Gastroenteritis is caused by bacterial and viral infections. It is mainly caused by the norovirus and food poisoning. The virus or bacteria infects the stomach and the large intestine causing repeated episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis begin in a day or two after infection and the symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis can take from twelve hours to five days to manifest themselves. There are severe stomach cramps, loose and watery stools which contain mucus or blood, nausea, high temperature and weakness. There is a major risk of dehydration especially in the elderly people.
Gastroenteritis is highly infectious. It is mainly spread by ingesting the bacteria found in the feces. If an infected person does not wash his/her hands after going to the toilette, the viruses and the bacteria are transferred to whatever objects they touch such as a cup or glass or any other kitchen utensil or food. You can even acquire the infection after touching an infected object and then touching your face.
Home Remedies For Gastroenteritis
Carom Seeds Or Ajwain
Carom seeds have a host of medicinal values which help in curing a vast number of diseases and ailments. This traditional medicine has been used in ayurvedic medicine for treating all sorts of infections and disorders of the digestive tract. Its potent antibacterial and antiviral properties bring quick relief from the infection and its distressing symptoms. Heat a griddle and roast a teaspoon of ajwain seeds on it until they sputter. Grind the seeds and add a good pinch of kala namak and swallow the mixture twice daily with a glass of water.
Asafetida
Asafetida has great antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties which combat the viruses and bacteria and alleviate the symptoms quickly and effectively. Take a glass of warm water and stir in half a teaspoon of powdered asafetida into it. Drink this mixture twice daily. Be sure to drink eight to ten glasses of water during the day. Asafetida will also aid digestion and strengthen the digestive tract.
Ginger
Ginger is very effective in curing gastroenteritis. Its powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties make short work of the infection and reduce the frequency of watery stools. Grate a piece of ginger and add it to a cup of boiling water. Allow the tea to stand for ten minutes then strain it and drink three cups of it daily.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint has tremendous soothing and calming powers. It reduces the spasms in the stomach and reduces the vomiting and abdominal cramps quickly and effectively. It also alleviates the nausea and helps to flush out the infection from the stomach and the intestines. Boil a cup of water and add a teaspoon of dried peppermint to it. After ten minutes, strain the tea and drink three to four cups of it daily.
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is very effective in gastroenteritis. It not only rehydrates the body and supplies it with vital electrolytes but also stops the diarrhea by helping to form the stool. It also helps the body to recoup its strength and remove the weakness. Drink two glasses of pomegranate juice daily.
