhea doesn't help the situation. Preserve your energy and stay in bed as much as possible. Less movement may help reduce the nausea as well.

4. 
   Get help.

   Ask someone to help you out. When you're sick, the last thing you need to worry about is finding the stuff you need and cleaning up. Ask a friend or family member to stay with you and help for at least the first and second day of having the stomach virus. It's always nice to feel loved and cared for when you're sick, and it might just be the key to getting better faster.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid sugar, caffeine, dairy products and alcohol until you are fully recovered from the stomach virus.
• Always consult with your doctor before you attempt to treat yourself at home. It may not be just a stomach virus.

Resources

• All About Stomach Viruses
• All About Diarrhea
• All About the Stomach Flu

[penmousetwo]

on 11/16/2009 If you are vomiting stick to small sips of clear liquids and eat ice chips. Do NOT over load your stomach so you can vomit it again and again. Your stomach needs a rest. After that try the BRAT diet. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. Slowly work your way back to solid foods and allow your tummy to rest.

[bethandlee]

on 3/14/2009 Hope I don't have to use this info but it's great info! 5*

[sandwichink]

on 3/13/2009 Good article :) Believe it or not, I like vanilla yogurt too. I like to think the good bacteria are eating up the bad bacteria :)

[kimarkent]

on 3/9/2009 oh man, been there, done that!! great advice,, my nurse friends tell me about the BRAT diet for stomach viruses,, which is basically what you said.. Bananas, Rice, applesauce, and toast!! Way to go,, you're turning into a writing madwoman!! YES!! 5*

[pegwinn]

on 3/8/2009 Stomach virus is a tough nut to crack. Good ideas. Thanks.