1) REST:
Your body is fighting a virus so this is the time when lying on the couch isn’t being lazy, it’s actually good for you.
2) FLUIDS:
You’re getting dehydrated and you might not be able to keep food down, but you need fluids, preferably with electrolytes: I like Gatorade or Pedialyte.
3) FOOD:
Stick to the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast) and avoid caffeine, dairy products, spicy foods, and high-fat foods. These foods may aggravate your stomach and subsequently make your nausea and diarrhea worse.
4) MEDICATION:
The vast majority of the time, stomach illnesses is caused by viruses so you do NOT need antibiotics. Instead, take Acetaminophen for pain (Tylenol) because things like ibuprofen and aspirin can actually further irritate the stomach. I recommend Immodium and Peptol to help control your stomach symptoms. If they’re really bad, your doctor can give you anti-emetics to help with the nausea and vomiting.
5) REMEMBER, YOU’RE CONTAGIOUS:
Don’t share food with people and make sure you wash your hands and have anyone coming into contact with you do the same.
WHAT NATURAL REMEDIES DO YOU RECOMMEND?
1) Ginger - Soothes and settles the stomach and eases cramps and nausea (drop an inch of peeled fresh ginger root in a cup of boiling water and steep for 5 minutes
2) Apple cider vinegar with apple juice (1tsp in 4 ounces of apple juice) helps to soothe stomach cramps and relieve nausea.
3) Peppermint is a carminative herb in that it soothes stomach cramps and aids in digestion. Use fresh leaves steeped in boiling water.
4) Rice water is one of the best home remedies to replace lost electrolytes from diarrhea and vomiting:
RICE WATER RECIPE:
Step 1: Measure ½ cup of brown rice into a large saucepan for each person who will be drinking the rice water for a one-day supply.
Step 2: Add 6 cups of water for every 1 cup of brown rice. For example, use 3 cups of water for ½ cup of rice.
Step 3: Bring the rice to a boil over medium heat.
Step 4: Cook the rice water at a low boil for about 45 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the rice water from the heat.
Step 6: Strain out the rice by pouring the water through a colander or cheesecloth.
Step 7: Store the rice water in the refrigerator and drink it throughout the day.
For more from natural lifestyle expert Sophie Uliano go to:
Website: www.gorgeouslygreen.com
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Twitter: @sophieuliano
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