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Gastroenteritis is actually the formal medical term for stomach flu, also known as gastric flu or stomach virus.  Gastroenteritis is caused by a bacterial infection, commonly rotavirus in children, and norovirus in adults. While most people immediately turn to antiemetics (stop vomiting) or antibiotics to rid themselves of the infection, this can weaken the immune system to future attacks, which is likely to occur, as the stomach flu is very common and spreads easily. The home remedies outlined in more detail below are some of the most trusted and effective home remedies for gastroenteritis.

1. Carbonated Beverages

Although sugar-rich juices and carbonated sodas aren’t a good idea for treating the stomach flu, and can in fact cause stomach upset, carbonated beverages like sparkling water, soda water, or ginger ale are wonderful options to settle those upset stomachs and soothe your nausea.

2. Simple Carbohydrates

When your stomach is under attack from one of these bacterial or viral causes of gastroenteritis, you don’t want it to have to work too hard to digest food and the crucial nutrients you need. Eating simple carbohydrates like toast, crackers, cereal, potatoes, and basic fruits and vegetables, you can likely get those nutrients digested and be on the road to recovery much quicker.

3. Yogurt

Beneficial bacteria in the gut helps to digest food and protect your gastrointestinal system from infections. Probiotics (good bacteria) can be found in high concentrations in yogurt, and this can not only soothe your stomach, but also promote the regrowth and protective capacity of the beneficial bacteria in your gut to speed up the healing process.

4. Dietary Restrictions

Stick to simple foods and cut out anything that is typically difficult to digest.Many people want ‘comfort food’ when they are ill, but if those foods happen to take the form of spicy food, caffeine, dairy products, or high-fat foods which ends up making the situation worse.

5. Chamomile Tea

As one of the oldest and most trusted remedies for an upset stomach, chamomile tea is also ideal for treating gastroenteritis. The strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile tea can help to settle the stomach and eliminate nausea and vomiting, in addition to boosting the immune system to combat whatever the cause of your stomach flu happens to be.

6. Ginger

This ancient cure-all is also quite useful in the area of gastroenteritis. The active components within ginger are powerful and versatile, including its ability to soothe the stomach and protect the inner lining of your stomach from dangerous bacteria. Chewing on ginger has also been known to eliminate nausea, although brewing ginger tea is probably the most common application of ginger for the stomach flu.

7. Fluids

One of the biggest dangers of gastroenteritis is dehydration because of vomiting and experiencing diarrhea, your body is rapidly losing its fluids. This slows down every process of your body, including the immune system and compromising your digestive tract. You must replenish those fluids in your body, so drink as much water as possible to keep hydrated.

8. Mint

The powerful organic compounds in mint have long been praised for their cooling, soothing, and anti-inflammatory effects. Chewing on mint leaves for gastroenteritis and related stomach issues has been in practice for thousands of years. Brewing fresh mint tea is also an effective remedy against vomiting, as it can reduce that inflammation in your gut.

9. Honey and Cinnamon

Consumption of cinnamon and honey tea has been a home remedy for centuries, as both have powerful organic compounds that promote immunity and reduce inflammation.

1. Turmeric

The complex mixture of antioxidants, bioflavonoids, vitamins, and minerals found in turmeric make it a wonderful tonic for an upset body, particularly if you’re suffering from gastroenteritis.

Again, many of these natural remedies relieve the symptoms of stomach flu and help get your own immune system and digestive system back to normal. In addition to rest and hydration, these can be effective complements to antibiotics or other medicinal approaches.