The stomach flu, which is also called viral gastroenteritis, can throw off the balance of the microbiome in the gut in a big way. The illness makes the stomach and intestines swell and irritate them, which causes symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
This disruption can kill off good bacteria in the gut and make it harder for the gut to absorb nutrients properly, so restoration is needed. Below, we will discuss how to restore gut health after the stomach flu:
What Are The First Steps To Gut Health Again After Being Ill?
The first thing that needs to be done to get gut health back after the stomach flu is to slowly drink more water and eat foods that are easy to digest again. Clear liquids like broth, herbal teas, and water are good to start with to rehydrate the body without putting too much stress on the digestive system. As your symptoms start to get better, slowly start eating bland foods like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce to keep you healthy without making your symptoms worse.
How Do Probiotics Help The Gut Heal?
The good bacteria that live in the gut, called probiotics, are very important for restoring gut health. They help restore balance to the gut microbiome by encouraging the growth of good bacteria and stopping the growth of bad pathogens. Adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet, like yogurt, can help your body heal. There are times when doctors may also suggest taking a probiotic supplement.
In Terms Of Gut Health, What Role Does Fiber Play?
Once the initial phase of recovery is over, it is important to slowly increase the amount of fiber you eat to restore gut health. Fiber is a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and helps them grow. Before adding whole grains and legumes, start with fiber-rich foods that are easy for your body to digest, like cooked vegetables and fruits. It’s important to pay attention to how your body reacts to fiber, since too much of it too soon can cause gas and bloating.
Why Is Staying Hydrated So Important For Gut Health?
Staying hydrated is very important while you’re recovering from the stomach flu, especially if you’re vomiting or having diarrhea, which makes you lose a lot of fluids. Besides water, electrolyte solutions or coconut water can also help replace minerals and salts that have been lost. Making sure you stay hydrated helps your digestive system work better and gets rid of toxins.
Are Herbal Teas Good For Healing The Gut?
Herbal teas with ingredients like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can help the digestive system feel better and heal faster. Ginger tea can help with nausea, peppermint tea may help with stomach pain, and chamomile tea is known to reduce inflammation. Adding these teas to your daily routine can help your gut health get better in a gentle way.
What Changes In Lifestyle Are Good For Gut Health In The Long Term?
Changing your lifestyle as well as what you eat can have a big effect on your gut health. Mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help you feel less stressed, which can lower inflammation in your gut. Being active on a regular basis can help keep your gut microbiome balanced and support healthy digestion. Getting enough sleep every night also helps the digestive system heal and work properly.
Food Choices For The Stomach Flu
Gut health can be restored after having the stomach flu by making smart food choices, staying hydrated, taking probiotic supplements, and making changes to how you live your life. You can help your body’s natural healing processes and encourage the return of a healthy, balanced gut microbiome by following these steps.
Remember that it’s important to pay attention to your body and get personalized advice from medical professionals while you’re recovering to make sure you stay healthy and happy. The above information is enough to answer the question of how to restore gut health after the stomach flu.