#1 Naturopathic Doctor Stomach Flu Treatment

By Dr. Nicole Sundene

Scottsdale Naturopathic Doctor

Stomach Flu....There is really nothing wore than getting a bad stomach flu.

I have seen a very bad stomach flu has been going around lately with my patients. I had it a few months ago when school started back up and I know just how bad this stomach flu is so please be gentle with yourself and give yourself at least a week to recover.

I can think of many illnesses I would rather have than being cursed with miserable diarrhea and vomiting caused by the stomach flu. If you are my patient and have the stomach flu I have made this article FREE just for YOU so that I do not have to have anyone sick coming into my Women's Health and Hormone practice. Please stay home with your germs and enjoy the "Free Office Call" I have taken the time to put together for your own self help treatments at home for the stomach flu, acute diarrhea and vomiting below....

The stomach flu is typically gastroenteritis caused by a virus or bacteria spread from person to person, or infected water or food.

The unfortunate symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea should resolve within 72 hours of onset.

If symptoms persist, if they are accompanied by abdominal pain, bleeding, high fever, or extreme symptoms a doctor’s visit would be necessary. If you are not able to keep any fluids down for more than 48-72 hours then you are becoming dehydrated and need to go to the ER for an IV. Likewise, if your temperature goes above 104 F you also should go to the ER!

Otherwise, there is not much your doctor can do for you other than make sure that you are not dehydrated. It is best if you just stay home to prevent infecting the rest of the world with the stomach flu.

• Simply stay on clear fluids such as chicken broth, diluted juices or electrolyte solutions such as recharge or Emergen- C.
• If you vomit up even small amounts of fluids try drinking a teaspoon of liquid and then doubling that every 15 minutes until you are up to speed again. They say it is better to vomit up the fluid then to simply not drink it at all. Children can be given Pedialyte popsicles or fluid and Jell-O to ensure their fluid intake is optimal. A high fever causes dehydration so even if vomiting and diarrhea are no longer present be sure to provide adequate amounts of clear liquids and electrolytes.
• Once food is able to be reintroduced the BRAT diet is commonly recommended by most doctors. BRAT stands for “Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast” Be sure the rice is white as is the toast. Yes this is the rare occurrence that I am recommending white foods so enjoy! If you are gluten free like I am then you need to use gluten free white toast. Avoid heavy grains and anything with high fiber for the most part except for bananas as they are constipating.
• Also helpful for slowing down diarrhea are blueberries, cinnamon, plain yogurt (to replenish the good bacteria) and a tea made from a tablespoon of brown rice in a cup of water. This is a popular diarrhea remedy for those suffering from HIV induced diarrhea, you can then eat the rice after drinking the “tea”. You can add a 1/2 teaspon of real cinnamon to your applesauce or yogurt. Start with a small amount and make sure you can stomach whatever food you are planning to try.
• Take HMF Intensive probiotic (available to patients in their Fullscript pay to have it overnighted or always keep it on hand) 3 times daily until recovered. I recommend for patients that are vomiting to open the capsule and take the powder straight in to their mouth this will help your stomach the most. Do this three times a day until completely better. Then take 1 capsule every day for a month following the stomach flu to ensure you have the correct bacteria in your gut as the stomach flu will flush all this out and cause you to be more immuncompromised to the next virus going around. If someone in your house is sick make sure they are doing the probiotics immediately as well. Taking probiotics will help your body recover faster than if you don't take them.
• If you have diarrhea following a course of antibiotics you may have a very serious condition called c. diff diarrhea and will need to go straight to the ER.

If you are experiencing diarrhea in this 72 hour period, you are best off not to suppress diarrhea with over the counter medicines (unless of course it is your wedding or there is some VERY special event going on). The body is simply trying to flush out the “bad guys" so you WANT the virus causing your sickness out. If your symptoms persist longer than 3 days or are extremely severe you may have a bacterial infection causing the stomach flu or food poisoning, these are much less common and less likely but then should go to the ER or Urgent Care to get antibiotics and a stool culture test so the doctor knows what you are sick with and can prescribe the correct antibiotic.

So as long as you are not getting dehydrated or experiencing any blood in your stools allowing the diarrhea to run (no pun intended) it’s course while supporting your body is the fastest way to recover from the stomach flu.

Remember the body is inherently wise and will give you a free detox if you have not taken the time to properly detox your body!

Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD

(480) 837-0900

Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert  in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!