What are the causes of diarrhea? How can diarrhea be treated effectively? Get answers to these important questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

Diarrhea: A Prevalent and Potentially Serious Condition

Diarrhea is a widespread and often troubling condition, affecting millions worldwide. It is characterized by abnormally loose or watery stools, and can range from a mild, temporary inconvenience to a potentially life-threatening situation. Globally, an estimated 2 billion cases of diarrheal disease occur each year, making it a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries where it claims the lives of around 1.9 million children under the age of 5 annually, making it the second leading cause of death in this age group.

Causes of Diarrhea: Infectious and Non-Infectious Factors

The primary causes of diarrhea can be broadly categorized as infectious and non-infectious. Infectious causes are the most common, and include:

• Bacterial infections, such as those caused by Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia coli
• Viral infections, such as those caused by rotavirus and norovirus
• Parasitic infections, such as those caused by Giardia and Cryptosporidium

Non-infectious causes of chronic diarrhea include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional disorder of the digestive system
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Malabsorptive and maldigestive disorders, such as celiac disease
• Endocrine disorders, such as Addison’s disease and carcinoid tumors
• Certain medications, including laxatives and antibiotics
• Cancer-related causes, such as neoplastic diarrhea associated with various gut cancers

Symptoms of Diarrhea: More Than Just Loose Stools

The primary symptom of diarrhea is the passage of abnormally loose or watery stools. However, diarrhea can also be accompanied by other symptoms, including:

• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Dehydration, particularly in children and older adults
• Blood or mucus in the stool, which may indicate a more serious underlying condition

It is important to note that not all cases of frequent, loose stools constitute diarrhea. For example, breastfed babies often pass loose, sticky stools, which is normal and not considered diarrhea.

Diagnosing the Cause of Diarrhea: Identifying the Underlying Condition

To diagnose the underlying cause of diarrhea, a healthcare provider may perform a variety of tests, including:

• Stool sample analysis to detect the presence of infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites
• Blood tests to check for signs of inflammation or immune system dysfunction
• Endoscopic procedures, such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, to examine the digestive tract for signs of underlying conditions
• Imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI, to assess the structure and function of the digestive system

Identifying the root cause of diarrhea is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment approach, as the management of acute and chronic diarrhea can vary significantly depending on the underlying condition.

Treating Diarrhea: Addressing the Symptoms and Underlying Causes

The treatment of diarrhea depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In many cases of mild, acute diarrhea, the condition may resolve without the need for specific treatment. However, in more severe or persistent cases, various treatment options may be employed, including:

• Rehydration: Replacing the fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea, either through oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids in severe cases
• Zinc supplementation: Particularly in children, which can help reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea
• Antidiarrheal medications: Over-the-counter options like loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help manage the symptoms of diarrhea
• Treatment of underlying conditions: For chronic or persistent diarrhea, addressing the underlying cause, such as IBS, IBD, or malabsorptive disorders, may be necessary

The specific treatment approach will depend on the individual’s age, overall health, and the severity and underlying cause of their diarrhea.

Preventing Diarrhea: Practicing Good Hygiene and Safe Food Handling

While some cases of diarrhea are unavoidable, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing the condition, especially in relation to infectious causes:

• Practicing good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, particularly before handling food and after using the restroom
• Ensuring proper food handling and storage, including cooking food to safe temperatures and avoiding cross-contamination
• Practicing safe water and food preparation practices when traveling to areas with poor sanitation or potential sources of contamination
• Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced diet and appropriate use of antibiotics

By taking these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing diarrhea and its associated complications.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While many cases of diarrhea can be managed at home, it is important to seek medical attention in certain circumstances, such as:

• Persistent or chronic diarrhea lasting more than 2 days in adults or 24 hours in children
• Severe dehydration, especially in children and older adults
• Presence of blood or mucus in the stool, which may indicate a more serious underlying condition
• Fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of a compromised immune system
• Diarrhea that occurs after recent travel or antibiotic use, which may be indicative of an infectious cause

Seeking prompt medical attention in these situations can help identify the underlying cause and ensure appropriate treatment, potentially preventing the development of more serious complications.

Diarrhea: Causes, treatment, and symptoms

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Diarrhea can range from a mild, temporary condition to a potentially life threatening one. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites are the most common causes of diarrhea.

Globally, an estimated 2 billion cases of diarrheal disease occur each year. Also, around 1.9 million children under the age of 5 years — mostly in developing countries — die from diarrhea every year. This makes it the second leading cause of death in this age group.

Diarrhea is characterized by abnormally loose or watery stools. Most cases of diarrhea are due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Digestive system disorders can also cause chronic diarrhea.

If a person frequently passes stools but they are of a normal consistency, this is not diarrhea. Similarly, breastfed babies often pass loose, sticky stools. This is normal.

This article looks at the causes and treatments of diarrhea. It also looks at symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and when to see a doctor.

Many cases of diarrhea are due to an infection in the gastrointestinal tract. The microbes responsible for this infection include:

• bacteria
• viruses
• parasitic organisms

The most commonly identified causes of acute diarrhea in the United States are the bacteria Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia coli.

Some cases of chronic diarrhea are called “functional” because although all the digestive organs appear normal, they are not functioning as they ideally should. In the developed world, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common cause of functional diarrhea.

IBS causes many symptoms, including cramping, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits, which can include diarrhea, constipation, or both.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is another cause of chronic diarrhea. IBD describes either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Both conditions can also cause blood in the stool.

Some other major causes of chronic diarrhea include:

• Microscopic colitis: This is a persistent type of diarrhea that usually affects older adults. It develops due to inflammation and occurs often during the night.
• Malabsorptive and maldigestive diarrhea: The first is due to impaired nutrient absorption, and the second is due to impaired digestive function. Celiac disease is one example.
• Chronic infections: A history of travel or antibiotic use can be clues in chronic diarrhea. Various bacteria and parasites can also be the cause.
• Drug-induced diarrhea: Laxatives and other drugs, including antibiotics, can trigger diarrhea.
• Endocrine-related causes: Sometimes, hormonal factors cause diarrhea. This is the case in Addison’s disease and carcinoid tumors.
• Cancer-related causes: Neoplastic diarrhea is associated with a number of gut cancers.

Mild cases of acute diarrhea may resolve without treatment.

For persistent or chronic diarrhea, a doctor will treat any underlying causes in addition to the symptoms of diarrhea.

The sections below will discuss some possible treatment options in more detail.

Rehydration

Children and older people are particularly vulnerable to dehydration. For all cases of diarrhea, rehydration is vital.

People can replace fluids by simply drinking more of them. In severe cases, however, a person may need intravenous fluids.

Oral rehydration solution or salts (ORS) refers to water that contains salt and glucose. The small intestine absorbs the solution to replace the water and electrolytes lost in the stool. In developing countries, ORS costs just a few cents.

The World Health Organization (WHO) say that ORS can safely and effectively treat over 90% of nonsevere diarrhea cases.

Zinc supplementation may also reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea in children. Various products are available to purchase online.

Antidiarrheal medication

Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications are also available. These include loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

Imodium is an antimotility drug that reduces stool passage. It is available to purchase over the counter or online.

Pepto-Bismol reduces diarrheal stool output in adults and children. It can also prevent traveler’s diarrhea. People can buy this product online or over the counter.

There is some concern that antidiarrheal medications could prolong bacterial infection by reducing the removal of pathogens through stools.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics can only treat diarrhea due to bacterial infections. If the cause is a certain medication, switching to another drug might help.

Always talk to a doctor before switching medications.

Diet

The following diet tips may help with diarrhea:

• sipping on clear liquids, such as electrolyte drinks, water, or fruit juice without added sugar
• after each loose stool, replacing lost fluids with at least 1 cup of liquid
• doing most of the drinking between, not during, meals
• consuming high potassium foods and liquids, such as diluted fruit juices, potatoes without the skin, and bananas
• consuming high sodium foods and liquids, such as broths, soups, sports drinks, and salted crackers
• eating foods high in soluble fiber, such as banana, oatmeal, and rice, as these help thicken the stool
• limiting foods that may make diarrhea worse, such as creamy, fried, high dairy, and sugary foods

Foods and beverages that might make diarrhea worse include:

• sugar-free gum, mints, sweet cherries, and prunes
• caffeinated drinks and medications
• fructose in high amounts, from fruit juices, grapes, honey, dates, nuts, figs, soft drinks, and prunes
• lactose in dairy products
• magnesium
• olestra (Olean), which is a fat substitute
• anything that contains artificial sweeteners

Learn more about foods to eat with diarrhea here.

Probiotics

There is mixed evidence for the role of probiotics in diarrhea. They may help prevent traveler’s diarrhea, and in children, there is evidence to suggest that they might reduce diarrheal illness by 1 day.

People should ask their doctor for advice, as there are numerous strains. Researchers have most studied probiotics based on Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Research in The Lancet found no evidence to suggest that a multistrain preparation of bacteria was effective in preventing Clostridium difficile or antibiotic-related diarrhea. They call for a better understanding of the development of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Probiotics come in capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids, and they are available online.

Diarrhea refers to watery stools, but it may be accompanied by other symptoms. These include:

• stomach pain
• abdominal cramps
• bloating
• weight loss
• fever
• body aches
• chills

Diarrhea is also a symptom of other conditions, some of which can be serious. Other possible symptoms are:

• blood or pus in the stool
• persistent vomiting
• dehydration

If any of these accompany diarrhea, or if the diarrhea is chronic, it may indicate a more serious illness.

Two potentially serious complications of diarrhea are dehydration (in cases of severe and frequent diarrhea) and malabsorption (in cases of chronic diarrhea).

Diarrhea can also indicate a wide range of underlying chronic conditions. Diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further problems.

When diagnosing the cause of diarrhea, a doctor will ask about the person’s symptoms and:

• any current medications they take
• their past medical history
• their family history
• their travel history
• any other medical conditions they have

They will also ask:

• when the diarrhea started
• how frequent the stools are
• if blood is present in the stool
• if the person has been vomiting
• whether the stools are watery or contain mucus or pus
• how much stool there is

They will also look for signs of dehydration. Severe dehydration can be fatal if the person does not receive rehydration therapy immediately.

Tests for diarrhea

Most cases of diarrhea resolve without treatment, and a doctor will often be able to diagnose the problem without the use of tests.

However, in more severe cases, a stool test may be necessary — especially if the symptoms persist for longer than a week.

The doctor may also recommend further tests if the person has:

• signs of fever or dehydration
• stools with blood or pus
• severe pain
• low blood pressure
• a weakened immune system
• recently traveled
• recently received antibiotics or been in the hospital
• diarrhea persisting for longer than 1 week

If a person has chronic or persistent diarrhea, the doctor will order tests according to the suspected cause.

These may include:

• A full blood count: Anemia may suggest malnutrition, bleeding ulcerations, or IBD.
• Liver function tests: These will include testing albumin levels.
• Tests for malabsorption: These will check the absorption of calcium, vitamin B-12, and folate. They will also assess iron status and thyroid function.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein: Raised levels may indicate IBD.
• Tests for antibodies: These may detect celiac disease.
• Stool tests: Doctors can identify parasites, bacteria, and a few viruses in stool cultures. Stool tests can also reveal microscopic blood, white blood cells, and other clues for diagnosis.

Diarrhea often resolves without medical treatment, but it is important to seek medical help when there is:

• persistent vomiting
• persistent diarrhea
• dehydration
• significant weight loss
• pus in the stool
• blood in the stool, which may turn the stool black if it is coming from higher up in the gastrointestinal tract

Anyone who experiences diarrhea after surgery, after spending time in the hospital, or after using antibiotics should seek medical attention.

Adults who lose sleep due to diarrhea should also seek medical care as soon as possible, as this is usually a sign of more serious causes.

Children should see a doctor as soon as possible if they have had more than five bouts of diarrhea or vomited more than twice within 24 hours.

The following can help prevent diarrhea:

• drinking clean and safe water only
• having good sanitation systems, such as wastewater and sewage
• having good hygiene practices, such as regularly washing the hands with soap, especially before preparing food and eating and after using the bathroom
• educating oneself on the spread of infection

There is evidence to suggest that interventions from public health bodies to promote hand-washing can reduce diarrhea rates by about one-third.

In developing countries, however, the prevention of diarrhea may be more challenging due to dirty water and poor sanitation.

Diarrhea is a common problem with many potential causes.

In most cases, a range of home remedies and medical treatments can help. However, a person should see their doctor if they are concerned about diarrhea or other symptoms.

Causes and How to Treat it

Diarrhea, or “the runs,” is when you experience loose, watery stools and feel the urgent need to have a bowel movement multiple times a day. A few causes include infections, diseases, and food intolerances.

Diarrhea can be acute or chronic.

Acute diarrhea occurs when the condition lasts for 1 to 2 days. You might experience diarrhea due to a viral or bacterial infection you acquired via something you ate or drank.

Chronic diarrhea refers to having diarrhea on most days for longer than 3 to 4 weeks. Some common causes of chronic diarrhea include:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
• conditions, such as celiac disease, that affect the absorption of certain nutrients

You may experience diarrhea because of several conditions or circumstances. Potential causes of diarrhea include:

• viral infections including rotavirus, norovirus, and viral gastroenteritis
• bacterial infections, including Salmonella and E. coli
• parasitic infections
• intestinal diseases
• a food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance
• an adverse reaction to a medication
• gallbladder or stomach surgery

Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute diarrhea globally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this infection causes around 40 percent of hospitalizations in children under 5 years old. Globally, most diarrhea deaths are the result of contaminated water supplies and insufficient sanitation.

In the United States, you are more likely to develop diarrhea due to food poisoning from eating contaminated foodstuffs. According to the CDC, annually there are close to 48 million diarrheal illnesses caused by contaminated food in the United States.

Chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of a more severe condition such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. Frequent and severe diarrhea could be a sign of intestinal disease or a functional bowel disorder.

The main symptoms of diarrhea are frequent loose, watery stools and a pressing urge to have a bowel movement.

There are many different symptoms of diarrhea. You may experience only one of these or any combination of all of them. The symptoms depend on the cause. It’s common to feel one or more of the following:

• nausea
• abdominal pain
• cramping
• bloating
• dehydration
• a frequent urge to evacuate your bowels
• a large volume of stools
• dehydration

Dehydration and diarrhea

Diarrhea can cause you to lose fluids quickly and put you at risk for dehydration. If you don’t receive treatment for diarrhea, it can have severe effects. The symptoms of dehydration include:

• fatigue
• dry mucous membranes
• increased heart rate
• a headache
• lightheadedness
• increased thirst
• decreased urination
• dry mouth

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you think your diarrhea is causing dehydration.

Learn more about dehydration here.

Diarrhea in babies and young children

Children are particularly susceptible to diarrhea and dehydration. The CDC reports that diarrhea and its complications account for around 1 in 9 annual child deaths worldwide, making this the second leading cause of death in those under age 5.

Call your child’s doctor or seek emergency care if you see symptoms of dehydration, such as:

• decreased urination
• dry mouth
• a headache
• fatigue
• a lack of tears when crying
• dry skin
• sunken eyes
• sunken fontanel
• sleepiness
• irritability

Research shows that the treatment for diarrhea typically requires replacing lost fluids. This means you need to drink more water or electrolyte replacement beverages, such as sports drinks.

In more severe cases, you may get fluids through intravenous (IV) therapy. If a bacterial infection is the cause of your diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Your doctor will decide your treatment based on:

• the severity of the diarrhea and related condition
• the frequency of the diarrhea and related condition
• the degree of your dehydration status
• your health
• your medical history
• your age
• your ability to tolerate different procedures or medications
• expectations for improvement of your condition

Your doctor will complete a physical examination and consider your medical history when determining the cause of your diarrhea. They may also request laboratory tests to examine urine and blood samples.

Additional tests your doctor may order to determine the cause of diarrhea and other related conditions can include:

• diet elimination tests to determine whether a food intolerance or allergy is the cause
• imaging tests to check for inflammation and structural abnormalities of the intestine
• a stool culture to check for bacteria, parasites, or signs of disease
• a colonoscopy to check the entire colon for signs of intestinal disease
• a sigmoidoscopy to check the rectum and lower colon for signs of intestinal disease

A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is especially helpful for determining if you have an intestinal disease or severe or chronic diarrhea.

Although diarrhea can occur for various reasons, there are actions that you can take to prevent it:

• You can avoid developing diarrhea from food poisoning by washing the cooking and food preparation areas more frequently.
• Serve food immediately after preparing it.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
• Always thaw frozen food in a refrigerator.

Preventing traveler’s diarrhea

You can help prevent traveler’s diarrhea by taking the following steps when traveling:

• asking your doctor if you can begin an antibiotic treatment before you leave
• avoiding tap water, ice cubes, and fresh produce that has probably been washed with tap water while you’re on vacation
• drinking bottled water only while on vacation
• eating cooked food only while on vacation

Preventing the spread of viral or bacterial infections

If you have diarrhea due to a viral or bacterial infection, you can prevent transmitting the infection-causing agent to others by washing your hands more frequently.

When you wash your hands, use soap and wash for 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when washing your hands isn’t possible.

Most cases of acute diarrhea are self-resolving, and symptoms will improve within a few days.

However, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, if symptoms persist for longer than 2 days, you should seek medical attention, as you may be getting dehydrated and need IV fluids or other treatment and evaluation.

Diarrhea is also a symptom of some serious medical emergencies. If you experience loose, watery stools alongside any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency help. A combination of these symptoms may be a sign of a severe underlying illness.

• a fever
• bloody stools
• frequent vomiting

Seek immediate treatment if any of the following apply to your child:

• They’ve had diarrhea for 24 hours or more.
• They have a fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher.
• They have stools that contain blood.
• They have stools that contain pus.
• They have stools that are black and tarry.

These are all symptoms that indicate an emergency.

Call 911

If you or someone around you experiences symptoms of severe diarrhea and dehydration or any of the symptoms above, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency department.

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If you have diarrhea, you will typically experience loose, watery stools multiple times a day. You may also experience sudden urges to vacate your bowels.

Diarrhea is often the result of a short-term infection but can lead to severe complications, notably dehydration. The condition can also be chronic, although this is less common.

Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes of diarrhea. Food intolerances, the side effects of medications, and underlying chronic conditions can also cause diarrhea.

If you experience symptoms for more than 2 days, you should see a doctor. If a child under your care is displaying symptoms of diarrhea, seek medical assistance immediately. Children under 5 years old are particularly susceptible to diarrhea and dehydration, and this is often a medical emergency.

Bovine viral diarrhea brief description of the infectious disease

Bovine viral diarrhea – disease of the mucous membranes – a contagious disease characterized by erosive and ulcerative inflammation of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, rhinitis, swollen lymph nodes, high fever, general depression, leukopenia, permanent or intermittent diarrhea, erosive and ulcerative stomatitis with profuse salivation, mucopurulent discharge from the nasal cavity, and latent infection of cows leading to acute infection of the fetus, causing mummification of the fetus, abortions (Figure 2), stillbirths, birth defects and diarrhea of ​​newborn calves .

Epidemiological data. The main source and reservoir of the virus are persistently infected animals, which, in apparent clinical health, constantly shed the virus, infecting susceptible livestock. The virus can be transmitted in various ways: alimentary, aerogenic, intrauterine; there are reports of transmission of the virus through semen. Viral diarrhea often occurs in the form of epizootic outbreaks, mainly in the cold season. In farms with combined livestock, viral diarrhea is often recorded as a mixed infection.

Pathogenesis. The virus, getting on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes, is quickly fixed, invades and multiplies in the epithelial cells. The virus is found in the blood. Monocytes are especially susceptible to virus infection. Virus damage to the mucous and submucosal membranes of the abomasum, the membranes of the large and small intestines leads to the formation of necrosis of the mucous membranes, erosions and ulcers with a layer of bacteria and fungi. The presence of secondary microflora causes intoxication of the body and its depletion. The VD virus occupies a special position among other viral pathogens, since it is practically the only pathogen that freely penetrates the transplacental barrier without violating its functions. Depending on the age of the fetus, infection can lead to death, developmental disorders, lifelong persistent virus carriage (Figure 1) or (in the case of infection of immunocompetent fetuses) to a specific immunocompetent response with elimination of the virus.

Clinical signs. The causative agent is represented by two biotypes of the virus (non-cytopathogenic and cytopathogenic), the interaction of which in the body of susceptible animals determines the diverse forms of the clinical course of the infection: infection of the reproductive tract; infections of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract; mucosal disease and acute infections with immunosuppression.

Laboratory diagnosis of is based on the results of clinical, pathological, virological and serological studies. Interpretation of the results of these studies is difficult due to the presence of various forms of clinical manifestations of infection, the development in affected animals and fetuses of necrotic changes in epithelial cells of various organs and neurons, similar to those observed in a number of diseases of other etiologies; the presence of non-cytopathogenic strains of the pathogen; the possibility of an asymptomatic course of infection and a number of other factors. The greatest difficulty in diagnosing and fighting the disease is often occurring persistent infection, ending in immune tolerance.

For post-mortem laboratory diagnostics , lymph nodes, pieces of various sections of the intestine, lungs, spleen, liver, mucous membranes of the oral and nasal cavities are sent.

For in vivo diagnostics send from 5 to 8 samples of expiration from the nose and eyes, feces from animals with a clinical manifestation of the disease, heparinized or citrated blood, as well as blood serum from recovered animals. For diagnosis, the method of immunofluorescence, ELISA and PCR diagnostics are used.

Immunity and specific prophylaxis. To prevent the disease, FGU “ARRIAH” has developed mono- and associated inactivated vaccines that form active immunity for at least 6 months within 14-21 days after vaccination.

Figure 1. Persistently infected calf

Figure 2. Abortion at 7-8 months of pregnancy kvass

• Health

In the heat, you want kvass more than ever – delicious, quenches thirst, sold in almost every store. However, some people should give up this drink, says immunologist Elena Paretskaya.

June 29, 2022

Source:

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The long-awaited heat has come to many cities in Russia – the beaches are filled with people, you can swim in the river and take long walks until late without fear of freezing. And the higher the thermometer, the more often you want to take a cool shower and drink as much liquid as possible. Undoubtedly, the ideal drink to quench your thirst is ordinary drinking water. But there is another option – delicious carbonated kvass.

What is its use

In essence, kvass is very useful. It has a pleasant refreshing taste, improves metabolism, and has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and digestive systems. The drink contains lactic and acetic acids, so it quenches thirst well, Rospotrebnadzor experts say.

Read also

Kvass has a low energy value: 100 grams contains only 27 calories. The drink also contains carbon dioxide – it facilitates the digestion of food and its absorption, increases appetite. People who are want to lose weight through an active lifestyle and playing sports, kvass will be useful before and during training, as it helps the body break down fats.

Another nice fact about kvass: the drink contains a high content of vitamins B1, E and A. They help to strengthen hair, nails and improve skin condition.

However, some people should still give up kvass – the drink can significantly harm the body.

Who should not drink kvass

Kvass is a product of fermentation, and yeast, so it should not be consumed by people who0003 are allergic to yeast and moulds, says Elena Paretskaya.

Allergy sufferers may develop cross intolerance. A rash, blisters may appear on the skin, a person will begin to cough, shortness of breath and wheezing will appear. The gastrointestinal tract may also suffer – diarrhea, vomiting will begin, and the stomach will hurt.

– If it is store-bought kvass, which is additionally saturated with preservatives, dyes and flavor enhancers, , then the risk increases several times , the doctor explains.

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• Also people with celiac disease should not drink kvass. The traditional recipe uses a mixture of wheat, barley and rye, which means that the drink will contain gluten protein. Here again it is worth mentioning store-bought kvass – it is prepared according to traditional recipes and it definitely contains this protein. “Some people cook buckwheat, oatmeal kvass at home, but if you have celiac disease, you need to drink it carefully, because it can also harm you,” explains Elena Paretskaya.

• Another important detail: kvass is not recommended for those who have a history of gastritis with normal and increased acidity of the stomach. But with hypoacid gastritis (when the acidity is low), on the contrary, you can drink kvass a little, but you should carefully monitor the reaction of the gastrointestinal tract.

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• Since the drink contains a very small percentage of alcohol, it is not recommended for people who suffer from liver problems. Despite the fact that there is little alcohol in kvass, the inflamed liver can still react.

• And the last recommendation: in case of hypertension it is very limited to use kvass. “It does not quench thirst due to the rather high content of sugar and salt, but only increases it. As part of okroshka, the amount of salt can generally go off scale, so hypertensive patients should refuse this combination, ”the doctor explained.

It is believed that healthy people can drink up to 600-800 ml of kvass per day. And those who have health problems should limit themselves to 1-2 glasses.

How to choose the right kvass

1. The composition of the drink should not contain artificial and natural-identical flavors and flavors, synthetic and inorganic dyes, sweeteners and preservatives. Good kvass contains only water, rye flour, malt, sugar and yeast.

2. Good kvass should foam. This indicates the correct content of carbon dioxide.

3. The bottom of the bottle must be free of sediment. If it is, this is a signal of a violation of production rules.

4. When buying a drink, choose a dark container. It better protects kvass from exposure to sunlight.

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When buying kvass for bottling, beware of those outlets where sanitary standards are not met: there are no containers with lids, garbage is not taken out, the seller is dressed untidy, and the container for storing the drink is not protected from direct sunlight. Remember: the one who sells the product must have a medical book and a full package of documents confirming the safety, quality and origin of the product.