Gut health is a key determinant of our overall health. The intestines serve as an important control mechanism on the digestive system and immune system. However, sometimes intestinal health may encounter problems such as intestinal cold. Intestinal cold occurs as a result of an infection in the intestines. Cold-like symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhea and fatigue are among the symptoms of intestinal cold. This condition occurs as a result of disruption of the microbiota balance in the intestines. It is important to adopt healthy living habits to maintain intestinal health and prevent intestinal colds. Adequate fiber intake, consumption of foods containing probiotics, regular exercise and drinking enough water are among the important factors that support intestinal health. Gut health is a factor that affects our overall health.
What is intestinal cold?
Intestinal cold is a condition that occurs as a result of an infection in the intestines. It usually presents with cold-like symptoms and affects the intestinal system. Gut cold usually occurs as a result of an infection caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites.
Generally, intestinal cold occurs as a result of microorganisms entering the digestive system after consuming contaminated water or food. It can be transmitted from person to person and outbreaks can occur, especially in crowded environments or when hygiene rules are neglected. To protect against intestinal cold, it is important to pay attention to hygiene rules, wash hands regularly, and avoid consumption of raw or unprocessed foods. Additionally, washing hands after coming into contact with infectious situations can reduce the risk of infection.
What causes intestinal cold?
Gut cold is a condition that usually occurs as a result of an infection caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. These infections can disrupt the normal functioning of the intestinal system and cause various symptoms. Some common factors that cause intestinal colds:
- Bacterial infections usually occur as a result of consuming contaminated water or food.
- Bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter can affect the intestines and cause intestinal cold.
- Viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus can cause viral infections that can lead to intestinal colds. Viral infections are usually transmitted through person-to-person contact.
- Parasites such as Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba histolytica can cause intestinal cold by being transmitted through water or food.
- Consuming foods that are not well cooked or that do not comply with hygiene rules may cause bacteria or parasites to enter the intestines.
- Drinking contaminated water can also increase the risk of infection.
- Not washing hands adequately or not following toilet cleaning rules may increase the risk of transmission of microorganisms.
- People with weakened immune systems, especially the elderly, children, and individuals with immunocompromising conditions, may be more susceptible to intestinal infections.
- Being in crowded places or areas with poor hygiene conditions may increase the risk of intestinal cold.
Although intestinal cold is generally a mild infection, it may require professional medical attention, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or when severe symptoms occur. Treatment may vary depending on the cause of the infection and usually includes relieving symptoms, maintaining fluid balance, and rest.
How to understand intestinal cold?
Enteric cold is a virus that causes infection in the intestines. This infection can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Intestinal cold usually goes away on its own, but in some cases it may be necessary to see a doctor. Gut cold symptoms usually begin suddenly and resolve within a few days. The most common symptoms of intestinal cold are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- watery diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Fire
Other symptoms may include fatigue, headache and muscle aches. Gut cold is caused by a virus that is usually transmitted through food or water. This virus can be transmitted through contact with the feces of an infected person or by touching surfaces touched by an infected person’s hands.
How many days does intestinal cold last?
Intestinal cold usually goes away on its own within 1-3 days. However, in some cases it may take up to 1 week. The duration of intestinal cold may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the person’s general health condition. For example, in younger and healthier people, intestinal cold passes in a shorter time. In older people or people with weakened immune systems, intestinal colds may last longer. Gut cold symptoms usually begin suddenly and resolve within a few days.
What is good for intestinal cold?
Enteric cold is a virus that causes infection in the intestines. This infection can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Gut colds usually go away on their own, but some natural methods can help relieve symptoms. Some natural methods that are good for intestinal cold:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Drink plenty of fluids to replace fluids lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. You can consume liquids such as water, fresh juices, soups and broths.
- Drink relaxing herbal teas. Herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger, and chamomile can help relieve nausea and diarrhea.
- Take electrolyte supplements. You can take electrolyte supplements to replace electrolytes lost due to diarrhea and vomiting.
- Consume probiotics. Probiotics can help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This may help improve gut health and fight infection.
- Consume ginger. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It may help relieve nausea and diarrhea.
- Consume aloe vera. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It may help relieve nausea and diarrhea.
How to cure intestinal cold?
Intestinal cold is generally a mild disease and usually heals on its own. However, it may be useful to pay attention to the following suggestions to relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process:
- Get adequate rest to focus your body’s energy on recovery. Rest can help your immune system fight infection.
- It is important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, consuming electrolyte-containing drinks or light salt-containing foods, such as salty biscuits, can offset fluid and mineral loss.
- Consuming light, easy-to-digest foods can support healing by relaxing the intestines. It may be beneficial to follow a bland diet such as white rice, bananas and boiled chicken.
- Foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt, may improve gut health. These foods may contribute to healing by supporting a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
- If there is a fever, it is important to check the temperature and use antipyretic medications when necessary.
If symptoms are severe or persist for a long time, it is important to contact a healthcare professional. It may have a more serious course, especially in the elderly, children and individuals with weak immune systems.