Norovirus Treatment

A Nutritionist’s Guide

Norovirus, often called a "stomach bug," is an extremely contagious virus that causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It spreads easily, particularly in close-contact settings like schools, offices, or social gatherings. Here’s how to prevent catching it from others and recover if you do become ill.

Preventing Norovirus: How to Protect Yourself

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently

   • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, or before eating. Hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus, so prioritize soap and water.

2. Avoid Touching Your Face

   • Norovirus can spread when you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. Keep your hands away from your face, especially in public places like schools or offices.

3. Be Careful in Shared Spaces

   • Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others, especially during outbreaks.

   • Launder kitchen towels, hand towels, and dishcloths frequently in hot water.

4. Teach Kids Preventive Habits

   • Encourage children to wash their hands after school, especially before meals.

   • Teach them not to share water bottles, snacks, or other personal items with classmates.

5. Stay Home if You’re Sick

   • If you or a family member has norovirus, stay home from work, school, or social events for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop. This helps prevent spreading the virus to others.

6. Boost Your Immune System

   • Eat Immune-Supporting Foods: Include plenty of vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, as well as zinc sources such as nuts and seeds.

   • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body’s defense mechanisms functioning optimally.

Recovering from Norovirus: Nutrition and Care Strategies

If you do contract norovirus, recovery focuses on rehydration, gut support, and gentle nutrition. Follow these steps to bounce back:

1. Stay Hydrated

   • Water: Sip water frequently to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

   • Bone Broth or Chicken Soup: These are excellent for replenishing lost nutrients while being easy on the stomach.

   • Herbal Teas: Ginger or peppermint tea can soothe nausea and calm your stomach.

2. Rest Your Digestive System

   • Consider sticking to a liquid diet for the first 24 hours to give your digestive system a break.

3. Do a Live Blood Analysis for Lingering Pathogens & Toxins

   • Book a Live Blood Analysis with me to get a real-time analysis of what effect Norovirus has had on your GI system. It may be beneficial to use antimicrobials like Black walnut, cloves, and wormwood to help fight lingering pathogens. Activated charcoal can also help bind toxins and eliminate them through bowel movements. (Always use these under professional guidance)

4. Reintroduce Food Gradually

   • Start with Simple Foods: When ready, eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet).

   • Add Gentle Proteins: Include scrambled eggs or plain chicken as your tolerance improves.

   • Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and dairy until fully recovered.

5. Restore Gut Health

   • Probiotics: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut, or consider a high-quality supplement to rebuild your gut microbiota.

   • Fiber Gradually: As symptoms subside, reintroduce fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and steamed vegetables to support digestion.

6. Prioritize Rest

   • Your body needs energy to heal, so get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities for a few days after symptoms resolve.

**When to Seek Medical Attention

While norovirus usually resolves on its own, seek medical care if you or a loved one experience:

• Severe dehydration (dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness)

• Symptoms lasting more than three days

• Blood in vomit or stool