Tis the season…for that dreaded stomach bug. You know, the unwelcome visitor who refuses to leave before he gives the kiss of death (or, at least, it feels that way) to each member of the family? So, what do you do when that sucker strikes and how can you pack his bags any faster?
The stomach “flu” is not actually a form of influenza so the annual flu shot will do nothing to protect you or your wee ones. All of that vomiting and diarrhea, technically called gastroenteritis, are actually caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites that produce inflammation in your gut. The body responds by inducing vomiting and/or diarrhea to expel the unwanted invaders. The resulting aches and pains the next morning are simply a souvenir from the inevitable dehydration.
Back off, Bug!
So, how can you avoid it? Unfortunately, there are few guaranteed remedies to avoid the particularly contagious strains of the viruses that cause gastroenteritis. The problem is that by the time the symptoms enter stage right, you’ve most likely already been infected. You and your sickies are most contagious right before and during the illness. However, there are several preventative measures you can take to lessen or avoid the viruses altogether:
- Wash, wash, wash your hands! This should be a no-brainer but I’m reminding you anyway. I’m not a big fan of alcohol-based hand-sanitizers but I keep some around for just such an occasion and use it copiously when my kids are sick (or when visiting those petri dish bounce or playland-type places), wiping it on toilet handles, faucets, doorknobs and anything else that might be regularly touched by sick little hands.
- Use gloves to clean up laundry and your child. Really. It seems over the top but if you don’t want to get sick, just wear the gloves and then immediately wash your hands before touching anyone or anything else.
- Take activated charcoal. Do it at the first cry of queasy in your home. It is non-toxic and should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet in case of accidental poisoning. It is highly effective at removing toxins and unwanted pathogens from your body. Take the recommended dosage at the intervals suggested on the container until your symptoms subside or the illness has worked its way out of your house. When giving it to a child, break a capsule open and mix it with a teaspoon of honey to make it easier to ingest. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
- Take a high dose (50 billion cfu) of a high-quality (preferably refrigerated) probiotic. These little warriors can help fight off impending stomach problems. Gastroenteritis strips the body of beneficial bacteria that is needed to fight off pathogens. If you’ve already succumbed to The Bug, it is important to replace this bacteria as soon as you feel well enough to eat or drink.
Mom Down!
You’ve tried valiantly to avoid the little bugger but he got the best of you or your kids. Now what? How can you get it out of here ASAP and avoid a trip to the hospital?
- Do not eat. It is important to respect your body’s signals. If you or your child does not feel hungry then do not force food. It can reactivate the vomiting or diarrhea if the inflammation is not completely gone. Trust the signals from your or your child’s body. It knows when it needs to eat and when it needs a rest.
- Drink small amounts whenever possible. You are most likely quite thirsty but it is important to take it slow. Try sucking on ice cubes to quench your thirst or freezing an electrolyte drink. This will allow you to slowly ingest liquid without too much shock to your body. For a soothing beverage try steeping ginger (or peppermint), the juice of half of a lemon, 5 tsp of raw honey and a pinch of sea salt in a mug of boiling water for five minutes. Remove the ginger or peppermint leaves and drink when slightly cooled. This remedy will help to calm the inflammation in the lining of your digestive tract and restore some of the lost electrolytes in your body.
- Red Wine. When all else fails to stop the vomiting, sipping a small amount (less than 4 oz.) of red wine may help. Packed with antioxidants, it can do a powerful clean sweep of your digestive tract. During a bout of uncontrollable vomiting, a friend of mine needed to be admitted to the hospital. Surprisingly, the remedy that his doctor prescribed was red wine. After a few sips of red wine, the urge to vomit quickly subsided and his IV rehydration began to work.
- Sloooooowly reintroduce foods. When you are feeling a little better and your tummy begins to growl, it can be tempting to jump back into regular eating. This can be a big mistake as some viruses can come back for a reprise. The BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) diet has been proven over and over to be the best method for re-starting your food intake. Ripe or slightly under-ripe bananas provide much needed potassium and electrolytes while the pectin in apple provides fiber to bulk up in your intestines. The rice and toast are gentle on your digestive tract and add additional bulk without further aggravating your system. While most dairy products are not recommended immediately following stomach ailments, plain yogurt with a small amount of honey can be helpful in restoring the balance of good bacteria in your gut. If you or your little one are having problems with feeling hungry but still dealing with residual stomach pains, try this little wonder to slowly reintroduce healthy eating – Coconut Milk Popsicles.
- REST. Who vomits all night and then bounces around the living room in the morning?? That would be my kids. The best thing you can do for yourself, however, after being sick is to rest. I know, I know. We’re moms and that can be nearly impossible but your body cannot recover as quickly when you do not allow it time to direct energy into kicking out that virus. We aren’t as resilient as our kiddos so leave the cleaning and the errands until tomorrow or ask a friend to help you out. You need your rest.
If vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 12 hours, it is vital that you see your doctor to determine if you or your child is dehydrated. It might be necessary to administer an IV hydration solution. If you see any of these signs in your child, take him or her to the doctor or ER immediately:
- Decreased urination
- No tears when the child cries
- Sunken eyes and/or fontanel (soft spot on a baby’s head)
- Dry mouth
- Increased heart rate
- Intense weakness or lethargy
What is your tried and true home remedy for alleviating or avoiding the stomach bug?
Kim is the wife of one rockin' Worship Pastor and full-time mom to four crazy and beautiful kids. Toss in a part-time job, housework, a blog, training for a foster care license and what passes for a social life these days and she’s still wondering how she fits 32 hours into a 24 hour day.
