Gastrointestinal Infection Support Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceEssential for treating dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting; WHO-recommended
Supporting Studies (1)
Reduces duration and severity of infectious diarrhea; supports gut flora recovery
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsReduces duration and severity of diarrhea; WHO-recommended for children
Supporting Studies (1)
Helps with nausea and vomiting; traditional remedy for GI upset
Supporting Studies (1)
Natural antimicrobial; anti-diarrheal effects; studied for bacterial GI infections
Supporting Studies (1)
Supports gut barrier repair and recovery after infection
Supporting Studies (1)
Supports immune function during infection
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
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:
SYMPTOMS:
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE:
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.
Clinical Perspective
Acute Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of GI tract from infectious agent. Viral most common (norovirus, rotavirus). Bacterial: Salmonella, Campylobacter, pathogenic E. coli, Shigella, Clostridioides difficile. Parasitic: Giardia, Cryptosporidium. Assessment: hydration status, stool characteristics, travel/exposure history, immunocompromise.
CRITICAL: Dehydration prevention/treatment is priority. Most cases self-limiting - supportive care. Antibiotics reserved for specific indications (severe bacterial, specific pathogens). ORS is gold standard for rehydration. Probiotics reduce duration ~1 day. Zinc especially important in children. BRAT diet outdated - encourage normal diet as tolerated.
* ORS (A-grade): Essential. WHO: (PMID: 28332116). Replace fluid losses. Low-osmolarity ORS preferred.
* Probiotics (A-grade): Duration reduction. Cochrane: (PMID: 29882905). LGG or S. boulardii. 10-20 billion CFU daily.
* Zinc (A-grade): Especially children. Meta-analysis: (PMID: 26845419). 20mg x 10-14 days. WHO recommendation.
* Ginger (B-grade): Nausea/vomiting. Systematic review: (PMID: 27841938). 250-500mg PRN.
* Berberine (C-grade): Antimicrobial. Systematic review: (PMID: 26182896). 400-500mg TID.
* L-Glutamine (C-grade): Gut barrier. Review: (PMID: 29430697). 5-10g daily.
* Vitamin C (C-grade): Immune support. Review: (PMID: 23075608). 500-1000mg daily.
Assessment targets: Hydration status, stool frequency, fever, ability to tolerate oral intake.
Protocol notes: Hydration: oral preferred; IV for severe or unable to take oral. Diet: continue normal diet as tolerated; no need for BRAT restriction; breast milk for infants. Antibiotics: not routine; indicated for dysentery, severe bacterial, specific pathogens (Shigella, V. cholerae, C. diff). Antiemetics: ondansetron may help children retain oral rehydration. Antidiarrheals: loperamide can be used in adults without bloody stool/fever; avoid in children. C. difficile: consider if recent antibiotics; treatment with vancomycin or fidaxomicin. Rotavirus vaccine: effective prevention in infants. Food safety: proper food handling prevents many bacterial infections. Hand hygiene: critical for prevention. Return to work/school: after 48 hours symptom-free for norovirus. Post-infectious IBS: can occur; persisting symptoms warrant evaluation.