How can I prevent indigestion and acid reflux? What lifestyle changes can help reduce heartburn and GERD symptoms? Get the facts and expert tips to find lasting relief.

Optimize Your Sleep Position

Research shows that sleeping on your left side can help decrease acid reflux at night. According to one review, lying on your left side may decrease acid exposure in the esophagus by up to 71%. This could be explained by the anatomy of the esophagus, as it enters the right side of the stomach, so sleeping on the left side keeps acid away from the lower esophageal sphincter.

Elevate Your Head at Night

One review of four studies found that elevating the head of the bed decreased acid reflux and improved symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation in people with GERD. Raising the head of your bed can help prevent acid from flowing back into your esophagus while you sleep.

Time Your Meals Strategically

According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFGD), if you experience acid reflux, you should try to eat dinner a few hours before going to bed. Eating close to bedtime can worsen acid reflux symptoms at night, as lying down with undigested food in your stomach can cause acid to flow back up into the esophagus.

Choose Cooked Onions Over Raw

Raw onions are a common trigger for gastrointestinal symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn. This is because raw onions are more difficult to digest and might irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing worsened heartburn. If you like to eat onions, consider eating them cooked instead.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Acid reflux usually increases after meals, and larger meals seem to make it worse. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux by preventing the lower esophageal sphincter from becoming overwhelmed.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess belly fat can increase pressure in the abdominal cavity, pushing the lower esophageal sphincter upward and contributing to the development of a hiatal hernia – a leading cause of GERD. Research shows that having excess belly fat may be associated with a higher chance of acid reflux and GERD. Losing weight can help relieve some of the symptoms of GERD.

Follow a Low-Carb Diet

Research suggests that eating a high-carb diet can worsen acid reflux, and reducing your carb intake can help reduce the symptoms of GERD. Undigested carbs may cause bacterial overgrowth and increased pressure inside the abdomen, which could contribute to acid reflux.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to flow back into the esophagus and causing heartburn and other reflux symptoms. Limiting your alcohol intake can help prevent these issues.

Quit Smoking

Smoking weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and may also increase stomach acid production, both of which can contribute to acid reflux. Quitting smoking can help improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter and reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Avoid Trigger Foods

Certain foods and beverages can trigger or worsen acid reflux symptoms. Common culprits include spicy, fried, or fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, and carbonated drinks. Identifying and avoiding your personal trigger foods can help reduce reflux episodes.

Stay Active After Meals

Lying down or going to bed soon after eating can cause reflux, as the food in your stomach has not had time to properly digest. Instead, try taking a short walk or engaging in light physical activity after meals to help your body process the food and prevent acid from backing up into your esophagus.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress can worsen acid reflux by increasing stomach acid production and causing muscle tension that can affect the lower esophageal sphincter. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to help alleviate reflux symptoms.

Avoid Tight Clothing

Wearing tight-fitting clothing, especially around the waist, can increase abdominal pressure and contribute to acid reflux. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing to help prevent this issue.

Consider Over-the-Counter Medications

If lifestyle changes alone don’t provide sufficient relief, over-the-counter antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors may help reduce acid reflux and heartburn symptoms. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new medications.

14 Ways to Prevent Heartburn and Acid Reflux

You may be able to prevent or reduce acid reflux symptoms with a few lifestyle changes, including eating dinner earlier, adjusting your sleeping position, and avoiding certain acidic foods and drinks.

Most of us are all too familiar with the painful, burning sensation in the center of the chest that’s associated with heartburn.

In fact, between 18.1-27.8% of adults in the United States experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a common condition that causes heartburn. GERD occurs when acid is pushed up from the stomach back into the esophagus, which leads to a heartburn sensation.

Although people often use medications to treat acid reflux and heartburn, many lifestyle modifications can also help you reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Here are 14 natural ways to reduce your acid reflux and heartburn, all backed by scientific research.

Research shows that sleeping on your left side can help decrease acid reflux at night. According to one review, lying on your left side may decrease acid exposure in the esophagus by up to 71%.

Although the reason is not entirely clear, it could be explained by the anatomy of the esophagus. The esophagus enters the right side of the stomach, so sleeping on the left side keeps acid away from the lower esophageal sphincter.

The sphincter is normally responsible for keeping acid and your undigested food from coming back up to your throat, but different things can cause this to malfunction, such as your sleeping position, for example.

Summary

If you experience acid reflux at night, try sleeping on the left side of your body.

Some people experience acid reflux at night, which can affect sleep quality and make it more difficult to fall asleep.

One review of four studies found that elevating the head of the bed decreased acid reflux and improved symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation in people with GERD.

Summary

Elevating the head of your bed may reduce your reflux symptoms at night.

According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFGD), if you experience acid reflux, you should try to eat dinner a few hours before going to bed.

Consider also having your big meal of the day at lunch so that your dinner can be lighter. Research shows that going to bed with undigested food, particularly if you’ve eaten a heavy meal, can worsen your symptoms at night.

Summary

Eating close to bedtime may worsen acid reflux symptoms at night.

4. Opt for cooked onions instead of raw

Raw onions are a common trigger for gastrointestinal symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn.

This is because raw onions are more difficult to digest and might irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing worsened heartburn. If you like to eat onions, consider eating them cooked.

Summary

Some people experience worsened heartburn and other reflux symptoms after eating raw onions.

5. Eat smaller, more frequent meals

The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus. In people with acid reflux, this muscle is weakened or dysfunctional, causing acid to flow up into the esophagus.

Unsurprisingly, many reflux symptoms take place after a meal. Therefore, eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

Summary

Acid reflux usually increases after meals, and larger meals seem to make it worse.

6. Maintain a moderate weight

However, if you have excess belly fat, the pressure in your abdomen may become so high that the lower esophageal sphincter gets pushed upward, away from the support of the diaphragm.

This condition, known as hiatal hernia, is considered the leading cause of GERD.

Furthermore, research shows that having excess belly fat may be associated with a higher chance of acid reflux and GERD. Obesity, in general, is associated with a greater chance of getting GERD due to greater pressure within the abdominal cavity.

If you’re interested in weight loss as a way to manage acid reflux, speak with your doctor first to determine if it’s right for you and, if so, how you can lose weight safely and sustainably.

Summary

Losing belly fat and maintaining a moderate weight might relieve some of your symptoms of GERD.

7. Follow a low carb diet

Research shows that eating a high carb diet can worsen acid reflux, and reducing your carb intake can help reduce the symptoms of GERD.

Some researchers suspect that undigested carbs may cause bacterial overgrowth and increased pressure inside the abdomen, which could contribute to acid reflex.

Having too many undigested carbs in your digestive system can often cause not only gas and bloating but also burping.

Summary

Some research suggests that poor carb digestion and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine may result in acid reflux.

8. Limit your alcohol intake

Drinking alcohol may increase the severity of acid reflux and heartburn. Research has shown that higher alcohol intake could be linked to increased symptoms of acid reflux.

That’s because alcohol increases stomach acid, relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, and impairs the ability of the esophagus to clear out acid.

Summary

Excessive alcohol intake can worsen acid reflux symptoms.

9. Don’t drink too much coffee

Research has found that coffee also temporarily may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the chance of acid reflux.

However, research findings are inconclusive, with older research not finding an association between coffee consumption and acid reflux symptoms

Summary

Evidence suggests that coffee may make acid reflux and heartburn worse.

10. Limit your intake of carbonated beverages

Research shows that regular consumption of carbonated or fizzy beverages, including soft drinks, club soda, and seltzer, could be linked to a higher chance of reflux.

This may be because the carbon dioxide that gives these drinks their bubbles can cause you to burp more, which can increase the acid coming out of your esophagus.

One study found that carbonated soft drinks, in particular, worsened certain acid reflux symptoms, including heartburn, fullness, and burping.

Summary

Drinking carbonated beverages temporarily increases the frequency of burping, which may promote acid reflux.

11. Don’t drink too much citrus juice

Many types of citrus juice, including orange juice and grapefruit juice, are considered common triggers for heartburn.

These ingredients are highly acidic and contain compounds like ascorbic acid, which could cause indigestion if you consume them in large amounts and may irritate the lining of your esophagus.

While citrus juice probably doesn’t cause acid reflux directly, it could make your heartburn worse temporarily.

Summary

Some people with acid reflux report that drinking citrus juice makes their symptoms worse.

12. Avoid mint, if needed

Peppermint and spearmint are common ingredients used to make herbal tea and add flavor to foods, candy, chewing gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste.

However, research shows that peppermint oil may decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure, which may cause heartburn. Another study showed that menthol, a compound found in mint, could worsen reflux in people with GERD.

For this reason, it’s best to avoid mint if you feel that it makes your heartburn worse.

Summary

A few studies indicate that mint and some of the compounds it contains may aggravate heartburn and other reflux symptoms.

Fried foods and some other fatty foods may also be a trigger for GERD. Some research shows they may lead to heartburn. Examples include:

• fried foods
• potato chips
• pizza
• bacon
• sausage

High-fat foods like these may contribute to heartburn by causing bile salts to be released into your digestive tract, which may irritate your esophagus.

They also appear to stimulate the release of cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone in your bloodstream that may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents back into the esophagus.

One study looked at what happened when people with GERD ate high fat foods. More than half of the participants who had reported food triggers said they experienced GERD symptoms after eating high fat, fried foods.

That said, you do need some fat to stay healthy. Learn more about healthy fats vs unhealthy fats.

Summary

Foods that are high in fat may trigger GERD symptoms, including heartburn, in some people.

Your saliva helps to neutralize the acid that comes up from your stomach to your esophagus. But smoking can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth.

Smoking also lowers the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, which can cause coughing and acid reflux. Research shows that quitting smoking can reduce the severity of your acid reflux or GERD.

Learn more about smoking and acid reflux.

How do you get rid of acid reflux fast?

The quickest way to get relief from acid reflux might be to take an antacid like Tums. Learn more about treatments for GERD and acid reflux.

What can I drink to get rid of acid reflux?

Certain herbal teas, low fat or plant-based milk, non-citrus fruit juice, coconut water, and sometimes just regular water may help reduce your acid reflux symptoms. Learn what to drink for acid reflux.

Will acid reflux go away naturally?

If you have temporary heartburn related to something you are or a mild form of GERD, your acid reflux may go away on its own after a few hours. In more serious cases, you may need medication and lifestyle changes to manage your symptoms.

The bottom line

Heartburn is an uncomfortable issue that can be caused by a variety of different factors. If you notice that your symptoms are worse after you have certain foods or beverages, it’s reasonable to limit or avoid these things.

Although there are many medications and treatment options available to ease heartburn, making a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle may also be beneficial.

Try some of the tips above to find what works for you to reduce heartburn and acid reflux.

14 Ways to Prevent Heartburn and Acid Reflux

You may be able to prevent or reduce acid reflux symptoms with a few lifestyle changes, including eating dinner earlier, adjusting your sleeping position, and avoiding certain acidic foods and drinks.

Most of us are all too familiar with the painful, burning sensation in the center of the chest that’s associated with heartburn.

In fact, between 18.1-27.8% of adults in the United States experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a common condition that causes heartburn. GERD occurs when acid is pushed up from the stomach back into the esophagus, which leads to a heartburn sensation.

Although people often use medications to treat acid reflux and heartburn, many lifestyle modifications can also help you reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Here are 14 natural ways to reduce your acid reflux and heartburn, all backed by scientific research.

Research shows that sleeping on your left side can help decrease acid reflux at night. According to one review, lying on your left side may decrease acid exposure in the esophagus by up to 71%.

Although the reason is not entirely clear, it could be explained by the anatomy of the esophagus. The esophagus enters the right side of the stomach, so sleeping on the left side keeps acid away from the lower esophageal sphincter.

The sphincter is normally responsible for keeping acid and your undigested food from coming back up to your throat, but different things can cause this to malfunction, such as your sleeping position, for example.

Summary

If you experience acid reflux at night, try sleeping on the left side of your body.

Some people experience acid reflux at night, which can affect sleep quality and make it more difficult to fall asleep.

One review of four studies found that elevating the head of the bed decreased acid reflux and improved symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation in people with GERD.

Summary

Elevating the head of your bed may reduce your reflux symptoms at night.

According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFGD), if you experience acid reflux, you should try to eat dinner a few hours before going to bed.

Consider also having your big meal of the day at lunch so that your dinner can be lighter. Research shows that going to bed with undigested food, particularly if you’ve eaten a heavy meal, can worsen your symptoms at night.

Summary

Eating close to bedtime may worsen acid reflux symptoms at night.

4. Opt for cooked onions instead of raw

Raw onions are a common trigger for gastrointestinal symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn.

This is because raw onions are more difficult to digest and might irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing worsened heartburn. If you like to eat onions, consider eating them cooked.

Summary

Some people experience worsened heartburn and other reflux symptoms after eating raw onions.

5. Eat smaller, more frequent meals

The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus. In people with acid reflux, this muscle is weakened or dysfunctional, causing acid to flow up into the esophagus.

Unsurprisingly, many reflux symptoms take place after a meal. Therefore, eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

Summary

Acid reflux usually increases after meals, and larger meals seem to make it worse.

6. Maintain a moderate weight

However, if you have excess belly fat, the pressure in your abdomen may become so high that the lower esophageal sphincter gets pushed upward, away from the support of the diaphragm.

This condition, known as hiatal hernia, is considered the leading cause of GERD.

Furthermore, research shows that having excess belly fat may be associated with a higher chance of acid reflux and GERD. Obesity, in general, is associated with a greater chance of getting GERD due to greater pressure within the abdominal cavity.

If you’re interested in weight loss as a way to manage acid reflux, speak with your doctor first to determine if it’s right for you and, if so, how you can lose weight safely and sustainably.

Summary

Losing belly fat and maintaining a moderate weight might relieve some of your symptoms of GERD.

7. Follow a low carb diet

Research shows that eating a high carb diet can worsen acid reflux, and reducing your carb intake can help reduce the symptoms of GERD.

Some researchers suspect that undigested carbs may cause bacterial overgrowth and increased pressure inside the abdomen, which could contribute to acid reflex.

Having too many undigested carbs in your digestive system can often cause not only gas and bloating but also burping.

Summary

Some research suggests that poor carb digestion and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine may result in acid reflux.

8. Limit your alcohol intake

Drinking alcohol may increase the severity of acid reflux and heartburn. Research has shown that higher alcohol intake could be linked to increased symptoms of acid reflux.

That’s because alcohol increases stomach acid, relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, and impairs the ability of the esophagus to clear out acid.

Summary

Excessive alcohol intake can worsen acid reflux symptoms.

9. Don’t drink too much coffee

Research has found that coffee also temporarily may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the chance of acid reflux.

However, research findings are inconclusive, with older research not finding an association between coffee consumption and acid reflux symptoms

Summary

Evidence suggests that coffee may make acid reflux and heartburn worse.

10. Limit your intake of carbonated beverages

Research shows that regular consumption of carbonated or fizzy beverages, including soft drinks, club soda, and seltzer, could be linked to a higher chance of reflux.

This may be because the carbon dioxide that gives these drinks their bubbles can cause you to burp more, which can increase the acid coming out of your esophagus.

One study found that carbonated soft drinks, in particular, worsened certain acid reflux symptoms, including heartburn, fullness, and burping.

Summary

Drinking carbonated beverages temporarily increases the frequency of burping, which may promote acid reflux.

11. Don’t drink too much citrus juice

Many types of citrus juice, including orange juice and grapefruit juice, are considered common triggers for heartburn.

These ingredients are highly acidic and contain compounds like ascorbic acid, which could cause indigestion if you consume them in large amounts and may irritate the lining of your esophagus.

While citrus juice probably doesn’t cause acid reflux directly, it could make your heartburn worse temporarily.

Summary

Some people with acid reflux report that drinking citrus juice makes their symptoms worse.

12. Avoid mint, if needed

Peppermint and spearmint are common ingredients used to make herbal tea and add flavor to foods, candy, chewing gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste.

However, research shows that peppermint oil may decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure, which may cause heartburn. Another study showed that menthol, a compound found in mint, could worsen reflux in people with GERD.

For this reason, it’s best to avoid mint if you feel that it makes your heartburn worse.

Summary

A few studies indicate that mint and some of the compounds it contains may aggravate heartburn and other reflux symptoms.

Fried foods and some other fatty foods may also be a trigger for GERD. Some research shows they may lead to heartburn. Examples include:

• fried foods
• potato chips
• pizza
• bacon
• sausage

High-fat foods like these may contribute to heartburn by causing bile salts to be released into your digestive tract, which may irritate your esophagus.

They also appear to stimulate the release of cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone in your bloodstream that may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents back into the esophagus.

One study looked at what happened when people with GERD ate high fat foods. More than half of the participants who had reported food triggers said they experienced GERD symptoms after eating high fat, fried foods.

That said, you do need some fat to stay healthy. Learn more about healthy fats vs unhealthy fats.

Summary

Foods that are high in fat may trigger GERD symptoms, including heartburn, in some people.

Your saliva helps to neutralize the acid that comes up from your stomach to your esophagus. But smoking can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth.

Smoking also lowers the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, which can cause coughing and acid reflux. Research shows that quitting smoking can reduce the severity of your acid reflux or GERD.

Learn more about smoking and acid reflux.

How do you get rid of acid reflux fast?

The quickest way to get relief from acid reflux might be to take an antacid like Tums. Learn more about treatments for GERD and acid reflux.

What can I drink to get rid of acid reflux?

Certain herbal teas, low fat or plant-based milk, non-citrus fruit juice, coconut water, and sometimes just regular water may help reduce your acid reflux symptoms. Learn what to drink for acid reflux.

Will acid reflux go away naturally?

If you have temporary heartburn related to something you are or a mild form of GERD, your acid reflux may go away on its own after a few hours. In more serious cases, you may need medication and lifestyle changes to manage your symptoms.

The bottom line

Heartburn is an uncomfortable issue that can be caused by a variety of different factors. If you notice that your symptoms are worse after you have certain foods or beverages, it’s reasonable to limit or avoid these things.

Although there are many medications and treatment options available to ease heartburn, making a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle may also be beneficial.

Try some of the tips above to find what works for you to reduce heartburn and acid reflux.

What can you eat with diarrhea in a child and an adult | Diet for diarrhea

Co-author, editor and medical expert – Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Number of views: 3,009,009

Date last updated: 2 Contents

What can I eat with diarrhea?
What to drink with diarrhea?
What should I avoid if I have diarrhea?
What is diarrhea and how to treat it

It is very important to adjust your diet and diet in case of bowel disorder in order to help the body cope with the problem as effectively as possible. If you do not know what to eat with diarrhea, use our recommendations.

Back to Contents

What Can You Eat When You Have Diarrhea?

• Diet for diarrhea should include foods high in pectin: applesauce, bananas, yogurt. Pectin – water-soluble fiber – helps to cope with indigestion.
• Pay attention to foods rich in potassium – fruit juices, jacket potatoes, bananas. When the intestines are upset, the body actively loses potassium and its restoration is necessary.
• Don’t forget to add salt to your meals. Meals should include salty soups, broths, crackers, etc., which will help retain water in the body and stay hydrated.
• Get enough protein. With an upset stomach, you can eat lightly fried beef, turkey, chicken, or hard-boiled eggs to avoid fatigue and fatigue.
• Eat hot processed vegetables and fruits. Some raw vegetables and fruits can make diarrhea worse. When dieting, try a simple soup with asparagus, carrots, beets, zucchini, mushrooms or celery, mashed potatoes or jacket potatoes.

Back to Contents

What to drink with diarrhea?

Drink at least a glass of liquid after each bout of diarrhea to prevent dehydration. In case of intestinal upset, drink water, weak tea, apple juice, low-fat broth. A liquid diarrhea diet does not burden the digestive tract with heavy work and helps prevent irritation.

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What should I avoid if I have diarrhea?

• Avoid caffeinated drinks and foods that are very hot or cold. It will irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
• Avoid fatty, fried and heavy foods during the diet. Such a diet will only exacerbate intestinal upset.
• Avoid foods that cause gas in the intestines – chewing gum, carbonated drinks. They irritate the digestive tract.
• Limit milk and dairy products. They can be hard to digest.
• Avoid nuts, raw fruits and vegetables, bran and whole grain breads in your diet. They irritate the digestive tract.

Try not to smoke or drink alcohol.

A complete list of what to eat with diarrhea is contained in the diet “Table No. 4”.

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What is diarrhea and how to treat it

Diarrhea is loose, loose stools accompanied by excessive loss of fluid and electrolytes. Intestinal upset occurs when the contents of the gastrointestinal tract move too fast, preventing fluid and nutrients from being absorbed.

For a quick cessation of diarrhea (within 1 hour), IMODIUM ^® Express lozenges are recommended, which will help normalize bowel function by restoring the natural rhythm of its work. Tablets dissolve directly on the tongue in 2-3 seconds, do not require drinking water and have a pleasant mint taste.

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

Read also articles about products that provoke diarrhea.

* Among products based on Loperamide. According to sales in money for February 2018 – January 2019, according to IQVIA.

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: 637 673

Date last updated:

What to do about diarrhea
Medicines for treating diarrhea in adults

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

Because loose stools can be a symptom of a 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 .

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What to do about 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 losses 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:

• In case of normal health and the absence of strong thirst and dry mouth, drinking plenty of water is enough ^1,2,5 .
  What to drink with a nose? In this case, ordinary drinking water, mineral water without gas, 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 there is severe thirst, dry mouth, anxiety and bruising under the eyes, 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 – 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 the frequency of stools, 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 for 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.

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Medicines for treating diarrhea in adults

Pharmacy chains offer a large number of products to normalize 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 .