·

Vomiting accompanied by spasmodic abdominal cramps, colic

·

Acute diarrhea which may lead to anal irritation and acute rectal pains

·

Fever and shivering

·

Loss of appetite

·

Fatigue

·

Intense thirst due to dehydration as diarrhea and vomiting make you loose water

·

Flatulence

·

In case of dysentery – significant weight loss usually accompanied by severe diarrhea which may last for months and produces foul smelling stools, gas and a feeling of bloatedness. Both forms of dysentery; bacillary which is caused by bacteria and amoebic dysentery or amoebiasis which is caused by amoeba, have nearly the same symptoms (even the disease giardiasis has exactly the same symptoms) and therefore only a doctor can evaluate the exact cause and the requisite treatment

·

Gastroenteritis is commonly caused by viruses, bacteria and other micro-organisms usually getting transferred by contaminated water and food. The usual suspects and habits associated are:

› Poor hygiene and carelessness at the end of an individual or other family members at home (remember, at home, as most people feel that they catch these symptoms only while they are traveling or eating out but that is usually not the case)

› Partly cooked meals such as raw and lightly cooked egg dishes or those with cracked shells, shellfish from dubious sources, and undercooked poultry and meat

› Dairy products and seafood that are not at their freshest, e.g. spoilt oily fish. This is slightly easy to find as they do smell bad with time

› There are some other foods which may not smell bad even after they have actually ‘gone off’ and they are the most riskiest ones like rice that has been kept warm for a long time or inadequately heated. So better take care in storing foods and use them before their use-by date in case of ready to eat types or as early as possible in case of ones bought fresh

·

Some of the viral gastroenteritis may be epidemic in nature as it spreads rapidly through personal contact and/or coughs and sneezes. This type of intestinal flu is also transmitted through food handled by infected people.

·

Food poisoning also comes under gastroenteritis. Most food products harbor bacteria and if not kept under right conditions like hot foods piping hot and cold foods chilled, these bacteria breed rapidly and increase the chances of food poisoning dramatically. Warm weather makes perfect conditions for food poisoning as any food which is kept as such in this weather for more than an hour and a half, increases chances of bacterial proliferation. The various bacterial forms, causes, incubation periods and certain symptoms of food poisoning are:

› Cooked rice which has been kept warm for a while or inadequately reheated develops bacteria bacillus cereus. This can be avoided if the rice is either kept very hot or cooled quickly and refrigerated. Usually the symptoms of severe vomiting come within an hour of having food, followed by diarrhea. But, the recovery is also very fast.

› In case of salmonellosis, there is an incubation period of 8 to 48 hours after this salmonella bacteria strikes and the first symptoms come which are sudden onset of watery diarrhea with abdominal pain. Chances of nausea, vomiting and mild fever also exist. These symptoms last for 2-5 days in the normal course but may extend their stay. Common sources are raw or lightly cooked eggs, undercooked poultry and cooked foods and salads that have been kept out, unrefrigerated, for more than a couple of hours.

› Poor kitchen hygiene at home or at fast food joints results in poorly cooked foods, especially beef burgers that harbor bacteria called Escherichia Coli (E. coli), responsible for some of the deadliest food poisoning cases. Patients have severe diarrhea which may contain blood along with vomiting within 12-60 hours and the condition may stay bad for as long as 10 days. Sometimes, even hospitalization is required.

› The bacteria called Campylobacter Jejuni may enter and multiply when blood from raw poultry drips over cooked foods and salads. Incubation period inside our bodies is usually 2-6 days and symptoms are fever, abdominal pain and nausea along with bloody diarrhea. The symptoms may go in a day or last for as long as 10 days.

› Botulism is caused by the bacteria Clostridium Botulinium which produces toxins in imperfectly preserved foods like that of damaged cans (especially the rusted ones) and inadequately sterilized tinned or bottled vegetables, meats or fishes. This rare disease is serious and, if unchecked, can cause paralysis. Symptoms of slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing, vision impairment, respiratory failure along with watery diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain start within 8-24 hours and usually last for a day.

› Some other bacteria that multiply and create symptoms similar to above are Staphylococcus Aureus (ham, poultry, cream or custard filled baked goods), Listeria Monocytogenes (soft cheeses, reproducing even at refrigerator temperatures) and Clostridium Perfringens (gives the milder form of botulism and found in warm meat, gravy, stuffing like casserole or saucepan of mince at low heat or in warm temperatures).

·

Traveler’s diarrhea is due to a variety of reasons including fatigue, altitude sickness, travel anxiety, bacterial imbalance and of course the action of n numbers of bacteria that may attack your digestive system after you eat those highly seasoned foods.

·

Dysentery is caused either by amoeba or bacteria. Both forms have nearly the same symptoms but amoebic dysentery is very dangerous as the small parasite is difficult to kill and may cause abscesses in the liver and lungs.

·

Bottle fed babies – Bottles pose a double whammy for your innocent child. Firstly, he is not getting the natural immunity which is present in abundance in mother’s milk and secondly, there is no way you can keep the bottle clean and completely sterilized always. Also, the chances of milk, the formula itself and the water used to prepare milk being contaminated cannot be ruled out.

·

Excessive alcohol consumption is also considered as a major cause of gastroenteritis.

·

Excessive caffeine consumption, especially in the form of coffee is also attributed to be a reason for upset stomach.

·

This problem has also been pinned down to too much of smoking in many a cases.

·

Chronic gastroenteritis is usually attributed to food allergies which make this problem re-occur whenever you are subjected to the allergen foods. Your doctor only can study your eating pattern and with the help of different aids tell you about your enemy, your allergen food or foods. Usual suspects are milk (lactose intolerance), eggs, fish and soya.

·

Eating food with too much of spices has another disadvantage in the name of gastroenteritis. So, beware as your chronic gastroenteritis problem may be simply due to highly spiced up food.

·

In certain people, certain drugs, more specifically antibiotics, may produce a bacterial imbalance in the digestive tract, thereby causing gastroenteritis.

·

Mentha piperita is one of the most effective of the mint herbs, has been used for centuries to relieve indigestion, nausea and heartburn. Modern research has demonstrated its effectiveness in soothing the symptoms of diverticulosis, IBS and other digestive disorders. Mentha piperita is widely cultivated for medicinal uses and also has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. It relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract and stimulates the flow of natural digestive juices and bile, thereby assisting healthy digestion.

·

Sutherlandia frutescens ('Cancer Bush' or 'Kankerbossie') is a medicinal herb exclusively found in Southern Africa and has been used by indigenous people for thousands of years to treat chronic and acute digestive complaints, internal cancers and as a powerful tonic. Recent research has confirmed its adaptogenic properties. Sutherlandia contains a number of highly active compounds, including pinitol, L-canavanine and the amino acid, GABA. L-canavanine is a strong L-argine antagonist that has documented anti-cancer and anti-viral activity.

·

Pelargoneum graveolens ('maagpyn bossie' or stomach pain bush) is a traditional medicinal herb used by indigenous people of South Africa. It has a wide variety of uses and is an effective calmative and anti-spasmodic herb, reducing stomach cramps and pain."

·

Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) - With its daisy like flowers throwing aromatic scents everywhere, this wild herb is found throughout Europe. The essential oil of German chamomile flower contains bisabols, flavonoids and azulenes that give this herb its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and muscle relaxing properties. This makes it an excellent remedy for digestive disorders. Bisabol which gives German chamomile anti-inflammatory properties, helps relieve inflammation on the mucous membranes and promotes healing. It’s a good remedy for stomach pains and flatulence.

·

Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) is an anti-inflammatory, soothing digestive remedy which helps to protect the digestive tract and reduce stomach acid secretions. It is also effective in reducing the pain of digestive disorders and ulcers and is similar in structure to the synthetic drug called acetylsalicylate, or aspirin - without the side effects commonly associated with aspirin.

·

Ulmus fulva (Slippery Elm) is one of the most effective herbs used in reducing digestive pain and irritation, and also protects and soothes the lining of the stomach and digestive tract due to its high mucilage content. Only bark from top quality Slippery Elm is used in Gastronic Dr.

·

Calcium phosphate (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt that assists the body in its natural function of creating new cells. Effective blood cell production is important to ensure good blood circulation. The cells in our body are continually dying and being replaced every day. As we grow older, it is important to keep cellular production happening as fast as cellular deterioration. Calcium phosphate (also called Calc. phos.) promotes nutritional health; it is a vital component for effective digestion, cell growth and energy levels. It is an excellent general tonic for people of all ages.

·

Carbo. veg. (30C) is well known for its supportive capacity on digestion, including the discouragement of common gas and wind. Carbo. veg. tends to suit those individuals who prefer clothing loose around the abdomen who also tend to lie down after eating or drinking. This remedy also supports healthy circulation and healthy energy levels.

·

Arctium lappa (Burdock) is well-known as an herbal blood and system supporter. Burdock supports routine detoxification carried out by the body and supports the digestive system helping to lessen common wind, non-recurrent bloating, and healthy bowel movements.

▲TOP

·

First things first, take plenty of fluids, especially water, as there is tremendous water loss due to diarrhea and vomiting. Re-hydration solution is the best and very easy to make. You just have to mix around 8 teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of salt to a liter of water and sip throughout the day. Actually, the ideal intake is at least two glasses of this solution for every bout of diarrhea.

·

Initially, only liquids like the re-hydration solution above, water and at max, equal quantity if fruit juice (specifically apple juice) mixed with water, should be administered to the patient. Raspberry leaf tea (avoid in early pregnancy) and cinnamon tea with some honey mixed not only quench the thirst and make up for fluid loss but also give the much needed energy as well as soothe the digestive tract.

Another re-hydration solution goes like this; fruit juice (for potassium) with ½ a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of table salt. This serves like a electrolyte and taste much better.

·

One more very effective home made remedy is a decoction of basil leaves. Take 15-20 basil leaves in a liter of water and boil for ten minutes. Strain the solution and mix a pinch of rock salt in it. Sip it throughout the day.

·

The below mentioned foods may form a part of your regular diet also, but they are extremely important in the very beginning of the treatment to subside the symptoms as soon as possible.

› Bananas for energy and potassium which helps in keeping good balance of fluid in the body

› Low-fiber carbohydrates in the form of plain white boiled rice

› Apples as they have an excellent cleansing agent property which is helpful in washing the toxins away

› Coconut water along with normal water as it also provides vital minerals and vitamins

› Dry white toast to settle the stomach and give energy (due to the carbohydrates present)

Once the condition improves, some other foods like potato or potato juice, cooked vegetables like carrot that are easy on the tummy and egg may be taken. Actually, an all fruit diet has also been recommended by doctors, but it may not be (and usually it is not) to the taste of the patient.

People with gastroenteritis normally develop lactose intolerance and hence dairy products must be the last foods to be introduced back in the diet. Curd and cottage cheese are the best ones and they actually help in keeping the digestion and acid level normal.

Finally, you can fall back to the required balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables and grains.

·

Eat yoghurt – yoghurt is wonderful in what it is, as the organisms that produce it also produce lactase that helps digest lactose present in it. Lactose intolerance is anyway high as you become old and therefore digesting milk becomes very difficult, more so when you are down with gastroenteritis. But, as milk based products are the main source of calcium and are inherently consumed by everybody, it makes sense to choose wisely the form of dairy product which will be good for your tummy.

Yoghurt has only 75% of the lactose as compared to an equal amount of milk; hence nearly everybody digests yoghurt easily. Care should be taken that only regular yoghurt is taken instead of the frozen one as the very idea of tolerating yoghurt may wither away. Also choose non-fat yoghurt and take everyday, especially before ice-creams if you really can’t do without them.

·

As fluid and electrolyte loss as well as blood loss in some cases makes the patient extremely weak and possibly anemic, vitamins A, C and E become very important. They are wonderful antioxidants who mop up the free radicals which attack at increasing speed when you are sick and also fight anemia. As most foods rich in these vitamins (barring a few like some citrus fruits) are to be avoided, at least at an early stage, it is recommended that you take supplements or capsules of these vitamins but only on the prescription of your doctor.

▲TOP