When illness disrupts our digestive system, the effects can be widespread and long-lasting.
Hydration and diet during initial phase
During the initial phase of illness, adequate hydration is crucial to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. Adding unrefined salt to water - 1/4 tsp per 4 cups during illness, or 1/8 – 1/4 tsp per litre for general hydration; helps restore lost electrolytes.
It’s important to choose foods that are gentle on the inflamed digestive system, such as rice, bananas, chicken or vegetable broth, toast and plain scrambled eggs. Once initial symptoms have eased, a gradual reintroduction of usual foods is advisable; to observe how the digestive system responds.
The long-term effects
Microbial imbalances
Once initial symptoms have subsided, underlying disruption in the digestive system can persist. Inflammation in the intestines creates an environment that is unfavourable for beneficial bacteria, while harmful bacteria can thrive. This can lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, where populations of good bacteria decrease. Because beneficial bacteria support the immune system and help keep harmful bacteria in check, their reduction weakens this line of defence, further allowing harmful bacteria to multiply.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Another long-term effect that can occur post gastrointestinal illness are nutrient deficiencies, due to pathogens competing with beneficial bacteria for nutrients. This causes harm in two ways: first, the good bacteria receive fewer nutrients and their numbers decline; second, fewer nutrients remain available for the digestive system to absorb and for the body to utilise. Over time, this can contribute to common nutrient deficiencies such as low iron, B12, folate and zinc.
Leaky Gut (Intestinal Hyperpermeability) and Inflammation
Inflammation from infection can also damage the intestinal lining, leading to “leaky gut,” which can contribute to or worsen conditions such as eczema, acne, histamine intolerance, migraines, bloating, irregular bowel movements, gout, joint pain, reduced immune function, brain fog, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.
Post-illness healing
Probiotics
Recovery time after illness can range from weeks to months, depending on the severity. Taking a high-quality probiotic is important to help restore beneficial bacteria and suppress pathogens. Good bacteria support gut health by creating an unfavourable pH for pathogens, producing antimicrobial compounds, enhancing immune function, and occupying space and nutrients, effectively leaving “no vacancy” for pathogens.
Nutrients and Herbs
Supporting healing of the intestinal lining involves nutrients such as glutamine, zinc, and vitamin D. Glutamine can be obtained through specific supplementation, bone broth, or collagen. Aloe vera juice may help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and promote regular bowel movements. Psyllium husk can be a helpful addition and acts as a prebiotic to feed beneficial bacteria, while also promoting regular bowel function. Adequate water intake is essential when using psyllium husk. Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, fennel, and ginger can provide soothing effects for gut healing.
Diet
Diet plays a key role in healing the digestive system, reducing inflammation and supporting beneficial bacteria by providing prebiotics (food for good bacteria). Eating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory food promotes recovery. Diets like the Mediterranean diet, along with fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, and yoghurt, can be especially beneficial to focus on during this period.
Stomach illnesses can be complex, ongoing symptoms may persist without proper testing, support and treatment. Contact your local naturopath for targeted guidance if symptoms continue. However, seek medical attention promptly if you experience diarrhoea lasting longer than three days, blood in your stool, an inability to keep liquids down, or signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, infrequent urination, or dizziness.