5 Simple and Effective Stomach Bug Remedies

Today’s post is definitely one you’ll want to pin or bookmark for future reference (or perhaps you need this info right now!) There are not many things much worse than coming down with a stomach bug.  And we’ve all had to deal with one at some point.

Stomach bugs can be contracted easily from one person to the next.  It can also spread quickly, which is why having a prevention and treatment plan in place is a must!

Today I want to share with you 5 simple and effective remedies against stomach bugs.  These remedies will not only help treat a stomach bug, but they will also help prevent getting it in the first place.

1) Probiotics

Probiotics are your first line of defense for whatever stomach bug or ‘virus du jour’ happens to be going around.  Probiotics help to populate your gut with good bacteria, creating an unfriendly environment for the bad bacteria.  Look for brands that contain a variety of bacterial strains such as:

• Lactobacillus
• Rhamnosus
• L. Casei
• L. Acidophilus
• L. Plantarum
• L. Bulgaricus
• L. Salivarius
• Bifidobacterium Bifidum
• Streptoccocus Thermophilus
• B. Longum
• B. Breve

The bigger the variety, the better your digestive system is defended.  My favorite probiotic is from doTERRA, and it’s called PB Assist.   It delivers 6 billion CFUs of active probiotic cultures and soluble pre-biotic FOS (fructooligosaccharides) that encourage friendly bacterial growth.  The time-release, double-capsule delivery system is designed to help protect the sensitive probiotic cultures from stomach acid.

2) OnGuard Protecting Blend

This incredibly protective and potent blend of essential oils from doTERRA includes Clove, Black Pepper, Oregano, and Melissa, all of which protect the body against bugs and viruses of various kinds.  This is one of the first supplements I reach for if I feel like I’m coming down with something or if I’m going to be traveling.  I typically feel better in a matter of hours after taking this supplement!  I also love that this powerful blend comes in a variety of forms:

• Softgels – great for adults and older kids 
  
• Beadlets – great for those who have trouble swallowing pills
• Essential Oil Blend – great for babies, small children, and for diffusing in the home to help cleanse the air
• Throat Drops – great for anyone!

I can’t recommend this supplement enough – it’s fantastic for combating tummy bugs, cold bugs, and other viruses, and it’s one of the best supplements you can take to help protect your immune system.  You’ll definitely want to have this on hand!

3) DigestZen

While OnGuard is extremely helpful for bolstering the immune system and helping fight off bugs, DigestZen is extremely helpful for soothing nausea and upset tummies!  I can’t believe how quickly this oil works, and it is one supplement  I don’t ever want to be without.  Whether I’ve eaten too much, accidentally eaten gluten, or feel like I’m coming down with a stomach bug, rubbing this oil directly over my tummy or taking a softgel has proven to be a real life saver.  DigestZen contains oils like peppermint, ginger, caraway seed, and fennel, all of which are known to soothe an upset tummy and provide fast relief.  Similar to OnGuard, DigestZen comes in a variety of forms, so the whole family can use it!

• Softgels – for adults and older kids
• Essential Oil Blend – for babies, small children, or adults

This is another must-have for our natural medicine cabinet.  Do yourself a favor and keep this on hand for your whole family!

4) Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has been used for hundreds of years to treat various stomach ailments.  It was used particularly for the treatment of  ingested poisons or toxins, because it absorbs them before they can harm the body.  And yes, that applies to stomach bugs as well.  Sometimes several doses need to be taken before vomiting subsides, but it will eventually “kick in” and shorten the duration of the bug.  If administering to children, you can break open a capsule and mix it with coconut water in a non-see through sippy cup (they would probably be turned off by the black color), and have them slowly sip it.  I like Nature’s Way Activated Charcoal.  For just a few dollars a bottle, this super safe and effective remedy is a mainstay in our medicine cabinet.

5) Coconut Water

Coconut water has been dubbed, “nature’s Gatorade”, and it is a wonderful source of natural electrolytes.  Unlike Gatorade or Pedialyte, it does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or high fructose corn syrup.  The best brands are simply pure water taken straight from the coconut and are full of:

• Potassium 
• Magnesium
• B vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Enzymes

These are the very things that need to be replenished in your body when you have a stomach bug.  Staying hydrated is crucial when battling a stomach bug, so having chilled coconut water to sip slowly can help replenish your body after fluids have been lost.  I love the Vita Coco brand as it comes in a variety of natural flavors and is quite delicious.  Zico is another great brand.  Both can be found at most grocery stores.

Hopefully the stomach bug won’t hit your house this season, but if it does, you can stock your medicine cabinets and pantry with these safe, effective, and inexpensive remedies that will have you and your family feeling better in no time.

Do you have a favorite natural remedy against the stomach bug? I’d love to hear about it!

Want more ideas on keeping your family healthy this season?  Click on link below to check out my Facebook Live video for more tips!