How to Support Your Gut, Hydration, and Recovery
Norovirus hits fast and hard.
Vomiting. Diarrhea. Chills. Body aches. Zero appetite.
There is no supplement that “kills” norovirus.
This is a viral infection, and the body has to clear it.
The goal is simple:
- Prevent dehydration
- Calm nausea and cramping
- Support the gut lining
- Shorten recovery time
- Reduce the risk of lingering gut issues afterward
Here’s what actually helps.
Phase 1: Acute Symptoms (First 24–72 Hours)
1. Saccharomyces Boulardii
A probiotic yeast that’s been well-studied for acute infectious diarrhea.
Why it helps
- Reduces severity and duration of diarrhea
- Protects the gut lining
- Lowers risk of post-infection dysbiosis
How to use
- 5–10 billion CFU
- 1–2 caps 1-3x daily
- Continue for 7–14 days after symptoms resolve
2. Electrolytes (Non-Negotiable)
Most people don’t feel terrible because of the virus alone.
They feel terrible because they’re dehydrated and depleted.
Look for
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Small amount of glucose (to drive absorption)
- No dyes or excessive sugar
Sip small amounts every 10–15 minutes if vomiting is present.
3. Bone Broth
Simple. Powerful. Easy on the gut.
Why
- Replaces sodium and minerals
- Provides glycine to support gut repair
- Often easier to tolerate than plain water
4. Ginger (Tea, Chews, or Capsules)
Ginger is one of the most evidence-supported tools for nausea.
Benefits
- Reduces nausea and vomiting
- Supports gastric emptying
- Calms intestinal cramping
How to use
- Tea or chews if actively nauseous
- Capsules (500–1,000 mg, 1–2x/day) once vomiting improves
Start gentle. Increase as tolerated.
5. Gut-Calming Teas
Warm (not hot) fluids can calm both the gut and nervous system.
Best options:
- Ginger
- Peppermint (cramping, bloating)
- Chamomile (gut + nervous system calming)
- Supports healthy digestion and regularity*
- Strengthens gut-driven immune function*
- Enhances gut–brain connection and emotional balance*
- You can make nourishing, electrolyte balancing popsicles that help with hydration because you will absorb the fluids slowly, minimizing reactive vomiting.
- You can use lemonade (without added sugar), coconut water, or grape juice. Freeze and enjoy frequently.
- Store bought popsicles are also okay- look for organic, low to no sugar content.
Phase 2: Reintroducing Food (2-7 Days)
Bland Diet (BRAT Approach)
Once you can keep liquids down, slowly reintroduce food.
Start with:
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
These foods are:
- Low fiber
- Easy to digest
- Gentle on an inflamed gut
Avoid raw vegetables, fatty foods, alcohol, and heavy protein until stools normalize.
Homeopathic Support
(Use as complementary support, not a replacement for hydration or medical care)
Some individuals choose to use homeopathic remedies during acute viral illness.
These are commonly used and generally considered low-risk when used appropriately.
Commonly recommended options include:
- Arsenicum album 30C
Used for diarrhea with chills, abdominal cramping, nausea, and restlessness.* - Eupatorium 6C
Used for fever, muscle aches, and deep body pain.* - Podophyllum 30C
Used for painful, urgent diarrhea, often worse in the morning.* - Colocynthis 6C
Used for abdominal cramping that improves when bending over or applying pressure.* - Ipecac 6C
Used for persistent nausea and vomiting with excessive salivation and retching.* - Nux Vomica 6c Used for nausea and abdominal pain/cramping.*
*These statements are based on traditional homeopathic use and results vary by individual.
Always consult a healthcare provider for severe symptoms, dehydration, high fever, or symptoms lasting longer than 3 days.
What to Avoid During Norovirus
This matters.
- ❌ NSAIDs on an empty, inflamed gut
- ❌ Alcohol
- ❌ High-fiber foods early on and focus more on cooked foods
- ❌ Aggressive probiotics too soon
- ❌ Anti-diarrheal medications unless directed by a physician
Diarrhea is uncomfortable, but it’s part of viral clearance.
Phase 3: Post-Norovirus Gut Repair (7–21 Days)
This is where many people get stuck if they do nothing.
- Continue Saccharomyces boulardii
- Take a quality probiotic to help gut post virus - Adults MegaSpore Probiotic and Kids Children’s MegaSporeGummies or ProBioMed Kids Chewable
- Rebuild electrolytes and minerals
- Watch for constipation rebound or IBS-type symptoms
- Support digestion if appetite or stools feel “off”
This step helps prevent long-term gut issues after infection.
When to Seek Medical Care
- Signs of dehydration (less frequent wet diapers, inability to produce tears, mouth dry instead of moist)
- Inability to keep fluids down
- High or persistent fever
- Symptoms lasting longer than 72 hours
- Infants, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals
What To Do Next?
Schedule a free Root Cause Discovery Call with our team so we can help you fix what’s been ignored for years — step by step.