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How to Use Turmeric to Fight the Norovirus
How Curcumin’s Antiviral Properties Could Reduce the Duration and Intensity of Stomach Viruses
A new viral outbreak is occurring in the United States.
According to the CDC, norovirus –also known as the stomach flu — rates have been increasing. As of February 11th, 2023, the CDC estimated the average positivity rate of norovirus in the U.S. was nearly 17%.
Noroviruses are not typically deadly, but their symptoms might make you wish they were. And because they’re highly contagious, you or a family member will likely catch them this winter.
Luckily, noroviruses are short-lived –though if vomiting persists past 24 hours, such that you can’t even hold down water, see a doctor.
There are supplements available with compounds proven by science to reduce the odds of catching noroviruses and their duration if you’ve already caught one.
The compound in question can be found in turmeric plants. The inner orange pigment of turmeric is known as curcumin, whose health benefits extend far beyond aiding with noroviruses.
What is Norovirus?
Noroviruses in late winter are normal, so there’s no need to panic as we did in 2020. But, yes, that’s right –we have seasonal bouts of a bug that can make you poop and puke simultaneously!
The reason stomach bugs are prevalent during January and February is at least partially because we spend more time indoors –if you live with others or commute within a city, that means you are spending more time in closed spaces where germs can be spread.
The most characteristic stomach flu symptoms include nausea, body aches, weakness, and (worst of all) profuse vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration if not properly handled.
To “properly handle” a norovirus, if you are still vomiting and excreting, you should consume no fluids or food until it stops. If you haven’t caught it yet, but you live with someone who has, everyone involved should be washing their hands repeatedly when touching surfaces.
Once you’ve stopped exploding, take light sips of water throughout the rest of the day…
