How to Rid the Intestines of Viruses

As scary as it sounds, getting an intestinal virus is often common and treatable. Known as viral gastroenteritis, a virus in the intestines is the second most common ailment in the United States, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Whether you obtain a virus from contaminated food or from infected individuals, proper treatment will prevent any complications. Most at risk for complications are infants, young children and the elderly, since they have a weakened immune system.

Things You'll Need

• Clear drinks
• Bland food

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Instructions

• 1

  Stay hydrated. According to the NDDIC, antibiotics are ineffective in eliminating intestinal viruses and infections; only staying hydrated will get the virus to move out of the digestive system. Sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions are best to sip when experiencing symptoms. They replace important salts and minerals lost through vomiting or diarrhea. Sip on clear drinks throughout the day.

• 2

  Avoid eating to settle nausea. The two main symptoms of an intestinal virus are vomiting and diarrhea. Avoiding food will free the stomach and intestines from digestion, enabling your system to concentrate upon trying to shed the virus. Intestinal viruses often appear approximately four to 48 hours after exposure and last anywhere from two to 10 days.

• 3

  Add bland food to the diet as soon as nausea subsides. Choose easy-to-digest foods like rice, toast, apples and broth.

• 4

  Rest as often as you can while the intestinal virus passes through the body. Since you cannot eat much due to nausea and vomiting, conserve your energy and lie down throughout the day when experiencing symptoms.