The term gastroenteritis has been used to define the inflammation that occurs in the mucous membranes, which are lining the stomach along with the intestines. Basically, it is a problem that is caused because of viral or even bacterial infections. Sometimes, the cause for the same can also be parasitic that leads to intolerance of food. This may occur due to problems like drug reaction.
However, one has symptoms that are stomach flu like and you may get fever along with vomiting, nausea,etc. It has been seen that home remedies work the best in this reference because gastroenteritis does take its time out to go. In most cases, medicines might provide immediate results, which are short term. But with these natural remedies, you can get relief along preventing the problem from recurring again-
Natural Cures For Gastroenteritis
Baking Soda And Citrus Juice
Baking soda has been used as a natural remedy for various kinds of ailments of the stomach and gastroenteritis is one of them. For this remedy you have to take a pinch of the baking soda and then mix it with some cold water. About a glass is enough for this. Then keep sipping this mixture throughout the day.
However, for best results, this should be taken alternatively with citrus juices like orange or fresh lime. This can be mixed with some honey or even corn syrup along with rock salt. It is this mixture that provides respite from all symptoms of gastroenteritis but also helps in curing the infection internally. These should be mixed and kept and you should have them alternatively. Just sip on it on and off.
Probiotics
Probiotics are again another natural remedy or cure that works great for gastroenteritis. All that you have to do here is include more of the same in your diet like yogurt, curd, buttermilk, etc. In this reference, it should be remembered that milk might actually have an adverse effect.
But yogurt has various therapeutic values that works well in treating the infection internally, while killing the bacteria or the virus that causes the problem in the first place.
Compress And Bath
It has been seen that taking warm compress and bath helps in easing the symptoms of the gastroenteritis infection like cramping along with internal inflammation, which happens because of stress.
Along with the compress, you can also take a warm bath with some Epsom salt because it helps in healing the pain and also provides relief from other symptoms. In case the fever is going high, then a cooler or mild temperature bath may be suggested to bring down the temperature.
Essential Oils
Massing the stomach with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus or even tea tree has been shown to provide relief in symptoms of gastroenteritis. What happens here is that as one inhales these oils through the skin and the nose, you feel better internally and externally too. The gentle massage soothes the cramps while inhaling these smells helps in respite from vomiting and other symptoms.
Exercises
Though it is not suggested to strain your body this time, moving around the house and doing a little walking or sitting in yoga postures like padmasana or virasana helps in providing respite from the symptoms of the same.
Just make sure that you relax when doing the same as it releases wind from the stomach and helps in boosting immunity.
Herbal Teas
A variety of herbal teas can be consumed by those suffering from gastroenteritis to get relief from the symptoms and also for staying hydrated. You can make a tea of peppermint, ginger and even holy basil. Just put these together in 2-4 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
Let it cool and then strain and add honey. Keep sipping on this to reduce spasms, relief from vomiting and improving immunity along with digestion. Ginger too has anti inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling of the organs, which is very common in gastroenteritis.
Sugar And Salt Water
The best and safest remedy for gastroenteritis is water. All that you have to do here is make sure that you keep sipping on enough water throughout the day either in form of ice chips or drinks.
A lot of physicians suggest using re-hydrating agents that are available over the counter, but what you can do is use salt and water instead, which works great too. Simply add a spoon of sugar with a pinch of salt to a glass of water. Mix it well and keep drinking this all day through.
Coconut Water
Since the body loses a lot of fluid during the time one suffers from gastroenteritis, it is essential that you have natural electrolytes. Coconut water is the best bet here because it helps in restoring the balance of the body and works better than other oral hydration solutions available at pharmacies.
This water should be consumed at least twice a day till you get respite from the symptoms. And do remember to opt for the fresh version instead of processed, because it may cause more damage than good.
BRAT
A BRAT diet is highly suggested as a natural remedy for gastroenteritis. What is BRAT. Well it simply means-Bananas, Rice,Apples and Toast.Till the time you are getting respite from the symptoms of this problem, keep on having these four.
Remember that a lot of fibers at this time should be avoided. You should stay away from milk too as it simply worsens the problem. Keep having these four through the day to stay nourished and reduce the ailment.
Cod Liver Oil
Fermented cod liver oil may not appeal to a lot of people but this good fat can actually help you right now. When you are feeling very sick and constantly going to the toilet, this oil helps in providing nutrition, balancing loss of fluids and provide respite from other symptoms too. Just have it with a bit of toast or mix it in water and drink a spoon.
Accupuncture
Those who are suffering from the problem of gastroenteritis constantly should consider consulting an acupuncturist and start off with this natural treatment. What happens here is that this problem is repeated because of internal disorders and by inserting needles at the right pressure points, the digestive organs are able to function better and this improves immunity against the problem too.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.