Stomach Virus - Anyone Use Activated Charcoal or Other Remedies?

Updated on February 10, 2012
L.S. asks from Worcester, MA
7 answers

The stomach bug is going around pretty quickly........I'm preparing myself in case we all get it. I have a 2 and 4 year old. We had it 2 winters ago and it was horrible. Someone was telling me activated charcoal works if you take it before you get sick. Not sure if safe for kids, but heard if they get sick, we should start taking it and it will lessen or even prevent the symptoms in us. I asked at health food store and she said yes it works, but didn't elaborate too much. Anyone use this before.........on yourself, your kids? Any other remedies to help lessen the severity?

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A.G.

answers from Houston on

Fill up on good bacteria. Greek yogurt , kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha etc....

1 mom found this helpful
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C.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

No way on the charcoal. Go to a local health food store and talk to them about probiotics and they will be able to help you get what is best for you and kids.

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R.M.

answers from Cumberland on

Activated charcoal is for-God forbid-poisoning. Get some Pepto-an adult can drink the whole bottle in 4 hours-it will surround the organism and carry it out of the body. As for a 2 and 4 yr old-they are not candidates for pepto-keep everything in their world clean-and their hands-and they cannot get it-don't get carryout-prepare all their meals yourself-don't take them in public without them wearing gloves/mittens. Good luck!

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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

the hospital used activated charcoal for our son when he ate poisoned berries. Oh, & he had to be "boarded" to get him stabilized to get it down him. It was not pleasant. He was 3 years old. I would not wish it upon anyone.

From that standpoint alone, I would not use it for the stomach virus.

Stick with probiotics.

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A.P.

answers from Portland on

I have heard that many who survived the last severe flu epidemic at the beginning of the last century had used activated charcoal. That's reserved for when you're sick though, not as a preventative.
For prevention, your best bet is probiotics and adding more antimicrobials to the diet. Ginger, garlic, horseradish, raw honey for example. Elderberries are great for modulating the immune system too.

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L.D.

answers from Boston on

Activated charcoal works by binding with toxins and flushing them out of your system. I have not tried it with a stomach bug, so I don't know how effective it is. Your best bet is boosting your immune system with mega doses of vitamin D3, probiotics(these will help lessen the bug when and if you get it too, so essential) and astragulus tincture. Also low sugar really helps(sugar decreases immune function).

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T.R.

answers from San Francisco on

Probiotics are my new go to for stomach issues. Safe for everyone too!

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