Update, 11/28/17: The are over 350 comments on this post that answer more questions about this method for staying free of the stomach flu, and also offers a solution for emetophobia (fear of throwing up). The comments section also includes helpful testimonials from readers who are successfully using this method to avoid stomach flu.
I do my best to activate ninja action moves when it comes to staying healthy and germ-free. I eat right, diligently research, self-educate, gather healthy intel, apply what works, and share it with you all. But the stomach flu seems to be a whole ‘nother beast — a higher power of sickness that attacks anyone in its path… or does it?
I didn’t know it was possible to avoid the stomach bug. I thought we were all hopeless and at the mercy of a vomit-fest whenever it felt the whim to grip us. When Greedy Baby started barfing last week, I thought, “How can I avoid catching this? Is there a way, if at all possible, that I can fight back to protect the rest of my family from getting sick?”
It seemed like a lost cause, but after a half-day’s worth of research, what I learned successfully prevented the rest of my family from getting the stomach bug: The key is to keep your body in an alkaline state. There are particular tools to do this.
The stomach flu does NOT like alkaline. The virus thrives in an acidic environment. If you’ve already got the bug you’ll just have deal, but if you’ve been exposed and not yet showing symptoms, you need to get your body into an alkaline state immediately.
WHAT IS ALKALINE VS. ACIDIC? In a nutshell, alkaline foods enable the body’s cell to take in more oxygen, whereas acidic foods do a bang-up job of depriving cells of oxygen, leading to sickness and disease. The key is to keep the body in the proper pH state. This key article provides a thorough explanation of why alkaline is so important, and includes a helpful reference link to alkaline and acidic foods.
When you maintain alkaline as a way of living, you decrease your chances of not only getting the bug, but you also become a heavy-hitter in successfully fighting back against diseases like cancer.
Let’s touch on what to do immediately if you’re at risk for stomach bug. Although nothing in life is guaranteed, these methods are tried and proven by tons of people.
STOMACH FLU PREVENTION
- Welch’s 100% Grape Juice: This kept coming up in my internet research — mostly in forums and on parenting websites where moms shared how this particular juice was effective at boosting their family’s resistance against the bug. I had an aha moment when I read this. Why? Because I drank 100% grape juice daily to combat extreme nausea when I was pregnant with Greedy Baby. This may give credence to the idea that keeping your body in an alkaline state also helps to combat morning sickness. >> How to Prevent Stomach Virus: Grape Juice is the Trick
- Apple Cider Vinegar: THIS is so important! While I didn’t have Welch’s on hand when Greedy Baby got sick, I did have Apple Cider Vinegar. The Bragg’s Organic Vinegar Apple Cider
is pretty much the most respected brand around, but use whatever you have on hand in a pinch. I gave the vinegar to my family: 2 teaspoons diluted in water for adults; 1 teaspoon diluted in water for the kids. Squeezes of fresh lemon juice in the water as well. It will be extremely bitter, but just do it. Not only does this vinegar promote the proper pH, it also helps control weight and removes toxins. You could also add the ACV to grape juice instead for an extra powerful gut-punch to any potential stomach bugs.
- Probiotics: This helps to put your digestive system into proper balance. There is sooo much info out on there probiotics to prevent stomach flu, so do your Google-ing, sit back and enjoy the educational reading saga. Look into Garden of Life probiotics. Their product line is well-reviewed by consumers. For kids, I give my children the Buddy Bear Chewable Probiotic
. They 100% love the stuff (despite a few consumer reviewers who claim it’s nasty). Be sure to keep the product refrigerated.
I’m loving the way natural health alternatives release the choke hold of “no-mercy” and put the power of health back in our hands. We are not at the mercy of Big Pharma in every situation of sickness, nor are we sentenced to an automatic barf-fest just because we’re exposed to the stomach flu. Nature provides what we need to stay well. I encourage you to do your own research and decide what best for you and you family.
DOSAGES I ADMINISTER TO MY FAMILY
- 1 chewable probiotic pill daily
- During school months: 1/2 cup grape juice + 1 capful of Bragg’s ACV. We take this on an empty stomach first thing in the morning before breakfast.
- During summer months: 1/2 cup grape juice, several times per week any time of day.
- If we hear of someone around us who has been sick, I increase the above “school months” dosage to 2x per day until the threat has passed.
- NOTE: As an adult I drink GTS Kombucha as my probiotic. My kids like it, too, but it’s expensive so they only drink this as an occasional treat. I also sip on water in a ball jar mug with a large splash of ACV daily.
- To protect your teeth’s enamel, use a straw when drinking anything containing ACV or lemon juice.
STOMACH FLU UPDATE: HAVE WE CAUGHT IT?
Since writing this post, my children have been in direct contact with several people who had a vomit/diarrhea-fest (including a classroom teacher!). The protocols mentioned in this post have successfully prevented my family from catching the stomach flu. Very happy to report this.
FAQs from commenters:
- “Will it still be effective if I dilute the juice?” Yes. This is no different than drinking the juice and then drinking a glass of water.
- What about white grape juice? Will it have the same effect? I cannot say with confidence that it is equally effective. All of the research and testimonials point to the purple grape juice, not the white.
- Isn’t all that sugar in the juice bad for you? It’s 100% grape juice with no added sugar. The dosage is only 1/2 cup — not even a full serving, and has not shown to affect my family adversely. However, use your own judgement on how much to give your children.
- Can I take Apple Cider Vinegar pills instead? I have not tested ACV pills for their effectiveness compared to Bragg’s ACV. But I can say with confidence that the Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar liquid is the most trusted out of any apple cider vinegar, no matter what form it’s in.
Janet says
March 16, 2016 at 8:52 pmMy granddaughter caught the stomach flu in early December and my daughter was expecting her 2nd baby any minute. She was freaking out about going to into labor with the stomach fly. I found your site and had her start on the ACV with grape juice right away. No one else caught it not even the new baby who was born on the 11th. Since then we all take it every day. I think it also helps prevent seasonal flu. I recently spent 8 hours in an ER with my mom and many people who had the flu. This was the true test of ACV. Nothing happened to me. I thank God that I found your site and I tell others whenever I can.
yumyucky says
March 29, 2016 at 10:56 amHi Janet. Thank you for sharing your experience with your wonderful comment. You are the 2nd person to comment with a suspicion that the acv also keep colds and seasonal flu away. I have been thinking about this and realized that I did not get sick at all this past winter. Neither did my children. I am so thankful for this. Blessings to you!
Robbin says
April 24, 2016 at 9:31 amDo you put two TBS or tsp in a cup of grape juice?
yumyucky says
April 28, 2016 at 12:53 pmHi Robbin. I put in 1 teaspoon (not tablespoon) into 1/ cup grape juice. And that teaspoon is using a regular small spoon, not a measuring spoon.
ashley says
August 16, 2016 at 4:34 pmdo the children tolerate the taste well?
yumyucky says
August 17, 2016 at 10:39 amHI ashley. Yes the kids to tolerate it well. They actually can tell when I don’t put in the vinegar into the grape juice (I got lazy a few times). They tolerate it so well, and understand the power of it for themselves, that they actually remind me that it’s time to take it. However, I did try to up the acv amount once and they knew right away. They said it was too much, so we stick with 1 tsp acv in 1/2 cup grape juice. It’s just the right amount to be effective for my kids.
Beth says
March 29, 2016 at 8:34 pmHow much of the acv and grape juice do you recommend? Once a day or more?
My daughter is 7 and two kids have stomach bug in her class and I must avoid her getting it! Please share more detailed suggestions with me!
yumyucky says
March 29, 2016 at 9:17 pmHi Beth. My kids are 7 and 11. For daily maintenance (I never skip a day, even on the weekends), I give them 1 teaspoon acv inside 1/2 cup grape juice. This is once daily in the morning on an empty stomach before breakfast. When I hear of a kid sick at school like you’re dealing with right now, I do this 2 times per day instead of once per day until I hear the threat has past. I also give them the Buddy Bear Probiotic chewable once per day in the morning. The link to the chewable is in this blog post. And note: the “teaspoon” is an actual spoon, opposed to a measuring spoon. Wishing you the best!
Jill says
April 4, 2016 at 10:27 pmHi Josie! Do you know if fermented beverages, like kombucha, will have the same effect in protecting the stomach from the virus? I have a friend whose babies are all coming down with the bug but they absolutely can’t tolerate grape juice (or apples!). Thanks in advance!
yumyucky says
April 5, 2016 at 4:17 pmHi Jill. Sorry to hear about the babies. I feel that Kombucha is the best probiotic to get. I drink it almost daily (although it’s very expensive). It will definitely do the babies good. My best guess is that it will help avoid or lessen any symptoms.
Melissa says
June 29, 2016 at 2:28 amI take colon health probiotics and nothing else should that be all I need to prevent the stomach bug tks in advance
Cecilia says
December 30, 2016 at 10:18 amMy 4 year old daughter attends pre-k at a local elementary school. Twice this year, we’ve received letters that there were confirmed cases of Shigella. During the second outbreak (right before winter break), the two pre-k classes were scheduled to have a joint holiday party. The party was canceled three times due to children and teachers in the classes being sick with Shigella, strep and cold/ flu. I give my daughter PediaLax probiotics – one tablet daily in the morning before breakfast – and she was not sick at all. Nothing, not even a sniffle. I think the keeping the gut healthy is vital to overall immunity to illness. I’ve never heard of the grape juice thing, but I’d consider trying it.
Marianne says
April 6, 2016 at 1:25 amHi
What dosages or amounts of ACV/ grape juice would you recommend for a 8 year old for preventative measures?? Also for an adult? We are new to the ACV.
THANK YOU and thank you for your wise advice ?
yumyucky says
April 6, 2016 at 12:02 pmHi Marianne. My kids are 7 and 11. Both of them get 1 teaspoon (using a real spoon, not a measuring spoon) of acv in 1/2 cup grape juice. They also get the Buddy Bear probiotic (the link is in my article). This is their daily maintenance, 7 days per week. If you hear of another child sick at school that has possibly been in contact with your own child, increase to the dosage to 2x per day until the threat has past. For myself, I do 4 teaspoons acv in 1/2 cup grape juice. All of this is done on an empty stomach before any meal is eaten. Please use a straw for the drink so it doesn’t harm you teeth. My probiotic choice is the Kombucha drink. You can find it smoothie section at Target (refrigerated section). Kombucha is a little pricey but it’s delicious and it so good for your digestion.
naomi says
December 5, 2016 at 11:50 amis the same measurement for you also? and I have a 1 year old, is 1/2 cup grape juice & 1 teaspoon vinegar helpful for him?
yumyucky says
December 5, 2016 at 12:17 pmHi Naomi. This is the standard measurement I give my kids. As for my husband, he only agrees to take it when an actual threat is looming, as in, he heard of someone who was sick. I also do the grape juice part when a threat looms. Otherwise, my personal daily concoction is 2-3 teaspoons of acv in a glass of water (drank with a straw). It’s a bit stronger like that but I enjoy the taste of it, and it helps me to get a jump start on my water hydration for the day. If your 1 year old can tolerate the 1/2 cup grape juice + teaspoon vinegar, you can choose to go with that for sure. But if not, modify the concoction in any way you feel is better for your child to tolerate. It’s recommended to take it using a straw to protect the teeth from the acidity of the vinegar. If you do the grape juice only, a sippy cup is fine and can still protect your little one from the bug if done daily!
Alex says
April 28, 2016 at 11:32 amHello, and thanks for this nice helpful article. I work in the pediatric area of a clinic and am emetophobic so am worred about contracting a stomach bug at some point. I have a big bottle of ACV and need to try this! Even tho i dont care for the smell or taste of vinegar….I wonder if using it as salad dressing would work. And i have heard the grape juice trick before…but was sceptical!
I would like to add that along with these measures, it is also very important to wash hands and disinfect surfaces, especially in the bathroom. Viruses that cause the stomach bug such as rotavirus and norovirus can live on surfaces for days up to 2 weeks or longer, and people who have been ill can still be contagious for a time even after symptoms have abated. Liquid hand sanitizers with high alcohol content have been shown to have efficacy against them. Friction while washing hands also plays a big part. And of course avoiding touching the mouth as in some cases it only takes 1-10 virus particles for a full-blown infection. Of course if someone is projectile vomiting near you, aspiration of virus particles maybe cant be helped. But otherwise, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the more we know and are able to fight against viruses, the more chances we have of staying healthy!
yumyucky says
April 28, 2016 at 12:55 pmHi Alex. You can definitely use the acv as part of a homemade dressing! And thank you so much for adding your wonderful tips for keeping the bug away. Fantastic info!
Sheri says
November 22, 2016 at 8:24 pmAlex,
I am Emetaphobic as well – I feel your pain! You should try EFT with Robert Gorick. You can find him on YouTube and he will take you through the process of EFT, also called emotional freedom technique. When searching mention what your phobia is as well, this really works!
I’m also really glad to find this site Yum yukky because I know ACV and probiotics are our best defense. Take care Alex and I wish you the best,
Sheri
Kellei says
May 5, 2016 at 3:33 pmACV indeed works to ward off the stomach virus, when my son was 1 he caught and I immediately found these sights telling me to drink it, good thing for me I had some on hand and started drinking away, 2 glass with 2 teaspoons a day for a week and luckily I never caught it. Informed. My husband to drink it with me and he thought I was crazy, needless to say he caught it as well. Ever since then when I hear a bug is going around me and my drink it and I do believe it has helped ward off colds as well. I love this stuff!
Emily says
May 10, 2016 at 5:50 pmLove this. I am 24 years old and ever since getting the stomach bug In 6th grade I have had a serious, SERIOUS fear of it. My boyfriend caught it last year and I was so worried. He has always seemed to get it every winter but ever since getting it last year I made him start taking 2 tbsp of ACV diluted in water along with a probiotic pill nightly and he didn’t get sick this winter! We now have a 9 month old baby that I give baby probiotics to as well since I’m such an emetephobe, lol. It really does help.
Helen Lynch says
May 11, 2016 at 11:37 pmDoes it matter if it’s Welch’s white or purple juice? My husband is obsessed with Welch’s, just wanting to double check which one is preferred. Needless to say .. THIS IS GOING TO SAVE ME. I am an emetophobe … I lost about 20 pounds because of my serious, debilitating phobia. (I am very healthy, Ive been striving to cut out all sugars, gluten and caffeine from my diet – I’m now 125 which is my usual weight, I gained about 20 pounds from
medication). Now there’s a case of norovirus going around a centre that’s housing some evacuees (poor people are staying there after having to flee a fire in their town and now there’s 100 of them sick with the bug) and a few people around me had it too and the last 2 days I’ve been PANICKING like no tomorrow, including barely eating to spare myself in case I do catch it. I was a little sceptical at first but after reading everyone’s comments I feel much more at peace. I really hope this works for me too. Thank you for your awesome post.
Deb says
May 18, 2016 at 4:04 pmThank you so much for this information! Just got the dreaded call this afternoon to come pick up a puking child. So now I’m pushing the Welch’s/ACV cocktail hoping the rest of us don’t get it.
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Angela says
June 28, 2016 at 2:47 pmHello Reading this article gives me hope of the dreaded stomach virus to avoid it. Just one questions Does the giving to kids on empty stomach have more of an effect than not on an empty stomach. I was just concerned that first thing in AM with nothing in belly would it upset their bellies with the sugar and acidity of vinegar. Do they need to down it or can it be consumed within minutes.
Give them anything else I can handle but not this virus ?
Marcy says
June 30, 2016 at 10:38 amWell my son had the stomach flu on Sunday morning. It is now Thursday and I have not caught it, I tried the 100% grape juice with the Apple Cider Vinegar every day 3 times a day. I also and did tonnes of laundry etc. I should be free and clear I think…..hopefully. Not sure if it was that nasty stuff I’ve been drinking or of I have a better immune system etc. Anyway I thought I’d share thank you!
yumyucky says
July 12, 2016 at 3:04 pmHi Marcy. How did things work out for you? I hope you are well.
Katie says
August 4, 2016 at 2:30 pmI swear by apple cider vinegar! I have emetephobia (fear of throwing up) and I have a two year old who is always somehow catching the bug (he managed to get it 6 times in a year). The first time we all got it as a family last November I was determined that we would never have to all get it again. I drink apple cider vinegar mixed in grape juice every morning and have not gotten the virus. My son has thrown up on me multiple times and I’ve been in direct contact with other people and have not gotten it! If only I could get my toddler to take it that would be great!
yumyucky says
August 12, 2016 at 10:23 amHi Katie. Thanks for chiming in with your comment. I’m so glad this is working for you. Hopefully your sweet toddler will come around soon. hehe
Kelly says
October 17, 2016 at 1:25 pmKatie, Do you drink it only once per day even when it’s going around in your house? I’m a serious emetephobe and its controlling every bit of my life! My son currently has it and I’m determined for the rest of us not to get it. Thx!
Katelyn says
November 28, 2016 at 1:29 pmSometimes my 3.5 yr old doesn’t want to finish it so I’ll do a medicine syringe until it’s all gone. It seems to be easier for him!
yumyucky says
November 28, 2016 at 1:47 pmHi Katelyn. That is a genius idea. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Amanda says
April 14, 2017 at 3:30 pmHow often do your kids drink it?
Kasey says
August 10, 2016 at 12:38 amDo you have to drink the ACV on an empty stomach for it to be effective?
yumyucky says
August 12, 2016 at 10:19 amHi Kasey. I have a theory that it’s more effective on an empty stomach. This is now my family takes it, first thing in the morning. However, don’t let a full stomach stop you from taking it. If we hear that someone around us has been sick, we take it immediately, regardless of an empty or full stomach.
Samantha says
August 14, 2016 at 10:05 amSo I’ve been drink acv for a couple months I have not gotten any illnesses even when my son has thrown up. He is four and refuses to drink it most of the time but thankfully I’ve found apple cider vinegar to help ! If I do catch it it’s usually mild diarrea. Not puke at least. More people should share success stories of acv so more people will drink it ! It works great
yumyucky says
August 16, 2016 at 11:35 amHi Samantha. It’s really great to hear your story! Thank you so much for sharing!
Jb says
August 25, 2016 at 11:44 pmThe day before we left on vacation my wife was with a child with the stomach flu. Needless to say one day into our vacation my wife was vomiting. I immediately went and bought some ACV. I stayed in a hotel room with my wife who had symptoms for three days and I never got it. I took a shot of ACV twice a day. Saved my life
Hayley says
September 15, 2016 at 1:52 pmIs it 1/2 cup for adults or 1 cup? I have a huge phobia of sick so this is amazing!!
yumyucky says
September 16, 2016 at 3:05 pmHi Hayley. I give my kids 1/2 cup of the juice but this same measurement is also fine for adults. I personally find a full cup of juice to be too much for me. 1/2 cup works just fine! I recommend you take it 2-3 times per day if you’ve been exposed to the bug. Otherwise, 1x day is good. Also recommended to add the acv to the juice.
Hayley says
October 3, 2016 at 5:50 amThank you for confirming, I use 1/2 cup of juice.
When you say 2-3 times a day if exposed to the bug – would this be if you were in the same building as someone whilst they were vomiting? Please confirm as I work with children and I go into panic mode as soon as they tell me someone in their school is sick!
yumyucky says
October 4, 2016 at 1:32 pmHi Hayley, yes we do 2-3 times per day if they’ve been in the same building as someone vomiting, same room as someone vomiting, touched a sick person, etc. My daughter has been exposed to 2 nauseous teammates recently, and another who was actually vomiting a day earlier before practice. But my daughter is doing well! I keep a bottle of acv in my drawer at work, so if you have a space where you can store stuff at work, keep it there if you feel need to take it in some water before you get home. I do drink acv every morning, though. Not just because it’s vomit season, but also because acv has great health benefits.
Leslie says
November 3, 2016 at 10:57 amHi!! My daughter started throwing up badly yesterday with fever.. I love the grape juice plan!!! Can you confirm how much acv to use in my grape juice again? Three times a day yes? ❤️
yumyucky says
November 3, 2016 at 11:21 amHi Leslie. I use 1 tsp (using a regular spoon for eating with) in 1/2 cup 100% cup grape juice 1x day on the days kids are feeling well (given to them in the morning on an empty stomach before breakfast). When the stomach flu threat is looming (they’ve been around someone who has it), I increase it to 2x day. Is your daughter still throwing up? If so, if you give it her now, if she’s able to keep it down, it may help her to get well faster. It really depends now that the virus has already taken hold. But from now on just do 1x day for preventative maintenance.
Bindi says
September 29, 2016 at 8:57 amThanks for the share, i have a huge phobia of vomiting!! my toddler has vomited 3 times tonight so i am straight onto the ACV, i hope it works, so i actually love the taste of it so i have been having a straight table spoon of it, do you think it needs to be mixed with water for a better effect? i usually have a good swig of water afterwards 🙂
yumyucky says
September 30, 2016 at 1:32 pmHi Bindi. It’s best to dilute it since it can be corrosive to your esophagus at full strength. I also drink it with a straw to protect my teeth from the acidity. Interesting enough, once the acv is actually in your body it contributions to your body’s akalinity (not acidity). I hope you didn’t catch the virus!
Erin says
October 3, 2016 at 12:39 amDoes it have to be the organic Apple cider vinegar that is raw and unfiltered? I’ve just been drinking the regular ACV will that be as effective or no?
yumyucky says
October 4, 2016 at 1:26 pmHi Erin. Raw and unfiltered is the very best in order to bring you the best benefits and results. I suggest you continue to use what you have and then pick up some Bragg’s ACV whenever you can.
Yvette Rawlings says
October 6, 2016 at 10:12 amHi, I was just wondering if you know if apple cider vinegar capsules are as good as the actual liquid?
Many thanks
yumyucky says
October 6, 2016 at 4:03 pmHi Yvette. The raw and unfiltered in the bottle would be acv in it’s best form, but definitely go with the pills if you find it easier to take.
Jyl says
October 11, 2016 at 10:10 amHello!
My husband has the stomach flu, so that leaves me and our 15 month old son. Can I give our 15month old ACV and grape juice mixture? I have used ACV in the past for colds, and it worked like a charm.
Thank you! 🙂
yumyucky says
October 12, 2016 at 9:23 amHi Jyl. It shouldn’t be a problem but please use your judgement in deciding on what amount to give. Obviously LESS than one teaspoon of acv is ideal since the baby is little. I have given acv/juice to my granddaugther, who was younger than 2 at the time.
Jyl says
October 12, 2016 at 4:53 pmThank you for the response! I’ve been drinking ACV/grape juice ever since I’ve read your post. So far so good, fingers crossed! Thanks again. 🙂
yumyucky says
October 13, 2016 at 2:22 pmYou’re welcome, Jyl!
Nikki says
October 15, 2016 at 4:04 pmDoes it have to be Welch’s grape juice? I heard of the grape juice trick about 5 years ago. If anyone around me gets the virus I immediately start drinking grape juice. It has seemed to always work for me. (I did get sick last year from working at a daycare and not drinking any juice.) I’ve always used Welch’s but right now I just happen to have a generic brand at home. My little girl got a touch of the virus from school…only diarrhea, no vomiting or fever. Hubby has the full blown virus now so I’m drinking up! I tried to tell him to drink some but he thinks I’m a hypochondriac.
yumyucky says
October 17, 2016 at 12:26 pmHi Nikki. I would think that any 100% grape juice would work. Generic is fine! Just don’t use grape “drink” that contains only about 10% fruit juice. It should be 100% grape juice. No purple Koolaid. lol! I hope your household is on the mend.
Brianna says
October 18, 2016 at 12:11 amSo I’m thinking of trying this acv method, I found out my friend was puking last night and we had just shared a drink a few hours prior to her coming down with the symptoms, will this prevent it or am I screwed??
yumyucky says
October 18, 2016 at 1:37 pmHi Brianna. Go out and get some Bragg’s ACV asap. Although it might be a little too late (or not), taking acv right now can minimize any stomach flu symptoms you might come down with. I hope you don’t get sick!
mary says
October 22, 2016 at 7:05 amHi there, I was wondering if you’re talking about grapefruit juice or grape juice? And if it’s grape juice, should it be red or white grapes? And is it ok if the juice has been pasteurized (the biological ones I found have all been pasteurized)? Thank you!
yumyucky says
November 3, 2016 at 11:26 amHi mary. Sorry for the late reply. It should be 100% grape juice – not grapefruit – not white grape. Yes pasteurized is fine. Try going with Welch’s 100% grape juice – that’s the one I use.
Mary says
November 18, 2016 at 6:09 amThanks! I don’t live in the States but in Europe, in my country they don’t sell Welch’s juice (and the ones that do have absurd prices!!). I found a biological red grape juice that says 100% grape juice on it. I guess that’s fine? Thanks again!
yumyucky says
November 22, 2016 at 12:16 pmHi Mary. I would say yes. So long and it’s 100% grape juice it should work the same as the Welch’s brand.
Premium Nest says
November 2, 2016 at 5:53 amlove your terrific tips! my daughter caught up with stomach bug several time ..so i think i really need it to try this. Thanks so much for sharing!
yumyucky says
November 3, 2016 at 11:28 amHello again. Glad to hear you’ll try this. Doing it everyday is recommended. If only done a few times a week it will leave you more susceptible to catching the bug.
Jennifer says
November 3, 2016 at 1:02 pmHi, So Im also curious, what type of diet do you maintain while stomach virus is active in your house? Or do you just carry on like normal other than upping the GJ and ACV?
yumyucky says
November 15, 2016 at 1:49 pmHi Jennifer. It’s been a few years since we had an active stomach virus in our house, but in the past we’ve kept the food light. And definitely no eating peanut butter. That stuff has the worse smell when it’s barfed up. Ack!! For a recovering person, I give them kombucha (probiotic drink) and saltine crackers to start back with.
Erika says
November 17, 2016 at 8:04 amThank you for this information and your video! I appreciate your knowledge and your sense of humor 🙂
yumyucky says
November 22, 2016 at 12:16 pmHi Erika. Thank you so much. I’m glad this info was a help to you!
Jackie says
November 18, 2016 at 10:13 pmACV is a must in my home for sinus, cold, heart burn and stomach issues. I warm a lil water (important not hot) raw honey, cinnamon and the acv. Taste like warm apple cider. I put it in juice for the 3 y/o. Hope they never stop making it!
yumyucky says
November 22, 2016 at 12:15 pmHi Jackie. Thank you for the fantastic acv elixir recipe!
Amanda says
November 22, 2016 at 4:36 pmDo you know if diluting the grape juice makes it ineffective? My daughter just turned one so I’ve been hesitant to give her full strength juice. We’re visiting family and there’s been a light bug among my sister’s family. My sister already does the grape juice (no ACV) every day, and everyone who’s been sick has only thrown up once, or else just got nauseous and slept all day. I started myself and my son on grape juice when my nephew got sick the other day. But I didn’t start my baby girl, thinking the juice would be too much for her system. She’s thrown up 3 times today. Obviously its too late for grape juice to help this time, but for future, I’m wondering if diluting it would still have the same effect in her gut.
yumyucky says
November 28, 2016 at 1:49 pmHi Amanda. I hope you little one is doing better now. Diluting until she’s a little older is a good idea. The important thing is that she is getting some of it every day.
kalyco says
November 24, 2016 at 6:51 pmWe had family over today and several were talking about having had a stomach bug earlier in the week. I’m a serious emetopbobe, so I’m freaking out and really hoping no one was still harboring germs!! I’m drinking ACV in tea right now. The grape juice makes me nervous–in case someone did get sick, plus it’s rough on my stomach. I may have to give it a try, though! I’ll never get my kids to drink ACV in anything though. Ugh. I hate this time of year! But thank you for this advice.
yumyucky says
November 28, 2016 at 1:53 pmHi kalyco. ACV in tea sounds interesting! My kids used to fuss about the acv/grape concoction but once they began to realize how much it was protecting them (they were seeing classmates & teachers get sick all the time), they were much more gung-ho about drinking it, so keep trying with them!
Laura says
January 8, 2017 at 5:51 pmMy husband is a diabetic so I was wondering could he take the acv in something else or does it have to be grape juice?
yumyucky says
January 9, 2017 at 10:09 amHi Laura. Try acv in water only. He can drink it as a mixed “shot”, or have the acv inside a tall glass of water so it doubles as extra hydration. Although the grape juice is an extra layer of protection, the acv alone is a major preventative measure. As I write you this comment I am currently sipping on a pint of water that contains 4 teaspoons of acv. Have your husband try different measurements of acv & water to see what he doesn’t mind doing.
Katelyn says
November 28, 2016 at 1:40 pmI just started giving this to myself and my kids (3.5 & 1.5) as well as probiotics. Keeping my fingers crossed that we all make it through winter/spring healthy! I’ll come back and update once it starts warming up and it’s less likely to get sick. Fingers crossed!!
yumyucky says
November 28, 2016 at 1:48 pmYes, please give us an update. I wish you a healthy winter and spring! Oh heck, I wish you health all year round. hehehe
Nancy says
December 1, 2016 at 5:07 pmHi there! I read your article and got very hopeful….fighting the ick in our house right now. I told my husband, who happens to be a chemist, and when I mentioned your alkaline food suggestions- ACV, grape juice- he reminded me that those are actually acidic foods! Do you think maybe those foods might actually be killing the bugs? Not trying to be a naysayer; I’m always looking for ways to prevent/defeat the barf monster!
yumyucky says
December 5, 2016 at 12:09 pmHi Nancy. From the reading I’ve done (my laymen’s explanation) is that raw apple cider vinegar (we’re talking raw acv only) is alkaline forming once it’s once ingested. An acidic environment in the body is what causes the bug to thrive, but there’s something specific about raw acv that is not the same as regular vinegars.
Jennifer says
December 6, 2016 at 1:42 pmHi,
How long does the Bragg’s last in the refrigerator? I’ve had mine for about a year, but it says it won’t expire until 2020. Also, can you use juice with white grapes–does it have to be purple grapes? I bought some grape juice in the handy juice boxes for my son to take to school. Thanks!
yumyucky says
December 7, 2016 at 9:45 amHi Jennifer. We don’t keep ours in the fridge. We keep it on the shelf. The Bragg’s ACV website says refrigeration is not required, and it can safely be used for years past the expiration date. I’m not sure about the white grapes but if it’s 100% grape juice it should be better than not using juice at all.
LaToya says
December 9, 2016 at 11:59 pmI work in child care and the bug is going around heavily around the daycare. I am germaphobe especially when this nasty virus is going around I start to panic and sanitize my whole classroom. I pray my son who also attends the daycare I work at doesn’t catch it. As soon as one child is said to have vomited I run across the street to Walgreen’s and purchase 100% Welch’s Grape juice, Lysol and Clorox bleach to spray restroom and classroom sink down including his classroom. I hope we stir clear of this yucky bug. Also as soon as we come home from daycare I make sure we take off our clothes and shoes at the front door. No sitting on furniture our walking on carpet with our shoes. I noticed before we would come home and sit around in our daycare clothing and one of us or all of us would wound up sick. Since we don’t keep our germ y clothes on we seem to be less sick. That’s just my thoughts. Also I make my son wash his hands before we leave school and don’t allow him to touch anything on the way out. I read about the purple grape juice and we have been drinking it almost daily. So washing hands, making sure toys and hands don’t go in mouth at school and changing out of school or work clothes have seemed to help my family. 🙂
yumyucky says
December 21, 2016 at 1:56 pmHi LaToya. I hope things have been doing well for you and your son. You have a great plan in place for warding off the bug. I also make my kids wash their hands as soon as coming home from soon. Luckily they change their clothes without me even asking, but you brought up a good point that clothes should be changed for the reason you mentioned. I had never thought about that!
Kaylee says
December 12, 2016 at 6:18 pmHow do you feel about 100% pomegranate juice with the ACV?
yumyucky says
December 21, 2016 at 1:53 pmHi Kaylee. I haven’t come across any research on pomegranate juice warding off the bug, so I really can’t say either way. The pom juice is pretty expensive compared to grape juice, so I would personally go with the grape juice.
Memi says
December 13, 2016 at 12:24 amLove your post! I am also one of those who “fears” vomit, I am absolutely terrified of the stomach flu. I have been one of the lucky ones and never caught a stomach bug in my entire life (genetics I guess). My son hasn’t been so lucky, he has caught the SV twice and since the last time he caught it, I decided to give him probiotics. I want to mention he is one picky eater so give him vitamins with extra immunity, probiotics, and lots of prayers. So far we’ve been SV free since 2013. Like I said he’s really picky and hates grape juice, would Akeline water be the same???
yumyucky says
December 21, 2016 at 1:51 pmHi Memi. How amazing that you have never had the bug! That’s wonderful to hear. You are dong the right thing by keeping your son’s immune system up. I feel that Alkaline winter will definitely contribute to warding off the bug, but I also believe in packing a serious punch in these winter months with extra layers of protection. I do drink alkaline water, but also do the grape juice & acv. It really is a personal choice and you are definitely doing well your plan.
Amber says
December 19, 2016 at 12:15 pmThank you so much for posting this information. My toddler had the stomach bug FOUR times last season (winter 2015-2016) and I started him on probiotics late this summer (the only kind he will chew up are these vanilla ones called Little Critter’s from Target). I just found out a daycare teacher had the stomach flu over the weekend, so I’m starting the grape juice/ACV elixir for our family now. I couldn’t get any ACV in my toddler, but hoping the probiotics/grape juice will help protect him. I am 6 months pregnant, so I really do not want the stomach bug myself and am also have a fear of getting sick (emetrophobe or whatever the word is!). Praying this works and keeps our family healthy, especially with Christmas in a few days! I will let you know how the winter goes for us….
yumyucky says
December 21, 2016 at 1:45 pmHi Amber. You have a great plan in place that should work out well for you. Yes, please update me on how the winter goes. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday! ~Josie
Jen says
December 20, 2016 at 4:56 pmI have the Braggs ACV drink…. do you think I still need to mix it with Grape Juice?
yumyucky says
December 21, 2016 at 1:27 pmHi Ben. I’m familiar with the Bragg’s ACV drink ad thing it would do well to ward off the bug. However, the ACV drink can get kind of costly, and I dod thinkg the ACV in grape juice packs a bigger punch. Despite this, I feel that as long as your getting acv daily you are protecting yourself well.
Mrs. Moore says
December 22, 2016 at 10:19 amI’ve been practicing your post throughout this season and so far it’s been fantastic! Thank you so much for spreading the good news on how to prevent such an awful illness. I do have a question for you though: Can drinking too much ACV/GJ cause gastrointestinal issues? I’ve come to a point where I’m actually craving this elixir, so I drink it everyday, but when I drink too much, I use the bathroom much more than normal…
yumyucky says
December 22, 2016 at 2:26 pmHi Mrs. Moore. I also find that I need my elixir daily. If you’re having GI issues, try diluting the juice or doing acv in water only. I suspect the sugar from the juice (even though it’s natural sugar) might be causing the issue?? You could also cut back on the acv to see if that’s the culprit. I have up to 4 teaspoons of acv daily in my water, but I don’t drink that much of the juice. Do some trial & error to see which is it that’s affecting you – the juice or the acv.
Mrs. Moore says
December 23, 2016 at 9:22 amYes, I will definitely do some trial runs to see which one’s affecting me. I have a feeling it could be the sugar from the GJ, so you may be on to something there! 😉 Thank you so much for the advice. Stumbling across your page was a lifesaver. Merry Christmas!
Mukta says
December 24, 2016 at 11:57 amHello
I like the way you are sharing you experience and helping people..
On Wednesday evening my older son who is 5 year got stomach bug and he vomited whole night. Next day, Thursday I took him to the doctor and she gave him medicine to stop vomiting but then Friday evening my little one 19 months start vomiting immediately as per doctor said I gave him medicine to stop vomiting, he ate a little and slept whole night. I gave him medicine in the morning and now my sister is saying that you shouldn’t have given him medicine to stop the virus from coming out from the body. I don’t know what to do now.. Can you please help and reply asap.
Thanks
yumyucky says
December 24, 2016 at 1:52 pmHi Mukta. At this point I would let the virus run it’s course since you’ve already given the medicine. Follow up with daily grape juice and acv (using your judgement with the measurements with how much you think your child should take ) to help prevent future bouts. Wishing your son a speedy healing! (you may also want to take the juice yourself at this point)
Mukta says
December 24, 2016 at 11:04 pmThank you so much for the reply.. I hope both will get better soon.
Melissa says
December 28, 2016 at 11:23 amShould you drink the grape juice and ACV separately or can you add 1/2 cup of the grape juice and the ACV to a morning smoothie for the same effectiveness?
yumyucky says
December 28, 2016 at 2:22 pmHi Melissa. Any way can get it in is fine. I prefer to take mine on an empty stomach. It’s all about preference. The important thing is to do with consistency for best results. Enjoy your smoothie!
Kirstan Emery says
December 29, 2016 at 5:59 pmI’m so afraid of puking. I got it bad in 3rd grade, and here I am at 25 still panicking and scared to death every winter. I buy this clorox towelettes off of amazon each year that destroys norovirus, a long with the hand sanitizer high in alcohol to have with me on the go. I’ve been drinking grape juice too. I’m glad to find this article so I can start adding apple cider vinegar into my preventions lol, and probiotics. I have SEVERE anxiety, when i’ve been around someone with the stomach bug, I don’t eat or sleep, I panick and am so miserable. Every winter is terrible for me, especially since I live in the midwest. It’s nice to see i’m not the only one out there that is absolutely terrified of puking.
Robin says
January 10, 2017 at 8:25 amI am the same way! I go into massive panick mode! It just sucks!
Heather says
January 17, 2017 at 9:47 pmI hate puking. I get to where i wont eat becAuse im terrified of waking up and puking.
Michelle says
December 30, 2016 at 3:11 pmThank you for this. I’ve heard about the grape juice but this is the first I’m hearing of using ACV as well. Myself, my partner and our two kids (1.5 and 4) were visiting friends last night. Their niece was over and the three kids were playing together. I found out this morning that their niece threw up once in the night, but has been fine since. I went into full blown panic mode, as I do. I ran out and got ACV and grape juice. I can’t stand the taste of grape juice. Is there something I can do? My kids already take a daily probiotic and so far my 4 year old is not rejecting the juice/ACV mix. I also use Thireves essential oil in my home and on my family members. PLEASE tell me it’s not too late to successfully avoid the bug!
Kaytie says
January 2, 2017 at 7:29 pmOh my fell emetophobics. How I love thee. It makes me feel not so alone. My 3 year old is SO very picky when it comes to food/drinks. I’m going to try to get her to drink it along with my 5 year old. My husband and I also discussed daily probiotics. Are the ones you use gummies?
Kaytie says
January 2, 2017 at 7:45 pmOkay- I literally just tried it. (I didn’t think they’d take it) BUT THEY DID! I made sure the juice was ice cold, put it in one of the small plastic shot glasses from five below for fun aspect for them, and they finished it! Thank you YumYucky for putting my kiddies and I on the pro-gut path!
yumyucky says
January 9, 2017 at 10:00 amGo Kaytie! I’m so glad you came up with a good system that works for you. Ice cold is definitely a good thing with the juice.
yumyucky says
January 9, 2017 at 9:59 amHi Kaytie. We currently use chewable probiotics but they aren’t gummies. If I come across a good gummy I would be open to trying it!
Erin says
January 3, 2017 at 9:02 pmWanted to share some additional tips/products with everyone. Our family got the bug several years ago and it was horrible. I did tons of reading to figure out how to avoid that happening again! I have found using Zylast (can be found on Amazon) has helped tremendously especially with two small children in school. It is one of the only hand sanitizers that kills norovirus (stomach bug) and it has a residual effect so lasts on your skin for about 6 hours. I religiously apply it before school and send in my kindergarteners lunch box for reapplication. Also if the bug has hit clorox has a hydrogen peroxide cleaner (bleach free) that kills norovirus and can be sprayed safely on all surfaces including fabrics. Hope this helps!
yumyucky says
January 9, 2017 at 10:00 amHi Erin. Thank you so much for these gems of helpful info!
Rebekah says
January 4, 2017 at 10:00 pmThank you for the great read! My boyfriend came down with the stomach flu and we have a SMALL apartment. I can not get sick before I start my new job. How often did you drink the ACV for it to begin changing your ph? I was diagnosed with GERD and sometimes it can give me heartburn but I’m not sure of what else I can do.
yumyucky says
January 9, 2017 at 10:02 amHi Rebekah. In cases where you start that the ACV after you’ve been exposed (if you haven’t been drinking any of it prior), it may serve to reduce any flu symptoms you end up having. This is what a lot of people have reported happening. Best course of action is to take it daily to potentially avoid it altogether.
Brie Grande says
January 6, 2017 at 11:18 pmHello,
I’m worried my 4 yr old wont drink the avc and grape juice, any suggestions to help get it in them?
yumyucky says
January 9, 2017 at 10:04 amHi Brie. You first try doing juice only, and diluting it with water. Then gradually work up to less dilution as child gets used to it. Then start adding a tiny bit of ACV and increasing it slowly. My kids used to hate the ACV part but we worked up to greater amounts and they have no problem with it.
MM says
January 11, 2017 at 4:25 pmHi – my kids are VERY picky on drinking/eating. Can you put the teaspoon of ACV in Mash soda? Also, is one teaspoon enough during the sick season? They both have sensitive tummies so I’m afraid that more than that may aggravate their stomachs. I have a houseful of emetophobes so we’re trying to avoid this!
yumyucky says
January 23, 2017 at 2:32 pmHi MM. Any way you can get them to ingest the acv without it causing them irritation would be good, so try it in the Mash soda if yoo think it will agree with their tummies. During the sick season my children still get the same one teaspoon daily measurement. However, we do double up if they’ve been exposed to someone. So instance, they would get a dose in the morning and also in the evening.
Paige says
January 12, 2017 at 10:07 pmHi !
So I have a severe phobia of the stomach along with many of you fellow commenters, and I saw this post and it has seriously helped with my anxiety ! Which I thank you lol.. soo my boyfriend had the bug about a week ago, and then my grandmother had it last night, I started the acv and grape juice this morning ! Have done it 2 times today ! Seems like it’s doing wonders for me ) thank god ) but I gave just the GJ to my son who will be 2 in April, and he threw up like 15 mins after he had it ! He loves apple juice do you think that could possibly be a good substitute ? And I also bought probiotics (natures valley probiotic CD) I hope that’s a good one ! This is my first time trying this and I want to make sure I’m doing this right !
Thank you !!
yumyucky says
January 23, 2017 at 2:35 pmHi Paige. Sorry for the delayed response. How did everything ultimately turn out for you? I’m have not heard of apple juice being a good substitute, but if you try this just make it’s 100% apple juice with no filler or fake ingredients. Another option would be to dilute the grape juice and slowly ease into the non-diluted over time as he gets used to this. This I feel is a better option than doing the apple juice.
Paige says
January 23, 2017 at 10:24 pmEverything seems to be going great ! I’ve been trying to sneak the ACV into his water without him noticing and it seems to be working soo it’s a good start !!
yumyucky says
January 27, 2017 at 4:07 pmHi Paige. This is great to hear! I’m so glad it’s been working out for you.
JM says
January 17, 2017 at 11:38 amThis is all very true! Last winter I was sick with every single virus that came my way, this winter I take 2 tbsp of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar every morning, followed by a Kombucha after work with dinner, and top it off with Yogi Detox Tea before bed, and so far this winter, I have been illness free! Keep spreading the word on these natural health alternatives!!
yumyucky says
January 23, 2017 at 2:36 pmHi JM (those are my initials, too. hehehe). I absolutely love Kombucha as well! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with all of this. It is truly an encouragement to all of us.