IF DISASTER STRIKES…

Not sure if you’ve got a food allergy or intolerance? Find out on p36.

An upset stomach usually settles on its own after a few days, but these tips can help, says Dr Unnati Desai, national GP lead at Nuffield Health:

✱ Staying hydrated is vital because we lose fluids through vomiting and diarrhoea, so drink plenty of waterbased fluids. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks.

✱ The use of oral rehydration sachets that provide electrolytes can help with body rehydration after vomiting and diarrhoea. Coconut water is a natural rehydration fluid. Try Dioralyte diarrhoea relief rehydration sachets (£3.99 for six, Superdrug).

✱ Dairy products should be avoided, especially with nausea and vomiting, and sensitivities to lactose can occur after any gut infection. However, natural probiotics can help settle diarrhoea and replenish the good bacteria in your gut.

✱ Rest your stomach if you’ve had vomiting, and reintroduce solid food slowly, with small regular meals. Keep your diet bland with less spices.

✱ Anti-sickness tablets are useful for tackling nausea or vomiting and can allow you to keep fluids down and improve your hydration.

✱ Paracetamol can help ease pain or fever.