How can you quickly cure diarrhea at home. What are the best treatment options for diarrhea. When should you seek medical attention for diarrhea. What foods should you eat and avoid during a bout of diarrhea. How can probiotics help with diarrhea relief.

Understanding Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Diarrhea is a common digestive issue characterized by loose, watery stools and often accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping. While occasional bouts are normal, persistent or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications. To effectively manage this condition, it’s crucial to understand its underlying causes, recognize the symptoms, and be aware of potential risk factors.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

• Viral infections (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)
• Parasitic infections
• Food intolerances or allergies
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics)
• Digestive disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease)
• Stress or anxiety

Recognizing Diarrhea Symptoms

The primary symptom of diarrhea is loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual. However, other symptoms may include:

• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fever
• Blood in the stool (in severe cases)
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement

Are certain individuals more susceptible to diarrhea? Yes, some people are at higher risk of developing diarrhea, including:

• Young children and older adults
• People with weakened immune systems
• Travelers to areas with poor sanitation
• Individuals with certain digestive disorders

Hydration: The Key to Combating Diarrhea

One of the most critical aspects of treating diarrhea is preventing dehydration. When your body loses fluids through frequent, watery stools, it’s essential to replenish not only water but also essential electrolytes and minerals.

Effective Hydration Strategies

How can you ensure proper hydration during a bout of diarrhea? Consider the following strategies:

1. Drink plenty of water throughout the day
2. Consume clear broths or soups to replenish sodium
3. Opt for fruit juices (without added sugars) to restore potassium
4. Try sports drinks in moderation, being mindful of sugar content
5. For children, use oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte as recommended by a pediatrician

Is plain water enough to combat dehydration caused by diarrhea? While water is essential, it may not be sufficient on its own. Your body also needs to replace lost electrolytes and minerals. This is why incorporating beverages that contain sodium and potassium is crucial for effective rehydration.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

How can you tell if you’re becoming dehydrated? Be alert for these warning signs:

• Excessive thirst
• Dry mouth and lips
• Reduced urine output or dark-colored urine
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sunken eyes (especially in children)

If you notice these symptoms, especially in children or older adults, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. In severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluid therapy may be necessary to restore proper hydration levels.

The Bland Diet: Soothing Your Digestive System

When dealing with diarrhea, adopting a bland diet can help ease symptoms and promote faster recovery. This approach focuses on consuming foods that are gentle on your digestive system while avoiding those that may exacerbate the condition.

Foods to Include in a Bland Diet

What should you eat when following a bland diet for diarrhea relief? Consider incorporating these foods:

• Refined white bread, crackers, and pasta
• Cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables (without added spices or fats)
• Lean, tender proteins like skinless chicken or fish (baked, grilled, or steamed without added fats)
• Eggs
• Tofu
• Bananas
• White rice
• Plain, low-fat yogurt (if tolerated)

Foods to Avoid During Diarrhea

Which foods should you steer clear of when experiencing diarrhea? It’s best to avoid:

• Fatty or fried foods
• Raw vegetables
• Sugary foods and drinks
• Dried fruits or seedy fruits like berries
• Whole-grain products
• Strong cheeses
• Spicy foods
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Highly seasoned, cured, or smoked meats

How long should you follow a bland diet? The duration can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider about when to gradually reintroduce other foods into your diet.

Probiotics: Restoring Gut Balance

Probiotics have gained attention as a potential treatment for diarrhea. These beneficial microorganisms can help restore balance to your intestinal tract by boosting the levels of “good” bacteria in your gut.

The Science Behind Probiotics for Diarrhea Relief

Do probiotics really help with diarrhea? Research suggests they can be effective in certain cases. A comprehensive analysis of 63 studies involving about 8,000 participants found that probiotics appeared to help resolve diarrhea faster in about 21 out of 100 people.

How do probiotics work to alleviate diarrhea? They can:

• Compete with harmful bacteria for resources in the gut
• Produce substances that inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms
• Strengthen the intestinal barrier
• Modulate the immune system

Choosing and Using Probiotics

What should you consider when selecting a probiotic for diarrhea relief?

1. Look for products containing well-researched strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii
2. Check for an adequate number of colony-forming units (CFUs), typically in the billions
3. Choose a reputable brand that guarantees live cultures through the expiration date
4. Consider the form (capsules, liquid, or probiotic-enriched foods) that best suits your preferences

While probiotics show promise, it’s important to note that more research is needed to determine the most effective strains and dosages for specific types of diarrhea. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Diarrhea Relief

In addition to dietary changes and probiotics, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide relief from diarrhea symptoms. However, it’s crucial to use these products judiciously and understand their appropriate applications.

Types of OTC Diarrhea Medications

What are the main categories of OTC medications for diarrhea?

• Bismuth subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto-Bismol): Reduces inflammation and has antimicrobial properties
• Loperamide (e.g., Imodium): Slows down intestinal motility to reduce fluid loss
• Kaolin and pectin mixtures: Act as absorbents to reduce stool liquidity

Guidelines for Using OTC Diarrhea Medications

How can you safely use OTC medications for diarrhea relief?

1. Always read and follow the product label instructions carefully
2. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use
3. Avoid using these medications if you have bloody stools or a high fever
4. Be cautious when giving OTC medications to children; consult a pediatrician first
5. If symptoms persist beyond two days, seek medical advice

Are there any potential side effects of OTC diarrhea medications? Yes, some possible side effects include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Dizziness
• Skin rashes (in rare cases)

If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own within a few days, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary. Recognizing these scenarios can help prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.

Red Flags: Signs You Need to See a Doctor

When should you seek medical attention for diarrhea? Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than three days
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Blood in your stool
• Black, tarry stools
• High fever (above 102°F or 39°C)
• Signs of severe dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, dizziness, rapid heartbeat)
• Diarrhea accompanied by frequent vomiting

Special Considerations for High-Risk Groups

Are there certain groups who should seek medical attention sooner? Yes, the following individuals should consult a healthcare provider promptly if experiencing diarrhea:

• Infants and young children
• Older adults (over 65 years)
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)

What can you expect during a medical evaluation for diarrhea? Your healthcare provider may:

1. Ask about your symptoms, duration, and recent history (e.g., travel, dietary changes)
2. Perform a physical examination
3. Request stool samples for laboratory testing
4. Recommend blood tests to check for signs of infection or dehydration
5. In some cases, suggest imaging studies or endoscopic procedures for further evaluation

Preventing Diarrhea: Strategies for Long-Term Gut Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent diarrhea, there are numerous steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain optimal gut health. Implementing these strategies can help minimize the frequency and severity of diarrheal episodes.

Hygiene and Food Safety Practices

How can you protect yourself from foodborne and waterborne illnesses that cause diarrhea?

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before handling food and after using the bathroom
• Cook foods to appropriate temperatures to kill harmful bacteria
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and seafood
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and produce
• Refrigerate perishable foods promptly
• When traveling, be cautious about consuming tap water, ice, and raw foods in areas with poor sanitation

Lifestyle Factors for Gut Health

What lifestyle choices can contribute to a healthier digestive system?

1. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
3. Manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or counseling
4. Get regular physical activity to promote healthy digestion
5. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking
6. Consider incorporating fermented foods or probiotic supplements into your diet
7. Be mindful of medications that may affect your digestive system and discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider if necessary

Vaccination and Preventive Care

Are there vaccinations available to prevent certain types of diarrhea? Yes, some vaccines can help protect against diarrheal diseases, including:

• Rotavirus vaccine for infants
• Cholera vaccine for travelers to high-risk areas
• Typhoid vaccine for travelers to certain regions

Consult with your healthcare provider about which vaccinations may be appropriate for you or your family members, especially before international travel.

By implementing these preventive strategies and maintaining good overall health, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing frequent or severe bouts of diarrhea. Remember that a healthy gut contributes to overall well-being and a stronger immune system, helping you stay resilient against various digestive issues.

Treatment Options for Diarrhea | Everyday Health

Make Sure You Replace Fluids

Since diarrhea can lead to dehydration, it’s important to replace the fluids your body is losing. Drink plenty of water when you’re suffering from diarrhea. However, many times water will not be enough as it does not contain the salts, electrolytes, and minerals (such as sodium and potassium) that your body also needs to recover.

You can help replenish electrolytes by drinking fruit juices or sports drinks and eating soups with clear broth. However, pay attention to the amount of sugar in these drinks, as too much sugar can worsen diarrhea symptoms.

For children, talk to your pediatrician about oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, as a way to treat diarrhea and prevent dehydration.

If the diarrhea is severe, your doctor may determine that you need to be treated with fluid via intravenous therapy (IV). (1)

Eat a Bland Diet

A bland diet will be easy on your digestive system and can help ease diarrhea symptoms. A bland diet consists of foods that are soft, not spicy, and low in fiber. You should also avoid raw foods, fried foods, and drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.

Some foods that are good to eat on a bland diet include bread, crackers, and pasta made with refined white flour; soup, especially broth; cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables; eggs; tofu; and lean, tender protein, such as poultry or whitefish, that is steamed, baked, or grilled with no added fat.

While you’re on a bland diet, foods that you may want to avoid include fatty or fried foods; raw vegetables; sugary foods; dried fruits or seedy fruits like berries or figs; whole-grain bread, crackers, or pasta; strong cheeses; spicy or strongly flavored items like hot peppers and garlic; and highly seasoned, cured, or smoked meats and fish. (2)

Talk to your doctor about when you should go back to eating other foods again.

Consider Taking Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms that can help restore balance to the intestinal tract by boosting the level of what doctors refer to as “good” bacteria. Probiotics are sold in pharmacies and health-food stores and can be taken in capsule or liquid form. They are also sometimes added to foods, such as certain brands of yogurt.

Studies show that taking probiotics might be helpful in treating certain cases of diarrhea.

More in Digestive Health

Can Probiotics Aid Digestive Health?

For example, in 2010 researchers from the Cochrane Collaboration analyzed 63 studies with about 8,000 total participants that looked at the effectiveness of probiotics for acute diarrhea.

The results showed that about 34 out of 100 people who didn’t take probiotics no longer had diarrhea after three days. Of the people who did take probiotics, 55 out of 100 were diarrhea free after three days. Another way to look at it is probiotics appeared to help diarrhea go away faster in 21 out of 100 people. (3)

However, more research is needed to better understand which strains of bacteria and what doses are most helpful.

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What to Eat and What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

Avoid These Foods When You Have Diarrhea

As important as it is to know what to eat when you have diarrhea, you should also know which foods to avoid. Certain foods can travel through your intestines very quickly and aggravate your digestion, or worsen diarrhea in other ways.

Avoid the following for diarrhea relief:

• Fatty Foods These include foods that are fried, greasy, or covered in gravy, which can make diarrhea worse.
• Milk, Butter, Ice Cream, and Cheese Even if the diarrhea isn’t caused by lactose intolerance — a difficulty processing lactose, a sugar found in dairy products — stay away from these foods when you have diarrhea. You may be temporarily sensitive to dairy products, even if you usually have no problem with them. Probiotic-rich yogurt may be the one exception to this rule, as some studies have shown probiotics help rebalance intestinal flora and could shorten the duration of a bout of diarrhea.
• Alcohol and Sodas When you have diarrhea, you want to steer clear of foods and beverages that cause you to lose fluids. Alcohol can act as a diuretic, meaning it’s dehydrating, and should be avoided, Dr. Higgins says. Sodas with high-fructose corn syrup can also pose a problem if you have diarrhea. Large quantities of fructose can overwhelm your digestive system and lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea. (4)
• Sorbitol and Other Artificial Sweeteners Some people find that artificial sweeteners have a laxative effect on their digestive system. If you have diarrhea, it’s best to pass on sugarless candy and gum, diet soft drinks, and sugar substitutes. Consuming sugars, including artificial ones, causes your intestines to produce more water and electrolytes, which can then loosen bowel movements and lead to diarrhea. (5)
• Foods That Cause Excess Gas It’s important to eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables every day. But when diarrhea strikes, you want to avoid choices that are likely to increase intestinal gas, such as cabbage, beans, broccoli, and cauliflower, until you’re feeling better.
• Foods That May Be Spoiled Stay away from foods that may have been mishandled, including foods that have been out of the refrigerator for too long or improperly stored. Raw meat or fish can be problematic, too. Follow the old maxim, “When in doubt, throw it out,” and you may save yourself some stomach upset.

Other Strategies for Tackling Your Diarrhea

One of the more serious complications of diarrhea is dehydration. When you have diarrhea for any length of time, take steps to avoid becoming dehydrated by consuming enough liquids, Higgins says.

More in Digestive Health

3 Ways to Treat Diarrhea

“Look for liquids with sugar and salt — Pedialyte or full-salt soups work well,” he says. “If your urine is not clear, or you are not making much urine, you are not drinking enough.”

In terms of diarrhea treatment, Higgins says, if you don’t have an infection and are not seeing blood, you can take over-the-counter loperamide (Imodium) to slow your bowel movements. But this kind of medication should only be taken for a day or two.

If diet and simple remedies aren’t working, and if symptoms persist for more than a few days and include bleeding, gas, and bloating, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can determine whether the diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, and can recommend treatment.

RELATED: When Diarrhea Is More Serious Than You Think

Additional reporting by María Villaseñor.

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How to get rid of diarrhea quickly in adults, prevention and treatment of diarrhea (diarrhea)

CONTENT:

1. Causes of diarrhea
2. Symptoms of diarrhea
3. How to stop diarrhea?
3.1. Proper nutrition
3.2. Maintaining the balance of microflora
3.2. Diagnosis and examination
4. Prevention of diarrhea

Diarrhea often catches at the most inopportune moment, accompanied by flatulence, discomfort, pain and rumbling in the abdomen. It is extremely important to know its causes and symptoms in order to understand how to quickly stop diarrhea.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by:

– poisoning

– Intestinal infections

– Diseases caused by a violation of the immune system

– taking medicines

– diseases and inflammations of the digestive system

– metabolic disease

– dysbacteriosis

– Diseases caused by parasites: protozoa, helminths, arthropods

– Excessive alcohol consumption

– stress

— Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

– Eating stale or incompatible food

Symptoms of diarrhea

In medicine, there are two types of diarrhea: acute and chronic. The most common causes of acute diarrhea are eating low-quality or unfamiliar foods, taking medications, intestinal infections, and inflammation.

Symptoms of acute diarrhea:

– Continues up to 2-3 weeks

– Watery, frequent stools, may contain mucus and streaks of blood

– Bloating and diarrhea go hand in hand, nausea and pain are also noted

– Reduced appetite and weight loss

– Diarrhea can lead to dehydration of the body, therefore, with it, dry skin and mucous membranes, fatigue

– The temperature rises

Chronic diarrhea can only be a sign of diseases of the digestive tract, the diagnosis of which is a paramount task for treatment. Only a doctor can identify the causes of this type of diarrhea by examining the medical history and conducting an examination.

Symptoms of chronic diarrhea include:

— Lasts more than 3-4 weeks

– False urge to defecate, abdominal pain, increased gas formation, vomiting

— Diseases of the small intestine are characterized by copious, liquid or fatty stools

– For pathologies of the large intestine, less abundant stools, feces with impurities of pus, blood and mucus are inherent.

– In diseases of the rectum, frequent scanty stools are noted – this is due to high sensitivity to the tension of the intestinal walls and false urge to defecate

How to stop diarrhea?

If diarrhea does not last long, and there are no symptoms that may indicate serious diseases, then the following methods will help stop it.

Proper nutrition

Diet for diarrhea should be balanced and regular. It is necessary to eat often, about 5-6 times a day, in small portions. It is recommended to add to the diet:

– Boiled rice

– lean meat and fish

– White bread crackers

– Boiled eggs

– Bananas

– applesauce, boiled and baked apples

– Drink more fluids to stay hydrated

From the diet, it is necessary to exclude foods that increase peristalsis, increase the rate of exit of water and food from the intestines. For the period of acute diarrhea, the following are excluded from the diet:

– Products that cause fermentation and gas formation: drinks with gas, legumes, dairy products

– spicy, fatty, smoked, fried

– Foods high in sugar

– indigestible foods

– pasta

– fresh vegetables

– spices, seasonings

— Alcohol and coffee

Maintenance of microflora balance

Dysbacteriosis is a condition caused by a violation of the intestinal microflora. With dysbacteriosis, the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, and the number of “harmful” microorganisms increases, which can lead to diarrhea. The human microflora performs vital functions:

– Supports the immune system and acts as a barrier to pathogens by neutralizing toxins

– affects the absorption of nutrients

– Responsible for metabolism

– Synthesizes vitamins of group B, K and amino acids

– Supports the vital activity of the cells of the intestinal mucosa

– Regulates intestinal peristalsis

– Supports the activity of intestinal enzymes

– reduces inflammation in the intestines

– optimizes the permeability of the intestinal walls

Therefore, in order to get rid of diarrhea, it is extremely important to restore the balance of the microbiota and maintain it regularly. Probiotic remedies for diarrhea for adults, as well as products that improve the functioning of the digestive tract, can help with this.

Such a remedy is Lactoflorene® FLAT BODY – a complex of probiotics from Italy, which has been proven by numerous studies to be effective.

The innovative formula Lactoflorene® FLAT STOMACH includes:

– Bifidobacterium lactis HN019TM and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® restore the balance of intestinal microflora and help eliminate diarrhea.

– Enzymes alpha- and beta-galactosidase improve the processing of hard-to-digest foods.

– Extracts of plants such as chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower and ginger reduce the formation of gases in the digestive tract, eliminate pain in the abdomen, and relieve nervous tension.

Lactoflorene® FLAT STOMACH has a pleasant taste and is easy to use: just dilute the powder from the sachet in liquid and drink. Probiotics are very susceptible to moisture and interaction with other substances. The DUOCAM® dual-chamber packaging prevents the components from mixing with each other before using the product, thereby preserving the valuable qualities of probiotics. The sachet is convenient to take with you to work, on the road, travelling, so Lactoflorene® FLAT STOMACH is suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle.

Diagnostics and examination

Getting rid of diarrhea on your own is not always possible. In some cases, a violation of the stool is only a sign of diseases of the digestive tract, which can only be diagnosed and cured by a specialist. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following signs of diarrhea:

– Diarrhea does not go away for several days

– Temperature above 38°C

– Stomach ache

– The stool is dark, looks like tar

– Noticeable weight loss

– Blood, mucus, pus, fat are found in the stool

— Flatulence and diarrhea caused by food poisoning

As a treatment for symptoms, adsorbents, coatings and astringents are used that neutralize organic acids. It is worth remembering that only a doctor can prescribe an antidiarrheal agent.

Prevention of diarrhea

It is important to follow basic preventive measures on an ongoing basis. Prevention of diarrhea, first of all, should include hygiene and dietary rules:

– Wash hands before eating

– Thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits

— Proper cooking will help avoid food poisoning and intestinal infections

– Do not drink unboiled water, eat unusual and low-quality food, eat foods that can cause allergies

In the prevention of diarrhea, one should not forget about maintaining the balance of the intestinal microflora, because it is easier to prevent a violation of the stool than to get rid of its consequences.

Lactoflorene® FLAT STOMACH will eliminate diarrhea and avoid re-disruption of the stool.

Methods and preparations for the treatment of loose stools. The nature of the causes of diarrhea | Imodium®

Author, editor and medical expert – Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Number of views: 631 411

Last update date: 05/31/2023

Contents:

What to do about diarrhea
Drugs for the treatment of diarrhea in adults

Diarrhea syndrome is the second most common after acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract ¹ .

Since loose stools can be a symptom of a wide variety of conditions, treatment of diarrhea should always be preceded by a visit to the doctor and examination.

Causes of loose stools may be associated with infection:

• food poisoning caused by eating foods that are contaminated with bacterial toxins ² ;
• intestinal infection that develops when infected with viruses, bacteria or protozoa ² .

Infectious diarrhea, in addition to intestinal disorders, is characterized by general malaise, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and sometimes vomiting ¹ . The severity of these symptoms and the choice of drug for therapy depend on the infectious agent that caused the disease ¹ . Therefore, before treating diarrhea, the doctor will conduct a study – a microbiological analysis of vomit and feces to determine the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics ¹ .

Diarrhea may be associated with non-infectious inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, enteritis, colitis), circulatory disorders of the intestine (ischemic enteritis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances and allergies, taking certain medications. In all these cases, the doctor selects the optimal treatment ⁴ .

Back to Contents

Dealing with Diarrhea

Recurrent diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and loss of electrolytes ^1.2 . Violation of the body’s water and electrolyte balance negatively affects the work of the cardiovascular system and aggravates the course of the disease ⁵ . Therefore, rehydration therapy aimed at replenishing fluid loss is the first and most important component of the treatment of diarrhea in adults, and even more so in children ¹ .

Rehydration

The method of rehydration depends on the degree of dehydration:

• If ​​you feel well and are not very thirsty and dry mouth, plenty of fluids are enough ^1,2,5 .
  What to drink with a nose? In this case, ordinary drinking water, still mineral water, green or black tea, fruit drinks, compotes, diluted juices (if they are well tolerated), decoctions of dried rose hips and blueberries are suitable ^1.2 .
• If ​​severe thirst, dry mouth, anxiety and bruising under the eyes appear, that is, signs of moderate dehydration, you need to drink special rehydration solutions ^1.5 . They contain the most necessary electrolytes and help to restore the balance in the body during diarrhea.
• Severe dehydration in which the patient appears emaciated, lethargic, unable to drink and hardly urinates, an indication for hospitalization and intravenous rehydration ^{2. 5} . In such cases, urgent medical attention is needed.

As fluid loss is compensated, the state of health improves, thirst disappears, urination is restored. Rehydration therapy does not reduce stool frequency, does not speed up recovery, but prevents the development of severe complications due to dehydration ¹ .

Diet

Diet during diarrhea should be sparing. All dishes should have a delicate texture, so the products used for their preparation are carefully crushed, ground, stewed, boiled.

During the treatment of diarrhea, adults are advised to exclude from the diet ^2.6 :

• raw vegetables / fruits and stringy meats, which contain a large amount of indigestible coarse fibers;
• various sweets, legumes, yeast bread, dairy and other products that cause fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines;
• onions, garlic, radishes, turnips, mushrooms and spinach rich in essential oils;
• beets, dried apricots and prunes;
• coffee, cocoa and chocolate due to their intestinal stimulating effect ^{2. 6} .

Slimy soups, meatballs and quenelles made from twice ground lean meat, steamed fish, rice or buckwheat boiled in water, plain crackers and eggs are recommended ^{1, 6} .

If the intestinal disorder is caused by allergies or intolerance to lactose and gluten, the doctor prescribes an elimination diet that completely eliminates the use of “irritant” foods.

Back to Contents

Antidiarrheal Products for Adults

Pharmacy chains offer a wide range of products to improve bowel function. However, self-medication is unacceptable. All drugs should be prescribed by a doctor based on the results of the examination.

Antibacterial agents

According to statistics, in 80% of cases, infectious diarrhea ends on its own within 5 days and there is no need to use antibiotics ^1.5 . If the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy. The drug is chosen on the basis of the clinical picture and the results of a microbiological study of vomit and feces.

Enterosorbents

Enterosorbents are used to bind pathogenic bacteria, toxins and free water in the intestines. This allows to reduce intoxication, accelerate recovery and normalization of stool ^4.5 .

Antidiarrheals

Antidiarrheals are prescribed to quickly relieve diarrhea and prevent dehydration ^1,4,5 . Among the drugs in this group is IMODIUM® Express, the main active substance of which is loperamide ⁷ .

The action of loperamide is aimed at the normalization of intestinal motility and the absorption of water and electrolytes, which contributes to the compaction of feces and less frequent defecation ⁷ .

Probiotics

Probiotics are preparations based on lacto- and bifidobacteria. They are prescribed to restore and maintain a healthy intestinal microflora, naturally suffering from diarrhea ⁵ .

Enzyme preparations

Enzyme preparations promote the breakdown of food components, which helps with diarrhea associated with an absolute or relative lack of one’s own enzymes, such as chronic pancreatitis and lactase deficiency.