How to stop running diarrhea. How to Prevent Runner’s Diarrhea: Effective Strategies for Athletes
What causes runner’s diarrhea. How can dietary changes help prevent it. Which foods should runners avoid before exercise. What are the best hydration practices for runners. How does clothing affect runner’s diarrhea. When should a runner seek medical advice for persistent diarrhea.
Understanding Runner’s Diarrhea: Causes and Symptoms
Runner’s diarrhea is a common issue that plagues many long-distance runners. It is characterized by frequent, loose bowel movements that occur during or immediately after running. While the exact cause remains unclear, several factors contribute to this uncomfortable condition:
- Physical jostling of internal organs during running
- Decreased blood flow to the intestines
- Changes in intestinal hormone secretion
- Increased food intake or introduction of new foods
- Pre-race anxiety and stress
These factors can lead to accelerated food movement through the bowels of athletes in training. Understanding these contributing elements is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Dietary Strategies to Prevent Runner’s Diarrhea
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in preventing runner’s diarrhea. By making smart dietary choices, runners can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing this issue. Here are some key strategies:
Timing Your Meals
Can the timing of meals affect runner’s diarrhea? Indeed, it can. To minimize the risk, consider the following guidelines:
- Avoid eating anything for at least two hours before running
- Limit or avoid caffeine and high-fat foods for three to six hours before running
- Plan your last substantial meal at least one day before a long run or race
Managing Fiber Intake
How does fiber consumption impact runner’s diarrhea? While fiber is essential for overall digestive health, it can contribute to gastrointestinal distress during running. To prevent issues:
- Limit or avoid high-fiber and gas-producing foods like beans, bran, fruit, and salad at least one day before running
- If you run daily, experiment to find a tolerable level of fiber intake
- Consider consuming high-fiber foods after your run instead of before
Avoiding Problematic Foods
Certain foods and ingredients can exacerbate runner’s diarrhea. It’s advisable to steer clear of:
- Sugar alcohols (isomalt, sorbitol, etc.) found in sugar-free candies, gum, and ice cream
- Dairy products if you’re lactose intolerant (switch to lactose-reduced or lactose-free alternatives)
- Energy gels and bars, especially new ones on race day
Hydration Practices for Runners
Proper hydration is crucial for preventing runner’s diarrhea and maintaining overall performance. How should runners approach hydration?
- Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after running
- Avoid warm liquids, as they can accelerate food movement through the digestive tract
- Be cautious with sports drinks, as some runners may find them contributing to diarrhea
Dehydration can lead to diarrhea, so maintaining proper fluid balance is essential. However, it’s equally important not to overhydrate, as this can also cause gastrointestinal distress.
The Impact of Clothing on Runner’s Diarrhea
Does clothing choice affect the likelihood of experiencing runner’s diarrhea? Surprisingly, it can. Tight-fitting clothing, especially around the waist, may aggravate diarrhea symptoms. To minimize this risk:
- Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting running attire
- Avoid compression gear around the abdominal area if you’re prone to runner’s diarrhea
- Choose moisture-wicking fabrics to prevent chafing and irritation
Training Intensity and Runner’s Diarrhea
How does training intensity relate to the occurrence of runner’s diarrhea? High-intensity workouts and long-distance runs can increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues. To manage this:
- Gradually increase your running intensity and distance over time
- Consider reducing the intensity or distance of your runs if diarrhea persists
- Allow for adequate recovery time between intense training sessions
By carefully managing your training load, you can help your body adapt and reduce the risk of runner’s diarrhea.
The Role of Medication in Runner’s Diarrhea
Can certain medications contribute to runner’s diarrhea? Some commonly used drugs may increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues during running. It’s important to be aware of:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- Some antibiotics and antacids
- Certain supplements and herbal remedies
If you’re taking any medications, consult with your healthcare provider about their potential impact on your digestive system during exercise.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Runner’s Diarrhea
While occasional runner’s diarrhea is common, persistent or severe symptoms may warrant medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare professional?
- If diarrhea persists for more than a few days
- If you experience severe abdominal pain or cramping
- If you notice blood in your stool
- If you have signs of dehydration, such as dark urine or dizziness
A healthcare provider can help rule out underlying conditions and provide personalized advice for managing runner’s diarrhea.
Alternative Treatments for Runner’s Diarrhea
Are there any alternative treatments that can help prevent or manage runner’s diarrhea? While scientific evidence is limited, some runners find relief through:
- Probiotic supplements to support gut health
- Peppermint oil capsules for reducing intestinal spasms
- Ginger tea or supplements for calming the digestive system
- Relaxation techniques to manage pre-race anxiety
It’s important to note that these alternative treatments may not work for everyone, and it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying new supplements or remedies.
The Psychological Aspect of Runner’s Diarrhea
How does mental state influence the occurrence of runner’s diarrhea? The mind-gut connection plays a significant role in digestive health, and runners often experience increased anxiety and stress before important races or long runs. To address this:
- Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises
- Develop a pre-race routine to help manage anxiety
- Work with a sports psychologist to address performance-related stress
By managing the psychological aspects of running, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of runner’s diarrhea episodes.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies for Runner’s Diarrhea
What long-term strategies can runners adopt to minimize the risk of diarrhea? Developing a comprehensive approach to gut health and running can help prevent recurring issues:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in easily digestible foods
- Stay consistently hydrated, not just during runs
- Gradually acclimatize your body to different running conditions and intensities
- Keep a food and symptom diary to identify potential triggers
- Consider regular check-ups with a sports nutritionist or gastroenterologist
By implementing these strategies, runners can work towards a more comfortable and enjoyable running experience.
The Impact of Environmental Factors on Runner’s Diarrhea
Do environmental conditions affect the likelihood of experiencing runner’s diarrhea? Various external factors can influence digestive health during running:
- Heat and humidity: These can increase the risk of dehydration and gastrointestinal distress
- Altitude: Running at high altitudes may exacerbate digestive issues
- Air quality: Poor air quality can lead to increased stress on the body, potentially affecting digestion
To mitigate these risks, runners should:
- Acclimatize to new environments gradually
- Adjust hydration and nutrition strategies based on environmental conditions
- Be prepared with appropriate gear for various weather scenarios
The Role of Gut Training in Preventing Runner’s Diarrhea
Can runners train their digestive systems to better handle the stress of running? Gut training is an emerging concept in endurance sports that involves:
- Gradually introducing race-day nutrition during training runs
- Practicing hydration strategies in various conditions
- Experimenting with different pre-run meals to find what works best
By systematically exposing the digestive system to race-like conditions, runners may be able to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues during important events.
Recovery Strategies After Experiencing Runner’s Diarrhea
How should runners approach recovery after an episode of diarrhea? Proper post-run care is crucial for restoring digestive health and preventing future issues:
- Rehydrate with water and electrolyte-rich fluids
- Gradually reintroduce bland, easily digestible foods
- Allow for adequate rest and recovery before resuming intense training
- Monitor for any persistent symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary
By focusing on recovery, runners can minimize the long-term impact of diarrhea episodes and return to training more quickly and safely.
The Importance of Individualized Approaches to Runner’s Diarrhea
Why is it crucial to develop personalized strategies for preventing runner’s diarrhea? Each runner’s body responds differently to various foods, hydration methods, and training intensities. To find the most effective approach:
- Experiment with different pre-run meals and snacks
- Test various hydration products during training runs
- Keep detailed records of your nutrition, training, and any gastrointestinal symptoms
- Work with a sports nutritionist to develop a tailored plan
By taking the time to understand your body’s unique needs and responses, you can develop a personalized strategy to minimize the risk of runner’s diarrhea and optimize your performance.
The Future of Runner’s Diarrhea Research and Treatment
What advancements can we expect in the understanding and treatment of runner’s diarrhea? Ongoing research in sports nutrition and gastroenterology is shedding new light on this common issue:
- Investigations into the role of the gut microbiome in athletic performance and digestive health
- Development of new, easily digestible sports nutrition products
- Studies on the effectiveness of various probiotic strains for athletes
- Research into genetic factors that may predispose runners to gastrointestinal issues
As our understanding of runner’s diarrhea evolves, we can anticipate more targeted and effective prevention and treatment strategies in the future.
How can I prevent runner’s diarrhea?
How can I prevent runner’s diarrhea? – Mayo Clinic Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Written by Dana Sparks and Mayo Clinic Staff of the Mayo Clinic News Network on July 8, 2021
September 1, 2021
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Runner’s diarrhea is characterized by frequent, loose bowel movements during or immediately after a run. Runner’s diarrhea is most common in long-distance runners.
The cause of runner’s diarrhea isn’t clear. Contributing factors likely include the physical jostling of the organs, decreased blood flow to the intestines, changes in intestinal hormone secretion, increased amount or introduction of new food, and pre-race anxiety and stress. What is clear is that food moves more quickly through the bowels of athletes in training.
Often, simple dietary changes can help prevent runner’s diarrhea:
- At least one day before running, limit or avoid high-fiber and gas-producing foods, such as beans, bran, fruit and salad. If you run every day, experiment to find a tolerable level of fiber. Otherwise, simply eat those foods after you run.
- At least one day before running, limit or avoid sweeteners called sugar alcohols (isomalt, sorbitol, others) — most often found in sugar-free candies, gum and ice cream.
- For three to six hours before running, limit or avoid caffeine and high-fat foods.
- For at least two hours before running, don’t eat anything at all.
- Before, during and after running, drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can lead to diarrhea. Avoid warm liquids, however, which can speed food through the digestive tract.
- While running, use caution with energy gels and energy bars. In some people, these products can contribute to diarrhea. And especially avoid introducing a new gel or bar on race day.
- If you’re lactose intolerant, switch to lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk and milk products.
- Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve). Both have been shown to increase the incidence of gastrointestinal complaints.
In addition, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing when you run. Clothing that’s too tight around the waist may aggravate diarrhea. You might also consider reducing the intensity or distance of your runs until the diarrhea improves. Then gradually increase your activity as your signs and symptoms allow. If these tips don’t seem to help, consult your health care provider for additional suggestions.
Originally posted on the Mayo Clinic News Network.
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What to Eat and What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea
Occasional diarrhea is nothing to worry about. The causes of diarrhea can range from a stomach flu to a specific meal or ingredient you ate that didn’t sit well. Because certain foods can worsen symptoms, it’s good to know the foods you should eat when you have diarrhea — and what you should avoid. (1)
You want to eat plain, simple foods, especially in the first 24 hours, says Peter Higgins, MD, PhD, the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
“It is best to eat thicker, bland foods, including oatmeal, bananas, plain rice, and applesauce,” he says.
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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causes, symptoms, treatment of diarrhea: what to give, how to stop quickly
Diarrhea, also known as diarrhoea, is a fairly common ailment that affects people of all ages. In addition to tangible discomfort, it is characterized by a significant decrease in the quality of life. In some cases, there are serious complications that require treatment in a hospital, therefore, with severe diarrhea that does not stop for a long time, you should consult a doctor.
It is important to eliminate the problem in any case, even when it was provoked by taking medications or products that have a laxative effect. Sometimes you can get rid of diarrhea on your own, but there are situations when you cannot do without medical help. You will need to contact a specialist if:
- the onset of fever and its increase;
- severe pain in the abdomen;
- dehydration;
- blood and purulent inclusions in fecal secretions, as well as mucus detection;
- intoxication;
- lack of stabilization for more than two days.
What is diarrhea
Diarrhea is understood as a type of disorder of the lower gastrointestinal tract, occurring against the background of frequent bowel movements, liquefaction of feces and the appearance of cutting pains in the abdomen. The disease can be provoked by poisoning as a result of taking stale or low-quality products, or be a sign of a serious pathology.
It is appropriate to talk about diarrhea when adults and children over the age of one year have liquefied or unformed stools more than three times a day. Fecal masses may contain inclusions of pus, blood, mucus, or particles of undigested food, which occurs due to a failure in the absorption of nutrients or damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Often, the disorder is accompanied by vomiting and nausea, as well as sharp pains in the abdomen.
Diarrhea in acute form occurs suddenly. Its duration is approximately a day or two. The chronic form is characterized by a longer duration, equal to four weeks, during which exacerbations are replaced by periods without any symptoms. The latter include:
- increased gas formation;
- general weakness;
- the appearance of bloody inclusions in the feces;
- sensation of pain during the urge to empty the bowels.
Quite often, diarrhea causes pain in the abdomen, similar to contractions, as well as belching with an unpleasant odor. In addition, there is an increase in body temperature to thirty-eight degrees or more, vomiting and itching in the anus. In some cases, diarrhea pills help relieve unpleasant symptoms, but medical attention may also be required.
Varieties
The general description of diarrhea implies an increase in the process of defecation up to three or more times within 24 hours, accompanied by liquefaction of feces. This disease has several types, which are distinguished on the basis of a number of signs.
According to the clinical course
In accordance with this symptom, the disease is classified into:
- Chronic . In this case, the symptoms bother the person for four weeks. Provocateurs are parasitic, bacterial or viral pathologies of the intestines, which are of an infectious nature.
- Acute , lasting less than four weeks. The causative agents are the same diseases as for the type of diarrhea described above.
Separately, it is worth noting the so-called “traveler’s diarrhea”, which is understood as a clinical syndrome characteristic of people traveling to other climatic zones and countries. This condition worries for no more than a week.
By pathogenesis
Depending on the characteristics of the occurrence and development of diarrhea, the following types of it are distinguished:
- Osmolar characterized by copious excretion of liquid feces with a significant proportion of undigested food residues.
- Exudative characterized by mild fecal discharge with bloody or purulent inclusions.
- Secretory , occurring against the background of bowel movements in a volume exceeding a liter per day.
- Hypo- and hyperkinetic , which is a mushy or liquid stool in small volumes (one-time).
Causes of diarrhea in adults
The appearance of the disease leads to damage to the intestinal mucosa, which occurs under the influence of pathogenic microorganisms. It could be:
- adenovirus;
- salmonella;
- rotavirus infection;
- Coronavirus
- dysentery;
- E. coli;
Any of the listed pathogens can be found in contaminated food or water. In addition, dirty hands are a source.
There are also other causes of diarrhea:
- Lactose or gluten intolerance.
- Taking antibiotics for a long time.
- Frequent consumption of foods containing artificial sweeteners.
- Food poisoning.
- Inflammatory processes occurring in the pancreas.
In addition, in some cases, stool liquefaction is observed:
- During pregnancy.
- After vaccination.
- As a result of abdominal surgery.
As a rule, the liquid load of the stomach and intestines per day does not exceed ten liters. This volume also includes the digestive secret. Almost all liquid is absorbed by the large and small intestine. If the absorption process is disturbed, an increase in the volume of fluid in the lumen is observed, which provokes liquefaction of the feces. This may be due to:
- increased osmotic load resulting in accumulation of unabsorbed water-soluble substances in the intestine;
- increase the rate of transit of digested food in the lower digestive tract;
- increased excretion of intestinal secretions, as a result of which the body is not able to fully absorb it.
What diseases cause diarrhea?
Irritation of the intestinal mucosa occurs with the development of the following diseases and pathological conditions:
- Ischemia of the colon and small intestine.
- Congenital disorders of absorption.
- Neurogenic disorders.
- Pancreatic enzyme deficiency, chronic pancreatitis.
- Intestinal dysbacteriosis.
- Diseases of the thyroid gland.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Tumors in the adrenal glands, pancreas or intestines.
- Obstructive jaundice.
Diarrhea with water is also a sign indicating the presence of diseases such as:
- ulcerative colitis;
- pseudotuberculosis;
- Crohn’s disease;
- amoebic dysentery;
- various viruses (roto-, COVID-19, adeno-, noro-).
Why do I have diarrhea during my period?
During the menstrual cycle, the concentration of prostaglandins in the body increases. They are hormones that affect the contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestines and uterus. This leads to the fact that during menstruation the activity of the muscle tissue of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract becomes higher. At the same time, food absorption slows down, and the release of electrolytes into the intestinal lumen increases. As a result, there is an increase in defecation. There is no need to treat diarrhea during menstruation.
Which doctor to contact for diarrhea
If there are signs indicating irritation of the intestinal mucosa and the development of diarrhea, you need to go to an appointment with a therapist. In addition, a gastroenterologist and a general practitioner can help solve the problem. Any of these specialists will prescribe the examination required for making an accurate diagnosis, which will determine the cause of the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms. Sometimes it may be necessary to consult a parasitologist or infectious disease specialist.
Diagnostics and examinations
In the event that the manifestations of the disease are noted for no more than three days, there is no reason for concern. However, the failure of attempts to independently eliminate the problem with the help of medications should be the reason for going to the doctor. In addition, you should make an appointment with a specialist if:
- fever;
- rapid weight loss;
- blood and purulent inclusions in feces;
- drop in blood pressure;
- dehydration and intoxication.
Before deciding what to give for diarrhea, the doctor will palpate the abdomen, find out the circumstances under which the symptoms arose, and also ask the patient about the presence of concomitant pathologies. In addition, the patient is weighed, body temperature and heart rate, as well as blood pressure are measured.
In the process of making a diagnosis, the specialist must solve the following tasks:
- Determine the cause of the disease. You can understand how to stop diarrhea only when you identify its provocateurs.
- Determine the duration of symptoms, which will make it possible to understand the nature of the disorder and determine the further tactics of the examination.
- Identify disorders and their severity (dehydration, intoxication, etc.).
- Exclude acute surgical pathologies.
Difficulties in making a diagnosis are rare. They appear only when diarrhea acts as the first sign of a systemic pathology, or becomes dominant in the clinical picture.
What tests should be done for diarrhea?
Analyzes are a standard component of the diagnostic program and make it possible to establish the reasons for the dilution of the drain and the increase in defecation. The list of necessary studies is determined by the doctor personally for each patient based on the duration and nature of the symptoms, as well as other factors. As a rule, the following laboratory tests are prescribed:
- general clinical and biochemical blood test;
- analysis of feces for helminth eggs, dysbacteriosis, intestinal infections.
Diarrhea guide
Most often, if such an unpleasant problem occurs, a visit to the doctor is not required due to the fact that it quickly passes on its own. In order to accelerate the pace of normalization of the state, it is recommended:
- Drink as much fluid as possible while minimizing alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Add low fiber foods such as crackers, boiled eggs, rice, etc. to your daily diet.
- Avoid fatty or high-fiber foods, and spices and spices.
- Take probiotics to help restore intestinal microflora. The choice of a suitable drug should be carried out together with the doctor.
At the first signs of an intestinal disorder, Polysorb should be taken. You will need to see a specialist for examination and treatment of diarrhea if you cannot get rid of it on your own within no more than three days. In addition, critically ill health should be the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor.
Popular drugs
Various drugs are prescribed as effective tools to combat intestinal upset. Only a doctor can prescribe this or that medication, taking into account the results of a verified examination. The most popular drugs are:
Antidiarrheal, with a complex action and able to solve several problems at the same time:
- slowing of intestinal motility;
- absorption activation;
- decreased tone of the intestinal musculature;
- prolongation of fecal transit.
Of this group, the most popular is smecta for diarrhea. Loperamide-based drugs are also prescribed.
Antimicrobials, indicated for patients in whom diarrhea is a sign of a bacterial infection. They are prescribed exclusively by a doctor after receiving the results of the diagnosis. The choice in favor of a particular drug depends on the established pathogen. It is important to remember that taking antimicrobials should be carried out exactly at the dosage indicated by the specialist. This is due to the fact that diarrhea after antibiotics is possible with their uncontrolled intake.
Other medicines aimed at combating such manifestations of the disease as abdominal pain, dehydration, etc. This group includes:
- antispasmodics to relieve pain;
- enterosorbents (activated carbon) that promote the removal of toxins;
- rehydrators, replenishing the lack of fluid;
- vitamins and minerals that help replenish the deficiency of nutrients in the body, which arose against the background of fluid loss.
Clinical treatment of diarrhea
Therapy of intestinal disorders can be carried out in a hospital. This need arises when:
- Significant dehydration of the body, in which there is more than 10% underweight.
- The elderly patient, when he does not feel thirsty and is not able to make up for the lack of fluid in the body.
- Serious condition, expressed in fever, excessive weakness, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
- Frequent vomiting and intestinal obstruction, which does not allow to restore the fluid content in the body to normal levels by the oral route.
Diarrhea Diet – Do’s and Don’ts
In order to stabilize the condition with diarrhea, the diet is adjusted. During this period, it is allowed to eat:
- boiled rice;
- white bread crackers or toast;
- lean meats and fish that are to be baked or steamed;
- mashed potatoes.
In addition, you can eat baked apples and fresh bananas for diarrhea. Drink as much clean drinking water as possible to avoid excessive fluid loss. From drinks, strong black tea is also allowed.
If this problem occurs, fried, spicy and fatty foods should be abandoned in order not to aggravate the condition. For the same purpose, it is worth refusing fruits for diarrhea, as well as excluding:
- Dairy and fermented milk products.
- Black bread.
- Sweets and flour products.
- Legumes.
- Canned, salted, pickled and smoked products.
- Dried fruits.
- Coffee.
- Alcohol.
Prophylaxis
Since diarrhea is most often caused by an infection, it can be avoided by following certain preventive measures:
- Refusal to eat raw or undercooked food, as well as eating in establishments with a dubious reputation – in terms of sanitation.
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis.
- Monitoring the expiration dates of consumed foods and drinks in order to avoid delays.
- Immunization against E. coli, measles, salmonella, etc.
- Refusal to drink water from the tap. Drink only boiled or bottled water.
- Compliance with the rules of cooking in terms of temperature and duration.
- Avoid eating fruits, vegetables and berries without first washing them.
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
Maintaining the balance of microflora
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.