Things to help diarrhea. 5 Effective Diarrhea Remedies: Natural and Over-the-Counter Solutions

26.07.202214.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the most effective remedies for diarrhea. How can you manage acute diarrhea symptoms at home. Which over-the-counter medications can help relieve diarrhea. When should you seek medical attention for diarrhea.

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Understanding Diarrhea: Causes and Symptoms

Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal issue characterized by frequent, watery stools, often accompanied by abdominal cramping and bloating. It can be caused by various factors, including viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, recent antibiotic use, or contaminated water consumption. While acute diarrhea typically resolves within two weeks, it’s essential to manage symptoms effectively to prevent complications such as dehydration.

Common causes of acute diarrhea include:

Viral infections
Bacterial infections
Food poisoning
Recent antibiotic use
Consumption of contaminated water

Infectious diarrhea is particularly common in young children and is often caused by viruses. Traveler’s diarrhea can occur when visiting areas with poor sanitation, while food poisoning is typically caused by bacteria from improperly stored or cooked food.

The Importance of Hydration in Managing Diarrhea

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial when experiencing diarrhea, especially for young children and older adults, as dehydration can be potentially fatal in these age groups. For infants with diarrhea, it’s important to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding. Pediatric oral hydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, are recommended for children and should be administered in small, frequent amounts.

For adults with mild diarrhea symptoms, sports drinks and over-the-counter rehydration solutions can be equally effective. However, it’s important to avoid certain beverages that may exacerbate symptoms:

Alcohol
Milk
Soda
Carbonated drinks
Caffeinated beverages

Can oral rehydration solutions help prevent dehydration in children with diarrhea?

Yes, oral rehydration solutions are specifically formulated to replace fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea. They are particularly effective in preventing dehydration in children and are available in various forms, including liquid and popsicle preparations, making them easier to administer to young patients.

The Role of Probiotics in Diarrhea Treatment

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut environment. They play a crucial role in protecting the intestines against infections and maintaining normal gastrointestinal function. When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted by antibiotics or harmful microorganisms, diarrhea can occur. Probiotics can help restore this balance and alleviate diarrhea symptoms.

Natural sources of probiotics include:

Yogurt
Kefir
Kimchi
Sauerkraut
Kombucha
Aged soft cheeses
Cottage cheese
Sourdough bread
Tempeh
Miso
Natto

Probiotics are also available in supplement form as powders or pills. One particular probiotic, Saccharomyces boulardii, a type of yeast, has shown promise in improving antibiotic-associated diarrhea and providing relief for traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking probiotic supplements, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems.

How do probiotics help in treating diarrhea?

Probiotics help treat diarrhea by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They can improve the intestinal environment, enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms, and help fight off harmful pathogens that may be causing the diarrhea. Additionally, some probiotics may help improve nutrient absorption in the intestines.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Diarrhea Relief

For mild cases of acute diarrhea in adults, several over-the-counter medications can provide symptom relief. However, it’s important to note that these medications treat the symptoms of diarrhea rather than addressing the underlying cause. Common over-the-counter options include:

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate)
Loperamide (Imodium)

While these medications can be effective for short-term relief, they should be used with caution. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before using these medications, especially in cases of chronic diarrhea (lasting more than 14 days) or for use in children.

Are over-the-counter diarrhea medications safe for everyone?

Over-the-counter diarrhea medications are generally safe for adults with mild, acute diarrhea. However, they are not recommended for children without medical supervision. Individuals with chronic diarrhea, bloody stools, or severe symptoms should consult a healthcare provider before using these medications. It’s crucial to follow the dosage instructions carefully and discontinue use if symptoms persist or worsen.

Dietary Considerations During Diarrhea

While managing diarrhea, it’s important to pay attention to your diet to avoid exacerbating symptoms and support recovery. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) has traditionally been recommended for diarrhea, although current guidelines suggest a more varied approach.

Foods that may be beneficial during diarrhea include:

Bananas (rich in potassium and easy to digest)
Rice (helps firm up stools)
Boiled potatoes (provide easily digestible starch)
Lean meats (chicken, turkey)
Cooked carrots (provide nutrients and are easy on the digestive system)
Pretzels or crackers (to replace lost sodium)

It’s advisable to avoid foods that may irritate the digestive system or worsen diarrhea, such as:

Dairy products (except for yogurt with live cultures)
Fatty or greasy foods
Spicy foods
Caffeine
Alcohol
Artificial sweeteners

How can dietary changes help manage diarrhea symptoms?

Dietary modifications can help manage diarrhea by reducing intestinal irritation, replacing lost nutrients and electrolytes, and promoting firmer stools. Eating small, frequent meals of easily digestible foods can help ease the burden on your digestive system while providing necessary nutrition. Staying hydrated and avoiding foods known to aggravate diarrhea can also contribute to faster recovery.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While most cases of acute diarrhea resolve on their own with proper home care, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate a more serious condition or potential complications.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

Severe abdominal or rectal pain
Blood in the stool
Black, tarry stools
Fever above 102째F (39째C)
Signs of severe dehydration (extreme thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness)
Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days

For infants and young children, it’s crucial to be even more vigilant. Seek medical attention if your child:

Has a fever of 102째F (39째C) or higher
Appears dehydrated (dry mouth, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for 3 hours or more)
Has bloody or black stools
Shows signs of abdominal pain
Has diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours

How can you recognize signs of dehydration in children with diarrhea?

Signs of dehydration in children with diarrhea include decreased urination, dry mouth and lips, lack of tears when crying, sunken eyes, listlessness, and irritability. In infants, a sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the head) can also indicate dehydration. If you notice these signs, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly, as severe dehydration can be life-threatening, especially in young children.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments for Diarrhea Relief

In addition to medical treatments and dietary modifications, several natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms and promote recovery:

Rest: Allow your body time to heal by getting plenty of rest and avoiding strenuous activities.
Herbal teas: Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, or ginger, may help soothe the digestive system.
Psyllium husk: This natural fiber supplement can help absorb excess water in the intestines and firm up stools.
Apple cider vinegar: Diluted in water, it may help balance gut bacteria and reduce diarrhea caused by bacterial infections.
Zinc supplements: Some studies suggest that zinc supplementation may reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea, especially in children.
Hand hygiene: Practicing good hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of infectious diarrhea to others and reduce the risk of reinfection.

Can natural remedies effectively treat diarrhea?

While natural remedies can provide relief for mild cases of diarrhea, their effectiveness can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Some natural approaches, like staying hydrated and consuming probiotic-rich foods, are generally beneficial. However, it’s important to use natural remedies as complementary treatments alongside proper medical care, especially for severe or prolonged cases of diarrhea.

Preventing Diarrhea: Tips for Maintaining Gut Health

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing diarrhea:

Practice good hand hygiene, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
Cook foods thoroughly and store them properly
Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products and undercooked meats
Drink clean, safe water, particularly when traveling
Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber and probiotic foods
Manage stress levels, as stress can affect gut health
Exercise regularly to promote overall digestive health
Consider getting vaccinated against rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhea in children

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can help maintain a healthy gut environment and reduce your susceptibility to diarrhea-causing pathogens.

How does a healthy gut microbiome contribute to preventing diarrhea?

A healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in preventing diarrhea by maintaining a balanced intestinal environment. Beneficial gut bacteria help crowd out harmful pathogens, strengthen the gut’s protective barrier, and support the immune system. They also aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can help maintain overall gut health. By fostering a diverse and balanced gut microbiome through a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can improve your body’s natural defenses against diarrhea-causing agents.

5 Effective Diarrhea Remedies

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Plus Causes and Prevention Tips

Treatment to get rid of diarrhea fast can depend on the cause but typically involves taking anti-diarrheal medications or antibiotics. Certain food and drinks may also help you manage your symptoms.

Diarrhea, or watery stools, can be embarrassing and strike at the worst times, such as during a vacation or special event.

But while diarrhea often improves on its own within two to three days, a few remedies can help promote firmer stools faster.

Keep reading to learn about five fast-acting methods, along with what typically causes diarrhea and prevention tips.

Some people see diarrhea as nothing more than a mild nuisance and let it run its course, especially since some bouts lasts less than 24 hours.

You might stay close to home or a bathroom, and load up on fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

But what if you can’t stay home?

In this case, taking an anti-diarrheal medication may reduce or completely eliminate loose stools after the first dose. Look for over-the-counter products like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, which have the ingredients loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, respectively.

The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. This can quickly restore normal bowel function. Pepto-Bismol, on the other hand, helps kill diarrhea-causing bacteria in your intestines.

Rice water is another fast, effective remedy for diarrhea. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes, or until the water becomes cloudy.

Strain the rice and preserve the water for consumption. Rice water not only provides your body with fluid to prevent dehydration, it can also reduce the duration of diarrhea. Rice water has a binding effect in the digestive tract, resulting in firmer, bulkier stools.

Taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic foods like some brands of yogurt may also stop diarrhea.

Sometimes, diarrhea results from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help restore balance by providing a higher level of good bacteria. This can promote normal bowel function and shorten the duration of diarrhea.

Diarrhea from bacteria or a parasite may need an antibiotic. In this case, diarrhea can occur after coming in contact with contaminated food or water, often while traveling.

Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective when viral infections cause diarrhea. This type of diarrhea must run its course.

A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea.

BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they’re starchy, low-fiber foods.

These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier. And since they’re bland, they’re less likely to irritate your stomach or worsen diarrhea.

Along with these items, you could also eat (similarly bland) saltine crackers, clear broth, and potatoes.

Understanding the cause of diarrhea can help you avoid future bouts. Common causes include:

Stomach virus

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is one cause of diarrhea. Along with watery stools, you may have:

stomach pain
nausea
vomiting
low-grade fever

These viruses include norovirus and rotavirus, which can develop after eating or drinking contaminated food, or sharing personal items with an infected person.

Medication

Sensitivity to certain medications can also trigger bouts of diarrhea. This may happen after taking antibiotics, pain relievers, or cancer-fighting drugs.

Foodborne illness

Also called food poisoning, diarrhea can develop if you eat food contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or toxins. Food-borne illnesses can include those caused by the following bacteria:

Salmonella
E. coli
Listeria monocytogenes
Clostridium botulinum (botulism)

Food allergy or sensitivity

If you’re lactose intolerant, diarrhea may develop after eating dairy products. These include milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.

Having a food allergy or sensitivity may also trigger diarrhea. For example, you may have diarrhea after eating foods containing gluten — wheat, pasta, or rye.

Artificial sweeteners

This is a lesser known cause of diarrhea. But if you’re sensitive to artificial sweeteners, you may have a bout of diarrhea after eating foods or drinks containing these sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are found in diet drinks, sugar-free products, chewing gum, and even some candy.

Digestive problems

Diarrhea is sometimes a symptom of digestive disorders. You might have frequent bouts of loose stools if you’re diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Also, irritable bowel syndrome can cause alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.

Diarrhea caused by a virus or bacterial infection is contagious. You can protect yourself by:

washing your hands frequently
avoiding sick people
disinfecting commonly touched surfaces
not sharing personal items

If you have diarrhea after starting a new medication, ask your doctor about an alternative drug or possibly lowering your dosage.

You can also protect yourself by thoroughly cooking food and washing fruits and vegetables before preparing. Also, make sure you know the proper way to wash your hands.

Use warm, soapy water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To identify possible food allergies or sensitivities, keep a food journal and write down everything you eat for a few weeks. Make a note of days that you have diarrhea.

Keeping a food journal can help determine whether you have a lactose intolerance or a gluten sensitivity. You can then try an elimination diet. Remove suspected problem foods from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

For a digestive disorder, talk to your doctor if you feel that your current therapy isn’t working. You may need to adjust your medication.

See a doctor for diarrhea that lasts longer than three days, or if you show signs of dehydration. This can include extreme thirst, decreased urination, and dizziness.

You should also see a doctor if you have:

a fever above 102°F (38.9°C)
bloody or black stools
abdominal pain

Diarrhea can come and go within 24 hours. Or it can last for days and disrupt your plans. But between medication, low-fiber foods, and avoiding foods that irritate your digestive system — such as dairy or artificial sweeteners — you can quickly relieve symptoms and enjoy diarrhea-free days.

What to do with diarrhea – Lifehacker

Likbez

Health

July 18, 2019

Sometimes even healthy habits, such as running, cause it.

Diarrhea is normal. Sooner or later, absolutely everyone faces it, and in most cases, diarrhea safely passes by itself – within a day or two. But sometimes diarrhea can become a serious problem.

When to see a doctor urgently

Most of the time, you don’t have to worry about diarrhea. But see your doctor as soon as possible or, depending on the severity of your symptoms, call 911 if:

You have not only loose stools, but also blood in them. Or it is black – this is a sign of clotted blood.
You have a high temperature (above 38.3°C) along with diarrhea.
You have severe nausea or vomiting that prevents you from drinking to replace lost fluids.
You feel severe pain in your abdomen or anus.
Diarrhea appeared after you returned from abroad.
Your urine is very dark in color.
Your heart rate has increased.
Diarrhea is accompanied by severe headache, irritability, clouding of consciousness.

These symptoms indicate either an acute inflammatory process associated with an infection or severe dehydration. Both situations are equally dangerous – even fatal. Therefore, do not rely on home remedies and do not delay in contacting a doctor.

If there are no ominous signs, diarrhea can be managed with simple methods.

Where does diarrhea come from

Diarrhea is called the disease of unwashed hands, and it’s true: most often diarrhea catches up with those who are not too concerned about hygiene. But it happens otherwise. Here are the most common causes of diarrhea.

1. Viral infections

They didn’t wash their hands, they swallowed water from a river or a warm sea, they bit an unwashed apple. And got, for example, a rotavirus infection. Or maybe viral hepatitis. From the same sources – the Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus and other gastrointestinal filth, accompanied by liquefaction of the stool.

2. Bacteria and parasites

They come from about the same place as viral infections – from the careless habit of dragging something poorly washed or filtered into the mouth. Diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites often overtakes people in unfamiliar countries, which is why it has the “romantic” name of traveler’s diarrhea.

3. Taking certain medications

Diarrhea is often caused by:

antibiotics;
antacid preparations, especially those containing magnesium;
certain drugs for the treatment of cancer.

4. Artificial sweeteners

Sorbitol, mannitol, aspartame – the human digestive system is not always ready to deal with these sweet synthetic substances. They are poorly digested, sometimes causing bloating and diarrhea.

5. Fructose or lactose intolerance

Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products. Fructose is the same, but comes from fruits or honey. Despite the natural origin of these simple carbohydrates, the body of some people does not know how to process them. Hence the digestive problems, including diarrhea.

By the way, the number of enzymes that help digest lactose decreases with age. Therefore, intolerance to milk sugars is often manifested in older people.

6. Digestive disorders

Here is a list of diseases that can provoke diarrhea from time to time (not necessarily on a permanent basis):

ulcerative and microscopic colitis;
celiac disease;
irritable bowel syndrome;
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

7. Alcohol abuse

A large amount of alcohol can damage the intestinal mucosa and disturb the composition of its microflora.

8. Some hormonal disorders

Diarrhea is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland).

9. Running

For some people, this hobby also provokes diarrhea. It’s called runner’s diarrhea.

What to do if you have diarrhea

In most cases, diarrhea does not need to be treated because it resolves quickly on its own. To speed up this process:

Drink more liquids: water, broth, fruit drinks, compotes, juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Eat low fiber foods such as boiled eggs, boiled rice or chicken, white bread toast or crackers.
Avoid high-fat, high-fiber foods (raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread), and spices and condiments for a while.
Consider taking probiotics, substances that help restore normal intestinal microflora. It is best to choose the necessary drug with a therapist.

What to do if diarrhea persists

Diarrhea that lasts longer than two days is a direct indication for consultation with a physician. Probably, diarrhea is caused by some internal serious failure in the body.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and take a look at your medical history. You may need to take blood, urine, and stool tests. Depending on the results of the examination and tests, the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

How to stop diarrhea quickly and reliably

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About the polyclinic
- 29. 01.2019
Views: 210495
There are several drugs traditionally used for diarrhea. The principle of their operation is different, although in 9In 0% of cases, diarrhea is caused by an infection. Therefore, the choice of a remedy for diarrhea should take into account that this condition is only a symptom, which must be dealt with by acting on the cause.
In an acute intestinal infection, choosing a drug that acts only on the symptom can be dangerous. For example, Imodium and its cheaper counterparts containing loperamide stop diarrhea by stimulating the gut’s opiate receptors. This leads to the fact that the tone of the locking sphincters increases, and the liquid from the feces is intensively absorbed back into the intestine. And this means that toxins, which are formed in excess as a result of infection with pathogens of intestinal infections, are also absorbed into the blood. Therefore, Loperamide is not so safe: it is forbidden to give it to children under 6 years of age.
The best choice for an intestinal infection is a drug that acts in the intestinal lumen and eliminates pathogens, doctors say. Therefore, for diarrhea in adults and children, drugs are used – derivatives of nitrofuran. Furazolidone, which is included in this series and has been quite popular for many years, despite its low cost, due to its side effects (toxic effects on the liver), has lost the palm to Nifuroxazide, a safe antiseptic that acts exclusively in the intestines, not being absorbed into the blood. Popular and recommended by doctors and pharmacists Nifuroxazide is the European drug Enterofuril. It has three forms (capsules of 100 and 200 mg, suspensions of 200 mg / 5 ml, which can be given to children from 1 month), so it is convenient to use. It has proven itself in the rapid treatment of diarrhea caused by bacteria, however, with viral diarrhea, its use is justified, doctors say: this drug prevents bacterial complications that almost always accompany viral diarrhea.
Foreign and Russian clinical studies have shown that the drug preserves the beneficial intestinal microflora, eliminating such common infectious agents as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Shigella – the causative agent of dysentery. The effect has also been proven against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which plays a major role in the development of gastritis and stomach ulcers.
When choosing Nifuroxazide for a child, you need to be careful: the dosage of Nifuroxazide recommended by the Ministry of Health for a child is 100 or 200 mg, depending on age, and in the form of a suspension of 200 mg in 5 ml. In pharmacies, there is a suspension with a higher dosage of 220 mg / 5 ml from other manufacturers, which attracts a slightly lower cost. However, it is better to follow official recommendations and not take risks, because we are talking about the health of the child.
Nifuroxazide is important to have in the traveler’s first aid kit: a change in the usual water and food is very often the cause of “travelers’ diarrhea”, equally insidious for both children and adults. If your child is over 3 years old, then you can save money and take the universal dosage of Enterofuril 100 mg: an adult will take two capsules, and one is enough for a child. Additionally, it is recommended to use sorbents: they help to bind and remove toxins from the intestines.
Remember that in the case of a severe intestinal infection, accompanied by dehydration, intoxication and other serious symptoms, antibiotics may be required. Therefore, in any case, you must consult a doctor.
Attention should be paid to the prevention of diarrhea. Required:
– Observe personal hygiene, wash hands.
– Subject meat, milk, chicken eggs, fish to thorough heat treatment. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
– If possible, boil water, especially the one that is in doubt.