Diarrhea refers to a moderate to severe increase in the frequency and volume of stools (that may be watery or semi-liquid in consistency) and may or may not be associated with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating and fever. Diarrhea is the most common infectious illness that resolves spontaneously in most cases; however, in less than 8% individual, intensive medical attention is necessary to prevent life threatening complications.
Diarrhea Remedies
It is very important to seek urgent and emergent care to manage moderate to severe diarrhea to avoid complications like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and renal failure. Following diarrhea remedies are helpful in achieving early resolution of symptoms.
1. Eat Right Diet
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Foods and Fluids to Have | |
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Starchy Foods
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Starchy foods are high in nutrients and fiber content that helps in restoring energy and calories in diarrheal patient. Healthcare providers suggest starchy foods like banana and potato to restore normal gut functioning in diarrhea patients. Other healthy options include berries (that are rich in anthocyanosides and anti-oxidants) to manage and control diarrheal symptoms. |
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Clear Fluids
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Increase your intake of clear fluids (ideally water or normal saline) along with a lot of broths to restore your energy levels and maintain your hydration status. Avoid drinking synthetic juices or even fresh apple or pear juice that can make your diarrheal illness worse. |
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Semisolid and Low-fiber Foods
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In acute cases of diarrhea, your gut is not healthy enough to digest solid foods. It is therefore recommended to start with semi-solid or liquid foods gradually. Fiber supplements are commercially available that acts as stool binder and helps in restoring normal solid consistency of stool. |
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Foods and Fluids to Avoid | |
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Irritating Foods
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Make sure to limit your intake of spices, sugar and salt while you are having active symptoms of diarrhea. Healthcare providers suggest avoiding heavy sugar syrups, fried, high calorie or creamy, oily foods when you have indigestion to avoid over-burdening your gut. In addition, avoid caffeine or other gut stimulants like chocolate or coffee. Also, avoid chewing gum with sorbitol. |
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Lactose Containing Foods
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During gut flu or inflammation, it is advisable to avoid lactose containing foods because almost 50 to 65% individuals get temporarily lactose intolerant. Intake of kefir or lactose free dairy is safe, whereas milk, smoothies and cheese should be strictly avoided. |
2. Try Soothing Agents
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Item |
Description |
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Yogurt
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Yogurt contains probiotics and essential enzymes that help in normalization of digestive system. Since the bacterial culture metabolizes the lactose content of yogurt, it is mostly digested by lactose intolerant as well. Consume 2 bowls plain yogurt every day can help cure diarrhea. You can also eat banana with yogurt to treat diarrhea. |
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Apple Cider Vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar contains active agent that works against particular diarrhea-causing bacteria. It also contains plenty of pectin which is effective in calming the agitated stomach. To cure diarrhea, add 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink the mixture along with each meal till you completely relieve from various diarrhea symptoms. |
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Chamomile Tea
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Chamomile is known for its anti-spasmodic activity and fairly helpful if you are having abdominal cramps along with diarrhea. Although commercial chamomile tea is widely available in stores, you can brew it fresh for yourself with peppermint leaves. 3 to 4 cups a day are helpful in early resolution of diarrheal symptoms. Another healthy option is mild, non- caffeinated black tea. |
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Orange Peel Tea
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Orange peel is a popular and effective folk remedy for diarrhea. To make orange peel tea, boil peels in water after properly washing and drying. Then serve and drink. |
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Fenugreek Seeds
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Fenugreek seeds have anti-diarrheal components. This folk remedy has established efficacy in adults but is generally avoided in children. Drinking half teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in warm water helps in decreasing inflammatory responses and gut allergies. Or add a handful fenugreek seeds to a cup fresh yogurt. You can also combine 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds, 1 tsp. roasted cumin seeds with 2 tbsp. yogurt. Take the combination 3 times a day to calm diarrhea quickly. |
3. Take OTC Drugs and Rest
Rest helps in relaxing the body and helps you in feeling better. Besides rest, over the counter medications (to relieve indigestion) are also recommended. Medications are especially advised if you are under 15 or over 50 years of age
4. Seek Medical Treatments
Not all diarrheal cases respond to home remedies and if you are developing danger signs like hypotension (marked by altered level of consciousness, weakness, cold clammy skin) it is recommended to rush to your nearest healthcare provider for medical treatment of diarrhea.
- Antibiotics. Antibiotics are helpful in managing infectious causes of diarrhea and are normally available as prescription medications. Most cases respond very well to metronidazole (a broad spectrum antibiotic) that alleviates the diarrheal symptoms. In some cases, more than one antibiotic is advised (when multiple organisms are expected).
- Stool Examination. In clinical setting, stool examination and culture sensitivity is also advised to ascertain the pathogen involved and to commence early and proper treatment according to sensitivity results.
- Fluid Replacement. In long standing or severe diarrhea, when large amounts of fluid is lost from the body, fluid replacement via intravenous infusion is necessary to prevent hypotension or renal shutdown. Due to alterations in the electrolyte concentration, it is recommended to replace fluid slowly and while doing so, the serum concentration of electrolytes should be adequately and timely monitored.
- Underlying Condition Treatments. Managing chronic diarrhea demands a complete workup to prevent long term troubling complications of diarrhea like weight loss, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, cardiac issues and damage to multiple organs or organ systems. Management of underlying conditions with the help of medications, surgery or holistic care is recommended to avoid frequent troubling episodes of diarrhea.
When to See a Doctor
Diarrhea may be a trivial symptom of indigestion or accidental ingestion of toxin containing food. Diarrhea is a protective mechanism characterized by increased motility of gut in order to eliminate the toxins from the individual. However, sometimes this protective mechanism goes beyond the control of the human body. In all such cases, it is recommended to seek immediate medical care. Watch for these danger signs:
- Palpitation or increase heart rate (indicative of low blood pressure)
- Altered level of alertness (indicating electrolyte disturbance and decreased perfusion to brain)
- High grade fever not responding to medications
- Episode of seizure activity
- Diarrhea associated with vomiting (that is seriously interfering with the ingestion of food and water)
- Appearance of blood in stool (or black stools)
- Severe dehydration marked by alteration in the frequency and volume of urine