The stomach flu is not really a flu. It is a form of digestive upset caused by a virus. It’s a lot like food poisoning, but it’s caused by bacteria.
Medically, the flu is also considered to be caused by a virus, hence the name stomach flu.
Symptoms are usually nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, but in reality any digestive symptom can be present.
If you’re prone to stomach flu, it shows two things. One is that your immune system isn’t strong enough to stop a virus from taking hold. The second is that your weakness is your stomach.
Everyone has a weakness. For some it is their lungs. For others, it’s their joints. Perhaps yours is your digestive system.
So to avoid further extremes of gastroenteritis, you need to address these two aspects. Listed below are effective ways to improve these areas:
- Raw food. All of this is important. Make sure at least 50% (preferably more) are raw fruits and vegetables. Enzymes are destroyed by cooking, but they are essential for a healthy gastrointestinal system.
- Cut down on acid-producing foods. These include processed foods (white sugar, artificial sweeteners, white flour, white rice, packets, fast food, etc.) and animal protein (meat, poultry, eggs, dairy).
- Digestive problems tell you that your liver is struggling. Medical drugs, vaccines, OTC drugs, recreational drugs all put a strain on your liver to a greater or lesser degree. Avoid them as much as you can. Avoid excess alcohol for the same reason. Try to avoid chemicals in your home.
- Practice having a positive and upbeat frame of mind. This will go a long way in improving your overall health. Negative or pessimistic people are sicker. Let go of those friends or colleagues who drag you down.
- Get out into nature. It is part of it. Delight in the way the raindrops fall, the sun rises, the buds fill up, the leaves change colour, the aerobatics of the birds…
- Exercise in some way. It could be walking your dog regularly, going to the gym, or practicing yoga. Whatever you enjoy, you will do regularly and happily.
- Make sure you get enough sleep. Its optimal amount can be three or eight hours. Only you know how much you need to be alert. Make sure you get it.
- Get enough sun. You need at least an hour of exposure to sunlight every day to stay healthy. The sun also converts cholesterol to vitamin D. Exposure should be on bare skin (no sunscreen) and bare eyes. Just don’t run out or overdo it in the middle of the day in summer.
- Buy yourself a home prescription homeopathic kit that includes medicines for stomach flu. That way, you can nip it in the bud if a fight breaks out.
The stomach flu does not have to be a serious illness. But it could be a wake-up call for you to take corrective action. Taking proactive steps now will bode well for your future health. Allow it to continue, and you can expect your health to deteriorate.
