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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Osmolar characterized by copious excretion of liquid feces with a significant proportion of undigested food residues.
2. Exudative characterized by mild fecal discharge with bloody or purulent inclusions.
3. Secretory , occurring against the background of bowel movements in a volume exceeding a liter per day.
4. 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:

1. Determine the cause of the disease. You can understand how to stop diarrhea only when you identify its provocateurs.
2. 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.
3. Identify disorders and their severity (dehydration, intoxication, etc.).
4. 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:

1. Drink as much fluid as possible while minimizing alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
2. Add low fiber foods such as crackers, boiled eggs, rice, etc. to your daily diet.
3. Avoid fatty or high-fiber foods, and spices and spices.
4. 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:

1. Significant dehydration of the body, in which there is more than 10% underweight.
2. The elderly patient, when he does not feel thirsty and is not able to make up for the lack of fluid in the body.
3. Serious condition, expressed in fever, excessive weakness, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
4. 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:

1. Dairy and fermented milk products.
2. Black bread.
3. Sweets and flour products.
4. Legumes.
5. Canned, salted, pickled and smoked products.
6. Dried fruits.
7. Coffee.
8. Alcohol.

Prophylaxis

Since diarrhea is most often caused by an infection, it can be avoided by following certain preventive measures:

1. Refusal to eat raw or undercooked food, as well as eating in establishments with a dubious reputation – in terms of sanitation.
2. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis.
3. Monitoring the expiration dates of consumed foods and drinks in order to avoid delays.
4. Immunization against E. coli, measles, salmonella, etc.
5. Refusal to drink water from the tap. Drink only boiled or bottled water.
6. Compliance with the rules of cooking in terms of temperature and duration.
7. 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.