There’s nothing worse than the dreaded stomach bug making its way through the family. Whether it’s your kids, your partner, or (the worst-case scenario) everyone in the house at once, it can feel like a never-ending cycle of sickness. While most stomach viruses pass within 24-48 hours, proper hydration and rest are key to recovering faster and preventing dehydration.
Here’s how to manage the stomach bug like a pro—and a refreshing, natural electrolyte drink to help keep your family hydrated!
Stomach Bug Survival Tips
1. Hydration is Everything
The biggest risk with a stomach bug is dehydration, especially for kids. Small, frequent sips of liquid are better than gulping, which can trigger more nausea. Try water, clear broth, coconut water, or a homemade electrolyte drink (like our Natural Powerade 🍋🌿 below). Avoid sugary drinks and sodas, as they can worsen symptoms.
2. Stick to Bland Foods
Once the stomach settles, ease back into eating with bland, easy-to-digest foods. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is a great place to start. Avoid dairy, greasy foods, and anything too fibrous or acidic.
3. Prioritize Rest
Your body needs energy to fight the virus, so let yourself (or your little ones) sleep as much as needed. Keep cozy blankets and quiet activities like books or audiobooks on hand for recovery mode.
4. Stop the Spread
Stomach viruses spread fast. To minimize germs, wash hands frequently with soap and water (hand sanitizer isn’t as effective against norovirus). Wipe down high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom fixtures with a disinfectant that kills norovirus—bleach-based cleaners work best.
5. Be Cautious with Medications
Anti-diarrheal meds can sometimes prolong the illness by keeping the virus in your system longer. If needed, stick to acetaminophen for fever or aches instead of ibuprofen, which can irritate the stomach.
6. Watch for Signs of Dehydration
If symptoms are severe, watch for dehydration signs like dry mouth, sunken eyes, dizziness, and dark or minimal urine output. In young kids, fewer wet diapers and no tears when crying are warning signs. If you notice these, call a doctor.
Homemade Natural Powerade 🍋🌿
When recovering from a stomach bug, the body needs to replenish lost electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Many store-bought sports drinks are loaded with artificial colors and sugars, so why not make a healthier version at home?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coconut water (for natural electrolytes + potassium)
- 1 cup cold water
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (for vitamin C + natural sweetness)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (to balance pH + add flavor)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (a natural energy source)
- ¼ tsp sea salt (to replenish sodium lost in sweat)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a pitcher and stir well.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or salt as needed.
- Chill in the fridge or serve over ice.
💡 Pro Tip: Freeze into ice cubes and add to water bottles for an on-the-go hydration boost!
Final Thoughts
Getting through the stomach bug is never fun, but with the right approach, you can minimize discomfort and recover faster. Keep your family hydrated, prioritize rest, and try this Natural Powerade 🍋🌿 to help replenish lost electrolytes the natural way.
Do you have any go-to remedies for the stomach flu? Let me know in the comments! 💛
