Protocol · Gastrointestinal Health
Gastrointestinal Infection Support Protocol
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and Probiotics are the core of this stack, with 5 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Gastrointestinal Infection Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
7 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) | Amount listed: As needed to replace fluid losses; sip frequently | Essential for treating dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting; WHO-recommended | Not graded yet | ||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 10–20 billion CFU Lactobacillus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii daily | Reduces duration and severity of infectious diarrhea; supports gut flora recovery | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 20 mg daily for 10–14 days (10 mg for children under 6 months) | Reduces duration and severity of diarrhea; WHO-recommended for children | Not graded yet | ||
| Ginger | Amount listed: 250–500 mg every 4–6 hours as needed | Helps with nausea and vomiting; traditional remedy for GI upset | Not graded yet | ||
| Berberine | Amount listed: 400–500 mg three times daily for acute episode | Natural antimicrobial; anti-diarrheal effects; studied for bacterial GI infections | Not graded yet | ||
| L-Glutamine | Amount listed: 5–10 g daily during and after infection | Supports gut barrier repair and recovery after infection | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Supports immune function during infection | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Gastrointestinal Infection. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Gastrointestinal infections (gastroenteritis) are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites that inflame the stomach and intestines. They're a leading cause of illness worldwide, particularly dangerous for young children and elderly.
COMMON CAUSES:
- Viral: Norovirus (most common), rotavirus, adenovirus
- Bacterial: Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Shigella
- Parasitic: Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba
SYMPTOMS:
- Diarrhea (watery or bloody depending on pathogen)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Body aches
- Dehydration
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE:
- Blood in stool
- High fever (>101.3°F / 38.5°C)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
- Symptoms lasting >3 days
- Vulnerable populations (infants, elderly, immunocompromised)
TREATMENT PRIORITIES:
1. Prevent dehydration - most important
2. Let infection run its course (most are self-limiting)
3. Antibiotics only for specific bacterial infections
Oral Rehydration* is the cornerstone of treatment - prevents and treats dehydration.
Probiotics* (Lactobacillus GG, S. boulardii) reduce duration by about 1 day.
Zinc* is especially important for children - WHO-recommended.
Expected timeline: Most viral gastroenteritis resolves in 1-3 days. Bacterial may take 3-7 days. Parasitic infections may require specific treatment.