A friend of mine asked me to post some info on what to do after a bout of the flu or food poisoning. She called it a “forced detox”. That’s one way to put it!

If you have had diarrhea or have been vomiting, the first and most important thing is to rehydrate. You might want to consider a homemade “Gatorade”. Healthier than it and also easy to make:

Mix 2 cups (16 ounces) of water with 1 tablespoon of honey and the juice of 2 lemons.

Because your stomach may still be sensitive and you might be easily nauseated, you’ll want to start back into some easy-to-digest foods. Soups heavy on the broth and light on substance may help. I resonate with making something called ochazuke. My mom gave it to my sister and I when we were sick as kids. It consists simply of green tea poured over cooked white rice. Perhaps you prefer a chicken noodle soup or congee.

Ginger tea or ginger in your soup can help to settle your nausea and assist your sensitive digestive system. Under-ripe bananas might help to reduce diarrhea.

Once recovered, continue to be extra kind to your belly and nourish your body with good whole foods.

Remember too to get enough sleep as that will help speed your recovery.

Finally, a visit to your natural health care provider can help you get back on your feet again.

What’s your favourite way to rebound after a “forced detox”?