Everybody hates the feeling of falling sick. The rains that have recently slashed across our country have finally come to an end and it's a huge sigh of relief.
The rains bring with them a host of diseases. This is the time when food and water are contaminated by different means and it is the reason why there are many cases of infections in humans.
The most common form of infection that we experience during this period is the flu-stomach flu or belly flu to be precise.
Belly flu is a common term for gastroenteritis. It is caused by inflammation of the lining of our stomach and intestines. It is usually caused by a virus or bacteria which is spread through an infected person. This virus is highly communicable and can spread easily from one person to another.
The most common symptoms of stomach flu are vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and cramping. The virus responsible for this infection in kids is rotavirus. In adults, drinking contaminated water and food or close contact with an infected person can spread the disease.
Also Read: Home Remedies For Stomach Pain
Although this infection in kids can be prevented through vaccination, adults need to resort to other measures.
When infected with the virus, the symptoms usually subside within 5-6 days and it is possible to survive without any medication.
However, there are certain foods that help you fight belly flu. The body often suffers from dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhoea.
Also Read: Magical Mixture To Reduce Stomach Ache
These natural remedies for an upset stomach will help you ease the symptoms of the flu and help you recover faster.
1) Ginger-
Ginger is an antibacterial and an antiviral which will help reduce irritation of the stomach. It also helps reduce vomiting and diarrhoea episodes by helping the stomach digest food better. It will also treat any sinus congestion as a result of the infection.
Add 1 teaspoon of ginger powder to a glass of warm water and consume it till the symptoms of the infection subside.
2) Garlic-
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which boosts the ability of white blood cells to effectively fight off infections. Regular consumption of garlic is known to reduce the symptoms and the severity of the infection.
Crush 2-3 cloves of garlic with honey and consume it daily.
3) Rice Water-
Often the flu will leave your body dehydrated. Rice water, especially brown rice water, will help rehydrate the body and replenish essential minerals. It will also ease the lining of the stomach and help settle vomiting.
Boil some brown rice in water; drain the water from it and consume.
4) Banana-
Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, which is the best natural remedy for stomach flu. Eating green bananas will help stop diarrhoea. They are easy to digest and provide instant energy. They replenish the mineral content in the body and help maintain the electrolytic balance.
Have this fruit at least 2 times a day during the infection.
5) Lemons-
It is known to destroy the disease causing pathogens in the body. The antioxidants in them help fight infections. It also helps with the feeling of nausea.
Drink fresh lemon juice twice a day to hydrate the body and prevent vomiting.
6) Cinnamon-
Cinnamon is an ingredient which helps calm the stomach and provides relief from many gastrointestinal infections. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties help lessen the traditional symptoms of the flu and other viral diseases. It stimulates the digestive system and prevents diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
Mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with a teaspoon of honey and consume it.
7) Yoghurt-
Yoghurt helps remove the bad bacteria from the gut and helps the good bacteria to flourish. This improves the digestive system and helps you recover faster.
Make a banana smoothie along with yoghurt and drink your way to faster recovery.
8) Mint-
The best thing about mint is that it is an anti-sedative. It relaxes the muscles of the stomach and helps relieve gas and bloating. Its antimicrobial properties help kill the disease-causing germs.
Regularly consuming mint tea will help relieve the flu symptoms. Boil a handful of mint leaves in water. Strain the mixture and let it cool. Add a teaspoon of honey to taste.
9) Apple Cider Vinegar-
Apple cider vinegar is a good source of pectin which relieves stomach irritation. The acid present in it makes it impossible for the bacteria or virus to flourish. It also helps relieve the stomach of any gas or bloating.
Mix a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water and consume it before meals.
10) Chamomile-
Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe an upset stomach. It kills the germs. It is also mildly sedative which relaxes the upset stomach.
A good cup of chamomile tea is the best natural remedy for stomach flu.
