Typically causes by virus or bacteria, gastrointestinal infections, or what-so-called as stomach flu as well as bowel infection, cause irresistible discomforts. This virus or bacterial infection usually last for 2 days to a week with either continuous or intermittent vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, or dehydration. Prolonged gastrointestinal infection will not let your intestines absorb any nutrients from the foods properly. As a result, severe dehydration, mineral deficiency, and malnutrition may occur. These things may lead to unhealthy weight loss.

Medications for gastrointestinal infection

As bowel infection is caused by pathogens plaguing a person’s digestive tract, antibiotics is often prescribed. This medication will help balancing the gut’s flora and inhibit pathogen overgrowth. Commercial medications intended for this infection can also be easily found. Doctors prescribe these medications based on the visible symptoms and the degree of severity of the illness. However, these antibiotics do not only have positive effects on the affected digestive tract. There are unexpected side effects, especially on them with specific health concerns. Because of this, many people start to choose more natural remedies for healing gastrointestinal infection, which are less harmful for the body.

Natural cures for gastrointestinal infection

To heal gastrointestinal infection, there are some natural cures you can rely on. They are easy to get and toxin-fee, so that unwanted side effects can be minimized.

• Replace solid foods with nutritious liquids

When you starts having the symptoms, your stomach might not be able to process any solid foods you consume. Insisting to consume these foods may result in intermittent vomiting and watery diarrhea. Compared to solid foods, liquids, such as fruit juices or green smoothies are more recommended for curing the upset stomach.

• Drink sufficient water

One of the most common effects of severe gastrointestinal infection is dehydration. To cure this, sufficient water is required. Drinking enough water—10 glasses per day is essential for proper hydration, softer stool, and inflammation reduction.

• Eat ginger or drink ginger water

Ginger is a potent antibacterial, which is helpful for eliminating infesting bacteria in the stomach, small intestines, or colon. Eating ginger or drinking ginger juice will reduce bloating and inflammation. Ginger is also a natural remedy, which is safe for pregnant women, as this herbal ingredient is often used for reducing nausea and inhibiting severe morning sickness.

• Consume yogurt or probiotics

Yogurt or probiotic drinks are loaded with bacteria which defeat bacteria in your bowel. This will inhibit bacteria overgrowth and thus, bring down the inflammation and treat the infection site effectively.  You are recommended to consume yogurt or probiotics without any sweeteners, since it may irritate the already-infected bowel.

• Drinking peppermint tea

Although ginger is an effective antibacterial agent, many people do not like the way it tastes. If you are one of them, you might prefer a glass of peppermint tea. The herbal contains anesthetic substance, which calm the infected bowel lining. It also helps defeating infesting bacteria present in the small intestines, so that the effects of the infection can be minimized.

• Eating bananas

Bananas are not only tasty. They are also beneficial for healing infected bowel and intestines. Bananas help neutralizing acid formed inside the stomach, as a result of bacterial overgrowth. Limiting the acid will be helpful in getting rid of the cramps and nausea and thus, healing the infection faster.

When to seek helps

Although gastrointestinal infection is usually harmless and can be self-treated, several conditions might need further medical advices. See the doctor if you undergo some of these conditions:

• You are having diabetes mellitus.
• You are suffering from HIV/AIDS and thus, have weakened immune system.
• The patient is children under the age of two or younger.
• The symptoms turn worse faster.
• The symptoms won’t go after 2 days in children or infants, and more than 5 days in adults.
• Vomit and diarrhea happen to infants, or happen very often a day—more than 3 to 4 times a day—in adults. This can possibly cause dehydration, which can be harmful for the entire health.
• You are having fever with elevating temperature. High fever might be a sign of bacterial overgrowth, so that it needs quick anticipation.