The gastrointestinal or GI tract performs multiple different functions in the body, from absorbing nutrients to excreting waste products and secreting digestive enzymes. So, if the GI tract is infected, it can severely affect digestion. Gastrointestinal infections may be viral, parasitic, or bacterial, with different triggers, such as contaminated food or contact with human feces. While there are various treatment options for the disease, recognizing the onset of its symptoms is important.

Signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal infections

Diarrhea
One of the common signs of gastrointestinal infections is acute diarrhea, which is particularly common if the infection is bacterial. Usually, diarrhea lasts one to two days after the person is infected and doctors recommend avoiding solid foods briefly during this time.

Constipation
While diarrhea is a common symptom of GI infections, it may also sometimes trigger constipation, because the stomach muscles tend to get inflamed. Usually, constipation follows after a bout of diarrhea.

Stomach cramps
When a person develops a gastrointestinal infection, their intestines become inflamed and irritated, which can trigger abdominal cramping.

Fever
If a virus has triggered a stomach infection, the patient might experience mild to moderate fever, which normally doesn’t exceed 102 degrees Fahrenheit. This fever is the immune system’s response to the virus that has entered the body, and it usually subsides within a day or two.

Muscle aches
Because of the fever and exhaustion associated with gastrointestinal infections, people with this condition may experience muscle aches.

Vomiting
This is a common sign of viral or bacterial gastrointestinal infections, generally lasting a couple of days. During this time, doctors may recommend refraining from solid food for a few hours and gradually adding it back to one’s meals.

Bloating and gas
In case of a gastrointestinal infection, the GI tract may fill up with air or gas, which can cause bloating. This symptom can be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, etc. Bloating and gas are among the 10 early signs of intestinal obstruction, so one should consult with a doctor to address the condition promptly.

Change in stool color
A change in the color of stools may be a hidden symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding. Usually, if one’s stools appear tarry or black, it may indicate bleeding and shouldn’t be ignored. One should immediately inform the doctor about such symptoms so that they can suggest a suitable remedy or treatment course.

Heartburn
Intestinal infections may also trigger heartburn, which lasts about two to three days, and generally subsides along with other gastrointestinal problem symptoms.

Fatigue
Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and other symptoms of gastrointestinal infection can cause extreme fatigue, which tends to last even after these symptoms subside. After contracting this condition, one needs considerable recovery time to feel active and energized again.

Remedies for gastrointestinal infections

Avoid solid foods for some time
Having whole foods while experiencing symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting can irritate the stomach further and aggravate the symptoms. So, it’s best to avoid solid foods completely for a while till these symptoms subside. Even after the severity of such symptoms reduces, one should gradually start eating small portions of solid foods.

Have plenty of water
Since patients with gastrointestinal infections experience acute loss of mineral salts and water, they must drink plenty of water to replenish these. It’s a good idea to have a bottle of water handy when healing from such infections, remembering to have small sips of water now and then. One way to increase water intake, especially when the body is not even able to sustain water, is to suck on ice cubes.

Get enough rest
The recovery period for gastrointestinal infections can be quite intense because the immune system needs to fight the infection. As a result, one may experience fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and other symptoms that can leave one devoid of all energy. Getting enough rest is extremely important during this stage to regain energy and get back on one’s feet.

Avoid spicy, deep-fried, and processed foods
Stomach inflammation and its symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloating, can be worsened by spicy and deep-fried foods. Also, processed foods normally contain refined flour, sugar, and sodium, which can affect digestion. So, it’s best to avoid such foods at least for some days when healing from gastrointestinal infections.

Have clear liquids
Liquids like milk and juices may not be easily digestible for patients with gastrointestinal infections. But, healthy fluid intake is important to stay hydrated and ensure electrolyte balance. So, in addition to water, one should have clear liquids like decaffeinated teas, broth, and coconut water, which are excellent hydrating beverages. Clear fruit juices like cranberry juice also work, but they should be freshly prepared without any added sweeteners.

Follow the BRAT meal plan
The BRAT food regime comprises bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Doctors usually recommend these for patients with stomach infections, as BRAT foods are least likely to aggravate one’s existing symptoms. So, when restarting solid foods, it’s best to follow the BRAT meal plan and slowly progress to regular meals once the symptoms subside completely. Further, white, polished rice is the best option when following this regime, because it is the easiest to break down.

Moreover, as the symptoms begin to subside and one doesn’t react adversely to the BRAT foods, it’s a good idea to start adding dry foods made of simple carbs, such as instant oats, pretzels, and plain crackers to one’s meals .