Many attacks of stomach flu are triggered by viruses. These can be minimized by regular hand washing, getting regular rest, eating a prudent diet and taking basic nutritional supplements.

Other attacks are caused by bacteria and are often called “food poisoning.” Many episodes of food poisoning can be avoided by eating meats well done and disinfecting countertops, cutting boards and utensils after preparing high risk items such as chicken. The effect of disease-causing bacteria can be minimized by supplementing protective bacteria such as acidophilus and bifidus periodically. It is particularly important to reintroduce these bacteria after taking an antibiotic.

When you are hit with waves of vomiting and diarrhea, listen to your body and give it time to recover. At the first sign of nausea stop eating and drinking. Let the stomach rest. The nausea and vomiting should pass within a few hours. Begin sips of water once your stomach has felt calm for an hour or two. Taking in an ounce of water every ten to fifteen minutes at first is safer and less likely to trigger additional vomiting than drinking 4 to 6 ounces at one time. The amount of fluid may be increased if you find that you are tolerating the small quantities well.

If you are dehydrated as indicated by infrequent urination and the presence of dark urine use a commercial or homemade rehydration solution to replace electrolytes as well as water. Drink enough rehydration solution and water to begin producing pale urine at frequent intervals.

Just as it is important to let your stomach rest if you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, it is important to allow your intestines to rest when you are having diarrhea. Limit your intake to clear liquids until the diarrhea has passed. A clear liquid is defined as something through which you can read newsprint. Water, broth, sports drinks, and jello are examples of clear liquids.

When the diarrhea has subsided bland solids such as rice, potatoes, bananas, and cooked vegetables may be added. Expand your diet if you are tolerating bland solids. Milk and other dairy products should be avoided for at least two weeks because the ability to digest milk sugar, lactose, is lost in attacks of gastroenteritis. The exception is processed cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss or Colby, since the processing predigests the lactose.

Additional measures are rarely necessary, but some are available. Ginger is quite effective in reducing nausea. The amount found in 12 ounces of ginger ale is adequate. Since it may be difficult to hold down that much fluid it is often better to use small quantities of ground ginger or ginger capsules. A tablespoon of thick syrup such as honey may also help to settle the stomach.

Homeopathic remedies for nausea and vomiting are helpful and easy to administer since they are dissolved in the mouth rather than swallowed. Repeat at fifteen minute intervals until the nausea and vomiting is under control. Homeopatics are safe for use with infants and children and the tablets may be dissolved in an ounce of water if the child is too young to let a tablet dissolve under his or her tongue.

Antidiarrheal remedies should generally be avoided as slowing or stopping the diarrhea prematurely will generally prolong the illness. Psyllium husk, however, can be used to absorb water and begin to form solid stools. Psyllium is sold under several brand names including Metamucil. Take a standard dose every four hours until formed stools appear.

Two or three probiotic capsules should be taken three times a day for 1 – 2 weeks to restore a normal intestinal environment and prevent the overgrowth of disease causing organisms.

Acute gastroenteritis is unpleasant, but it is possible to safely weather the storm and resume smooth sailing in a short amount of time if these simple principles are followed.

Rehydration Recipe

1 quart purified drinking water

¾ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup orange juice

1 – 2 tablespoons honey