What Is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is usually a symptom of bowel infection also called gastroenteritis. It is a natural reaction to dehydration, infection or toxins that need to be expelled from the digestive system. Examples include certain types of bacteria, parasites, food allergies or other microbes. It makes the body lose too much water and minerals, including electrolytes like sodium, quickly.
Causes Of Diarrhea
It is caused by viral or bacterial infection which will usually manifest as food poisoning. An example of such virus is rotavirus. Examples of such bacteria are E. coli (Escherichia coli) and salmonella.
Symptoms
Symptoms of diarrhea include frequent bowel movements, watery feces or “loose” stools, abdominal pains, cramping and sometimes stomach bloating, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss. Other symptoms are dependent on what’s causing the diarrhea (infection or illness). For an illness like dehydration, the symptoms may include weakness, brain fog, upset stomach, dizziness and blood pressure fluctuation.
Home Remedies
- Light Food
The more food you consume, the harder your digestive organs have to work. You likely won’t have too much of an appetite while you have diarrhea, so try to eat small amounts spread throughout the day. Eat simple foods that are easy to digest. Stick with a diet of bland foods like simple whole grains, apples, bananas and rice the first few days. These foods are easy on the digestive system and can provide some fiber to help add bulk to stools.
- Fruits and Vegetables
These provide water, fiber and electrolytes. Try making a smoothie or sorbet with fruit, and steaming veggies to make them easier to digest. Many people however react badly to natural sugar which is contained in these fruits and vegetables. So, monitor your symptoms to make sure they don’t get worse.
- Raw Honey and Ginger
A mixture of raw honey and crushed ginger can help reduce the trouble of diarrhea when drunk. Prepare a herbal tea and add the mixture in it. This will help soothe your stomach and reduce the irritation especially around the anus.
- Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds contain a high amount of naturally present mucilage which acts similar to fiber by helping to add some bulk to the stool. They are always handy in the treatment of diarrhea. When you eat the seeds, you’ll have an easier time going to the washroom/toilet, and your stool won’t be as liquid. Moreover, fenugreek seeds can help to reduce other symptoms such as pain and dehydration. The best way to use fenugreek seeds for diarrhea is by mixing a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds with plain yogurt. Honey may be used as a sweetener. Fenugreek seeds is not recommended for children especially those who have severe diarrhea.
- Orange Peel
This sounds really unbelievable. But guess what? It works! Orange peel is surprisingly useful in treating diarrhea. It aids the digestive process, making it easier to pass a stool on a more consistent basis. The best thing about orange peel is that it can be used at home in a cheap and relatively fast manner. To use it for diarrhea, wash the orange peel to eliminate any impurities. Gently chop the peel and allow it to steep in two cups of boiling water for around 15 minutes. You may add honey and ginger for a more potent effect. Drink this. Don’t mind the taste. The honey can help to lessen the awful taste.
- Blueberries
Blueberries are a special fruit that is useful in treating diarrhea. They are known for their sweet taste and antioxidant-rich properties. And what’s more, blueberries contain an abundance of pectin that is known for its soothing effect on the digestive issues. Blueberries can be consumed by themselves, but they can also be added to a variety of dishes and smoothies. If you wish, you may also chew dried blueberries a few times throughout the day.
- Review Diet
To handle diarrhea, you can reconsider some of the food choices you make. Try to avoid the following foods:
- Conventional Dairy
Processed dairy can be hard to digest and can make diarrhea worse. However, raw cultured dairy, such as kefir, is high in probiotics which can support bowel function.
- Potential Allergens
As mentioned above, diarrhea can result from food allergies through gluten, nuts, shellfish and dairy.
- Processed Fats and Oils
Too much fat can upset your sensitive stomach and make the diarrhea worse. This can include fats from packaged products with refined vegetable oils, fast foods, cheesy foods, processed meats or fried foods.
- Added Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners
Bacteria love to eat sugar, and sugar reduces immune system and digestive functioning in many cases. Avoid chewing gum that contains sorbitol. Avoid milk for 3 days after symptoms disappear.
- Caffeine
Caffeine can stimulate muscles in the digestive tract, increasing bowel movements and cramping.
Other problematic foods might include: pears, oats, beans/legumes, wheat, corn, soy, potatoes and any type of bran.
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is critical when you’re losing so much in your stool. To keep dehydration symptoms from getting worse when you have diarrhea, try to drink 16 ounces of fluids about every hour. You can judge if you’re losing too much water by paying attention to the color of your urine, as well as how thirsty you are. If you do not urinate often, but when you do, your urine is very dark yellow, drink more water. Drink so that your thirst seems about normal and your urine is light yellow. Herbal teas including ginger, peppermint, oat bark, licorice/ fennel or pomegranate tea (non-caffeinated) may also help soothe your stomach. Although it’s not a good solution for everyone, drinking coconut water (a natural source of electrolytes), fresh vegetable juice or sucking on homemade fruit ice pops can also be a good way to get more water and nutrients into your system. However, don’t consume too much juice, or too much liquid too quickly. They may worsen the illness.
- Get Enough Rest
Rest relieves us of a lot of illnesses. Avoid too much exercise or strenuous physical activity when you’re dealing with diarrhea. You may feel weak and unable to sleep when diarrhea creeps in. so, give your body a chance to recover by getting enough sleep (8 hours per night or more), taking it easy, and trying to keep your stress levels down.
- Psyllium
Psyllium comes from a plant that contains Metamucil as well as other naturally occurring fibers. The seeds of pysllium, when ground, are a great remedy for diarrhea. It is not just a natural remedy but an effective one given its capacity to absorb water and fluids in the intestine. The result is solid stools that are easy to pass. If you like to make smoothies first thing in the morning, you can add a tablespoon of psyllium to make the drink thicker. Drink it religiously every morning, and save your toilet papers!
- Yogurt
Another time-tested remedy for diarrhea is yogurt. Time after time, this substance has proven to be extremely effective in treating diarrhea in a fast and cost-efficient way. Yogurt is also considered an important element of a healthy and balanced diet. Yogurt contains live cultures, which are a type of bacteria that create a natural barrier inside the intestines, which protect against toxins and remove bacteria from the gut. Because yogurt is so versatile, there are countless ways to incorporate it into your diet. Consider using it in your smoothies, for example. It can also be eaten plain.
- Chamomile
Chamomile do not just induce sleep which is needed when battling with diarrhea, it can be useful in treating the illness itself. It helps in reducing pain and bloating, among other symptoms. The antispasmodic properties of this herbal remedy will ease intestinal complications and improve wellbeing. Chamomile is also versatile and easily found, making it convenient for anyone. To use chamomile, it is recommended that you mix a teaspoon of chamomile tea in a cup of hot water. Allow it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes and drink it three times per day.
- Red Oil (Palm)
This oil is very good as a home remedy for diarrhea. Drink one tea spoon of the oil before meal. The chemical composition of the oil will help to stop the watery bowel movement and make you recover quick from the illness. Continue to drink the oil if the need arises. If after two days there is no improvement, go see the doctor.
Bignedu
Note: Though the above is verifiable, it is only a general information and is neither a professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care nor is it a substitute thereof. The piece does not cover all conditions or remedies associated with the illness. Make effort to consult with your physician or other qualified health personnel as necessary. Please see our Terms & Conditions at the footer area.
