The Dreaded Stomach Bug!
The dreaded stomach flu! It never fails to make it’s rounds at certain times of the year. I’ve seen so many friends getting hit so wanted to share some helpful tips! We’ve been unfortunate for it to hit our house many times over the years and let’s just say I have some PTSD from when Elijah had it as a toddler. 🙈
One of the worst feelings is after the first person has been struck down, the feeling of despair hits as you wait for it to make its rounds. It is extremely contagious!
The virus that is commonly responsible for the stomach flu is norovirus. This virus causes a lot of irritation and inflammation in the stomach lining. There is no cure for the stomach flu, but there are a few things you can do to help you get through. Make sure you avoid sharing drinks food and wash those hands!
1. Hydrate- Don’t worry about food intake, but if you eat anything make sure it is bland and easy for your gut to digest. Also, with vomiting and/or diarrhea you are losing a decent amount of fluids. You want to make sure you are avoiding dehydration. My top choices are coconut water, Redmond’s relyte, Seeking Health Optimal Electrolytes.
2. Cool compress to forehead, warm compress to belly.
3. Homeopathy- arsenicum, ipecac or nux vomica to help with symptoms. Choose remedy based on symptoms and consult with a homeopathy expert like @the.enlightened.homeopath
4. Activated charcoal - this one is a bit of a loaded gun so to speak. It’s a great binder, but if you are actively vomiting this is not something you want to take. You can use this once vomiting has stopped, but I’ve also used it in family members that haven’t gotten sick yet with great luck. Adults 500 to 1,000 mg, two to three times per day. Children 1+ 0.5-1 gram per kilogram.
5. Essential oils - e.g. digestzen from Doterra, Tummy Aid or Tummy All Better from Plant Therapy. Diluted and applied to belly.
6. Pre/Probiotics- Helpful for after illness to repopulate the good gut bacteria. I love @getsmidge or @seed.
7. Rest!
