My Go-To Natural Remedies For The Stomach Flu

Getting the stomach bug is AWFUL. The only thing worse than the stomach bug is when your kids get the stomach bug too! Then, the entire house joins in for a Netflix marathon and takes turns for the bathroom- UGH.

I know you want to get rid of the stomach bug as fast as possible, so I’m sharing my go-to natural remedies for the stomach flu. Even if you don’t currently have a stomach bug, keep this in your back pocket for when that day comes- because it will come, unfortunately! You’ll thank me later for it.

What is the Stomach Flu?

First off, the stomach flu isn’t actually the flu. The stomach flu is commonly caused by viruses called the norovirus and rotavirus, and even parasites that are spread through contaminated food and water.

When you have a stomach bug, you get sick, run to the bathroom, sip on some liquids, and then the cycle starts again. Since it’s so contagious, your kiddos and partner join in, just making you want to climb under the covers and come out after 2 days.

The good news is that natural stomach flu remedies for toddlers are similar to what adults would do. As you go through these tips, you can try to incorporate them in a way that your little ones would like them too!

WITH THE STOMACH BUG, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Chills/Fever
• Stomach Pains/Aches
• Loss of appetite

If you’re experiencing this, I get it…you just want it to be over already! Here’s how to recover quickly from the stomach flu.

Natural Remedies For The Stomach Flu

What is the quickest way to get rid of the stomach bug? It’s NOT antibiotics. Antibiotics will have no effect because this is a virus issue, not a bacteria issue. You can read more about the overuse and overprescription of antibiotics here. 

Instead, you want to prioritize your gut health! First off, the stomach bug causes irritation and inflammation of your intestines. Addressing that issue should be your primary focus, as well as rehydrating from all the water loss.

TIPS FOR RECOVERING FROM THE STOMACH BUG

• Hydrate with Electrolytes
• Eat Gut Healing Foods
• Avoid Inflammatory Foods
• Stomach Bug Healing Supplements
• Allow Your Body to Rest

Hydrate with Electrolytes

When you have the stomach bug, you tend to lose A LOT of water from constant diarrhea and vomiting. It’s vital that you replenish your body with healthy, hydrating liquids. Since you lose a significant amount of electrolytes as well, pick a healthy drink that includes them. This is a better option than just straight water because it’ll help your cells retain more water. Instead of grabbing for the artificially colored Gatorade (which has added sugars or artificial sweeteners), keep these electrolytes on hand. My SAVA Electrolytes are made with real fruit, organic coconut water powder and high-quality, unprocessed salt plus no sugar, natural flavors, artificial flavors or artificial colors. Kids love them, too!

Eat Gut Healing Foods

Natural remedies for the stomach flu should focus mainly on diet. When you have the stomach flu, you may not have an appetite for a day or two. At the beginning, sipping on liquids should be the first step. You don’t want to over bombard your gut if it’s still trying to get everything out. Then, you can focus on what to eat after the stomach bug starts to settle down, once you can actually retain food.

Organic Bone Broth

This is my first go-to. Bone broth is super easy to digest (aka easy on your gut) and packed full of nutrients. Bone broth contains TONS of gut-healing properties (from glutamine, collagen, glycine, proline, and minerals) that will help heal your gut lining and restore any damage that has been caused. Click here to try FOND BROTH and use code TAYLORDUKESWELLNESS.

Mom hack: If your little ones, unfortunately, have the stomach bug, you can heat up some bone broth and put it in their sipping cup.

Fresh Ginger

Ginger is a great natural nausea relief. You can grate up some fresh ginger root and add raw honey in a hot cup of water to sip on. If you have ginger tea that is great too!

Applesauce and Bananas

These are both easy to digest and contain pectin, which helps soothe your digestive tract and reduces diarrhea symptoms.

Fresh or Frozen Pineapple

Pineapples contain a special enzyme called bromelain. It aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties- just what your gut needs! Avoid grabbing for the canned or packaged pineapple which is filled with sugars and syrup.

Avoid Inflammatory Foods

The last thing you want to do is aggravate your stomach even more and cause further inflammation.

Avoid these foods when recovering from the stomach bug

• Alcohol
• Excess sugar
• Caffeine
• Dairy Products
• Gluten
• Foods that are spicy, fatty, or greasy are a no-go

Stomach Bug Healing Supplements/Teas

Probiotics

Probiotics will be a game-changer. Probiotics help supply your gut with beneficial bacteria that encourages healthy digestion and bowel movements. A virus can impact your gut microbiome, so it’s vital to keep it balanced. Probiotics also help prevent long-term GI issues linked to dysbiosis. This is the one I personally use and love.

Charcoal

Charcoal is known to help detox the body of toxins and bacteria. Taking charcoal can help eliminate any excess invaders that make your body work harder. Let’s have your body focus on healing rather than playing defense! I personally love these binders: Codeage Binder +, Ortho Molecular Z-Binder, Quicksilver Scientific Ultra Binder, GI Detox by Biocidin Botanicals 

Immunoglobulins

I love these GI Immune Support supplements: IgGI Shield™ Immunoglobulins by Designs for Health, Immuno SBI Powder or Capsules by Biotics Research, SBI Protect Ortho Molecular. ! This is important to take after the stomach bug hits so you don’t keep getting it or relapsing. It contains dairy-free immunoglobulins that support a healthy mucosal barrier and immune system.

Homeopathy

This is safe for the whole family, including babies and pregnant mamas. Boiron makes it so easy and accessible you can usually find these at local grocery stores or health food stores. I personally love having arsenicum album on hand and will take at the onset of any family members symptoms as well as charcoal.

Peppermint, Ginger/Turmeric and Chamomile Tea 

Chamomile has soothing effects and also has antimicrobial activity, while peppermint is known to help calm a queasy stomach. One of my favorite brands is Tulsi Tea and they have a great turmeric ginger tea as well. You can add a teaspoon of raw honey to either of these. Your toddler may love some warm sweet tea as well but avoid giving honey to your little peanut if they are under 1 year old.

Allow Your Body to Rest

When you have the stomach bug, don’t try to push through it. It will take your body longer to heal. Instead, rest as much as possible! Prioritize your sleep and engage in relaxing activities. I highly recommended an Epsom salt bath or SAVA Ultimate Detox Bath.

Not only is it incredibly relaxing and will feel good with the hot water on your stomach, but the Epsom salt can (1) aid in detoxification to help rid the nasty bugs in your GI tract and (2) give you a magnesium boost which will be much needed!

How long does the stomach flu last?

The stomach flu usually lasts 24-48 hours. But these natural remedies can help speed up the recovery and help your gut the days after it has passed so you can get back to your normal daily activities. Be aware that a stomach bug could possibly lead to long-term problems like post infectious IBS and Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) so it’s essential to address it right away and take care of it properly.

Keep these go-to natural remedies for the stomach flu in a safe spot to use in the future. Then you won’t have to guess what to eat when you have a stomach bug, questioning if it’ll help or hurt your already painful stomach issues.

If you want more tips for quick relief and natural remedies, follow me on Instagram if you aren’t already!

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