Stomach Flu Remedies

Most people make a full recovery from the stomach flu without any complications. Getting enough rest and staying hydrated with clear liquids are beneficial, and easy-to-digest foods may be best.
Nobody likes getting sick, but the stomach flu delivers its own brutal mix of symptoms. When it hits, it can quickly render you nonfunctional and utterly miserable (i.e., lying on the bathroom floor within constant reach of the sink or toilet).
The initial stages start with chills, fever, and nausea, which transition into vomiting, diarrhea, and severe aches and pains. It’s awful, and there is no cure. Stomach flu has to run its course.

That said, the remedies below may relieve the most difficult symptoms and help get you back on your feet once the toughest phase subsides.
What causes the stomach flu, and how is it treated?
1. Drink lots of fluids
Fluids are critically important since you lose vital bodily fluids through sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The best fluids to drink are:
• clear liquids, such as water and broth
• over-the-counter preparations like Pedialyte (good choice for any age)
• sports drinks, which can help with electrolyte replacement (this should be reserved for older children and adults)
• certain teas, such as ginger and peppermint, which can help calm your stomach and alleviate nausea (avoid highly caffeinated teas)

What not to drink
Most likely, you won’t be in the mood for these during a bout of stomach flu anyway, but avoid:
• caffeinated drinks like coffee, strong black tea, and chocolate can affect your sleep at a time when getting enough rest is crucial
2. Try eating the BRAT diet
Keeping food down can be difficult with the stomach flu. Don’t force yourself to eat if the mere thought of food makes you cringe. When you do finally feel you can get something down, it’s best to start slow and simple.

The BRAT diet — bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast — can be your go-to for an uneasy stomach. These four foods are easy to digest, contain carbohydrates to give you energy, and replenish nutrients:
• Bananas: Bananas can replace the potassium you lose from vomiting and diarrhea and strengthen your stomach lining.
• Rice: White rice is easy for your body to process and provides energy from carbs. Brown rice has too much fiber and may produce excess gas.
• Applesauce: Applesauce provides an energy boost due to the carbs and sugars, and it contains pectin, which can help with diarrhea.
• Toast: Avoid whole-wheat bread, as fiber can be difficult on the digestive system. White bread is processed and easier to digest.
3. Try acupressure to reduce nausea
4. Get plenty of rest
5. Medicate with caution