How can you effectively treat diarrhea at home. What are the best ways to prevent dehydration during diarrheal episodes. When should you seek medical attention for persistent diarrhea. What preventive measures can reduce the risk of diarrhea while traveling.

Understanding Acute Diarrhea and Its Treatment Options

Acute diarrhea is a common digestive issue that can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Fortunately, in most cases, it can be managed effectively with over-the-counter medications and proper care. Which treatments are most effective for acute diarrhea? Two widely recommended options are:

• Loperamide (Imodium)
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate)

These medications can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the duration of diarrhea. However, it’s important to note that they may not be suitable for everyone. Are there situations where over-the-counter medicines should be avoided? Yes, doctors generally advise against using these medications if you experience:

• Bloody stools
• Fever

These symptoms may indicate a bacterial or parasitic infection, which requires different treatment approaches. How long should you wait before seeking medical attention for diarrhea? If your symptoms persist for more than two days, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Managing Diet During and After Diarrheal Episodes

Dietary adjustments play a significant role in managing diarrhea and promoting recovery. How does diarrhea affect appetite, and what dietary approach is recommended? During acute diarrhea, it’s common to experience a temporary loss of appetite. As your appetite returns, you can gradually reintroduce your normal diet.

For children experiencing diarrhea, maintaining proper nutrition is crucial. Can infants and young children continue their regular diet during diarrheal episodes? In most cases, yes. You can offer:

• Age-appropriate foods for young children
• Breast milk or formula for infants, as usual

It’s important to note that over-the-counter medications suitable for adults can be dangerous for young children. Always consult a pediatrician before administering any medication to infants, toddlers, or young children.

Treating Persistent and Chronic Diarrhea: Medical Approaches

While acute diarrhea often resolves on its own or with simple treatments, persistent and chronic cases require a different approach. How do healthcare providers address these more prolonged cases of diarrhea? The treatment strategy depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiparasitic medications for parasitic infections
• Specific treatments for conditions like Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis

In recent years, probiotics have gained attention as a potential treatment for diarrhea. What are probiotics, and how might they help? Probiotics are live microorganisms, typically bacteria, that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms naturally present in your digestive tract. While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may help reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea.

However, it’s crucial to approach probiotic use with caution. Should you start taking probiotics without consulting a healthcare provider? No, it’s always best to discuss the use of probiotics or any complementary treatments with your doctor. They can provide guidance on appropriate strains, dosages, and duration of use based on your specific situation.

Preventive Measures: Reducing the Risk of Diarrheal Infections

Prevention is often the best medicine, and this holds true for many types of diarrhea. What steps can you take to minimize your risk of developing diarrhea? Some key preventive measures include:

1. Proper hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 15-30 seconds, especially:
   • After using the bathroom
   • After changing diapers
   • Before and after handling or preparing food
2. Vaccination: The rotavirus vaccine has significantly reduced cases of diarrhea in infants and young children.
3. Food safety practices: Proper storage, cooking, and handling of foods can prevent foodborne illnesses that cause diarrhea.

Rotavirus Vaccination: A Game-Changer in Pediatric Health

The introduction of rotavirus vaccines has been a significant advancement in preventing diarrhea in young children. What are the available rotavirus vaccines, and how are they administered? There are two approved oral vaccines:

• RotaTeq (rotavirus vaccine, live, oral, pentavalent): Given in three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.
• Rotarix (rotavirus vaccine, live, oral): Administered in two doses at 2 and 4 months of age.

For maximum effectiveness, infants should complete the vaccine series by 8 months of age. It’s important to note that infants 15 weeks or older who haven’t received any doses should not start the series. Parents and caregivers should discuss rotavirus vaccination with their pediatrician to determine the best approach for their child.

Travelers’ Diarrhea: Prevention Strategies for Safe Journeys

Travelers’ diarrhea is a common concern for those visiting developing countries. How can you reduce your risk of experiencing this unpleasant condition while traveling? Here are some key preventive measures:

• Avoid drinking tap water or using it for ice, food preparation, or teeth brushing
• Steer clear of unpasteurized dairy products and juices
• Be cautious with food from street vendors
• Avoid raw, undercooked, or improperly heated meat, fish, or shellfish
• Limit consumption of raw vegetables and most raw fruits

What are safe beverage options when traveling? You can typically drink:

• Bottled water
• Carbonated soft drinks
• Hot beverages made with boiling water, such as coffee or tea

For those particularly concerned about travelers’ diarrhea, consulting with a healthcare provider before the trip is advisable. In some cases, doctors may recommend preventive antibiotics or provide guidance on early treatment options to shorten the duration of diarrhea if it occurs.

Dehydration: A Critical Concern in Diarrheal Illnesses

One of the most significant risks associated with diarrhea is dehydration. How can you prevent or treat dehydration caused by diarrhea? The key is rehydration therapy, which involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. While drinking plenty of water is important, it may not be sufficient on its own to address electrolyte imbalances.

What are effective rehydration solutions for diarrhea-induced dehydration? Options include:

• Oral rehydration solutions (ORS): These specially formulated drinks contain the right balance of water, salts, and sugar to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes effectively.
• Homemade salt-sugar solution: In a pinch, you can make a simple rehydration solution by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar in 1 liter of clean water.
• Clear broths: These can help replace both fluids and some electrolytes.

For mild cases of diarrhea in adults, drinking water and other clear fluids may be sufficient. However, for more severe cases or for young children and infants, oral rehydration solutions are often recommended.

Recognizing Signs of Dehydration

Prompt recognition of dehydration is crucial for effective management. What are the warning signs of dehydration that you should watch for? Key indicators include:

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

In infants and young children, additional signs may include:

• Lack of tears when crying
• Sunken soft spot on the top of the head (fontanelle)
• Irritability or lethargy

If you or your child exhibit signs of severe dehydration, such as extreme thirst, very dry mouth, little or no urination, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately.

When to Seek Medical Care for Diarrhea

While many cases of diarrhea can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary. When should you consult a healthcare provider for diarrhea? Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 2-3 days
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Bloody or black stools
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Fever above 102°F (39°C)

For infants and young children, the threshold for seeking medical care is lower. Contact a pediatrician if your child experiences:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• Signs of dehydration
• High fever
• Bloody stools

Prompt medical evaluation can help identify any underlying conditions and ensure appropriate treatment, especially in cases of persistent or severe diarrhea.

Dietary Considerations for Diarrhea Recovery

As you recover from diarrhea, paying attention to your diet can help support your digestive system and prevent further irritation. What foods should you consider eating during and after a bout of diarrhea? The BRAT diet is often recommended, which includes:

• Bananas
• Rice (white)
• Applesauce
• Toast (white bread)

These foods are easy to digest and can help firm up stools. Additionally, other gentle foods that may be beneficial include:

• Boiled potatoes
• Lean, grilled meats
• Cooked carrots
• Yogurt with live cultures (probiotics)

What foods and drinks should you avoid during diarrhea? It’s generally advisable to steer clear of:

• Dairy products (except for yogurt with live cultures)
• Fatty or greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Sugary drinks and foods

As you start to feel better, you can gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods into your diet. Listen to your body and introduce foods slowly to avoid triggering further digestive upset.

The Role of Probiotics in Digestive Health

Probiotics have gained attention for their potential role in supporting digestive health and potentially reducing the duration of diarrhea. How do probiotics work, and what benefits might they offer? Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can:

• Help restore the balance of gut microbiota
• Compete with harmful bacteria for resources
• Produce substances that inhibit the growth of pathogens
• Strengthen the gut’s protective barrier

While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may be helpful in specific types of diarrhea, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea or viral gastroenteritis. However, it’s important to note that not all probiotics are the same, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the strain and the individual’s condition.

If you’re considering using probiotics, consult with a healthcare provider to determine if they’re appropriate for your situation and to get guidance on specific strains and dosages.

Long-Term Strategies for Digestive Health

While acute diarrhea is often a temporary inconvenience, maintaining good digestive health can help reduce your risk of future episodes and support overall well-being. What long-term strategies can you adopt to promote digestive health? Consider implementing these habits:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support digestion and overall health.
2. Eat a balanced diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals.
3. Incorporate fiber: Gradually increase your fiber intake to support regular bowel movements and gut health.
4. Manage stress: Chronic stress can impact digestive function, so find effective stress-management techniques that work for you.
5. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
6. Consider probiotic-rich foods: Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi into your diet.
7. Limit alcohol and caffeine: Excessive consumption can irritate the digestive system.
8. Practice good food safety: Properly store, handle, and cook foods to prevent foodborne illnesses.

By adopting these habits, you can support your digestive system’s health and potentially reduce your risk of experiencing frequent bouts of diarrhea.

The Importance of Gut Microbiome Balance

Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of the gut microbiome in overall health, including digestive function. How can you support a healthy gut microbiome? Consider these strategies:

• Eat a diverse range of foods to support microbial diversity
• Consume prebiotic foods that feed beneficial bacteria, such as garlic, onions, and bananas
• Limit artificial sweeteners, which may negatively impact gut bacteria
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, which can disrupt the microbiome
• Consider probiotic supplements under the guidance of a healthcare provider

By nurturing a healthy gut microbiome, you may improve your digestive health and potentially enhance your body’s resilience against diarrheal illnesses.

Treatment for Diarrhea | NIDDK

In this section:

How can I treat my acute diarrhea?

In most cases, you can treat your acute diarrhea with over-the-counter medicines such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate). Doctors generally do not recommend using over-the-counter medicines for people who have bloody stools or fever—signs of infection with bacteria or parasites. If your diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, see a doctor right away.

In most cases, you can treat acute diarrhea with over-the-counter medicines.

When you have acute diarrhea, you may lose your appetite for a short time. When your appetite returns, you can go back to eating your normal diet. Learn more about eating when you have diarrhea.

How can I treat my child’s acute diarrhea?

Over-the-counter medicines to treat acute diarrhea in adults can be dangerous for infants, toddlers, and young children. Talk to a doctor before giving your child an over-the-counter medicine. If your child’s diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, see a doctor right away.

You can give your child his or her usual age-appropriate diet. You can give your infant breast milk or formula as usual.

How do doctors treat persistent and chronic diarrhea?

How doctors treat persistent and chronic diarrhea depends on the cause. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics and medicines that target parasites to treat bacterial or parasitic infections. Doctors may also prescribe medicines to treat some of the conditions that cause chronic diarrhea, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis. How doctors treat chronic diarrhea in children also depends on the cause.

Doctors may recommend probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms, most often bacteria, that are similar to microorganisms you normally have in your digestive tract. Researchers are still studying the use of probiotics to treat diarrhea.

For safety reasons, talk with your doctor before using probiotics or any other complementary or alternative medicines or practices. If your doctor recommends probiotics, talk with him or her about how much probiotics you should take and for how long.

How can I prevent diarrhea?

You can prevent certain types of diarrhea, such as those caused by infections—including rotavirus and traveler’s diarrhea—and foodborne illnesses.

Infections

You can reduce your chances of getting or spreading infections that can cause diarrhea by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 15 to 30 seconds

• after using the bathroom
• after changing diapers
• before and after handling or preparing food

Rotavirus, which causes viral gastroenteritis, was the most common cause of diarrhea in infants before rotavirus vaccines became available. The vaccines have reduced the number of cases of rotavirus and hospitalizations due to rotavirus among children in the United States.¹

Two oral vaccines are approved to protect children from rotavirus infections:

• rotavirus vaccine, live, oral, pentavalent (RotaTeq). Doctors give infants this vaccine in three doses: at 2 months of age, 4 months of age, and 6 months of age.
• rotavirus vaccine, live, oral (Rotarix). Doctors give infants this vaccine in two doses: at 2 months of age and at 4 months of age.

For the rotavirus vaccine to be effective, infants should receive all doses by 8 months of age. Infants 15 weeks of age or older who have never received the rotavirus vaccine should not start the series.

Parents or caregivers of infants should discuss rotavirus vaccination with a doctor.

Travelers’ diarrhea

To reduce the chances of getting travelers’ diarrhea when traveling to developing countries, avoid

• drinking tap water
• using tap water to make ice, prepare foods or drinks, or brush your teeth
• drinking juice or milk or eating milk products that have not been pasteurized—heated to kill harmful microbes—viruses, bacteria, and parasites
• eating food from street vendors
• eating meat, fish, or shellfish that is raw, undercooked, or not served hot
• eating raw vegetables and most raw fruits

You can drink bottled water, soft drinks, and hot drinks such as coffee or tea made with boiling water.

If you are worried about travelers’ diarrhea, talk with your doctor before traveling. Doctors may recommend taking antibiotics before and during a trip to help prevent travelers’ diarrhea. Early treatment with antibiotics can shorten a case of travelers’ diarrhea.

Foodborne illnesses

You can prevent foodborne illnesses that cause diarrhea by properly storing, cooking, cleaning, and handling foods.

How can I treat or prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea?

To treat or prevent dehydration, you need to replace lost fluids and electrolytes—called rehydration therapy—especially if you have acute diarrhea. Although drinking plenty of water is important in treating and preventing dehydration, you should also drink liquids that contain electrolytes, such as the following:

• broths
• caffeine-free soft drinks
• fruit juices
• sports drinks

If you are an older adult or have a weak immune system, you should also drink oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Infalyte, or CeraLyte. Oral rehydration solutions are liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes. You can make oral rehydration solutions at home (PDF, 184KB) .

How can I treat or prevent my child’s dehydration caused by diarrhea?

To treat or prevent dehydration, give your child liquids that contain electrolytes. You can also give your child an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Infalyte, or CeraLyte, as directed. Talk to a doctor about giving these solutions to your infant.

References

[1] Rotavirus in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. www.cdc.gov. Updated May 12, 2014. Accessed November 21, 2016.

How to Stop Diarrhea: Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment

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This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.

With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

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This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.

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The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

By Jillian Levy, CHHC

August 21, 2018

Diarrhea is a common type of gastrointestinal upset or infection. It causes frequent and excessive discharging of the bowels in the form of abnormally watery stools and stomach pains. If you or one of your children has recently developed diarrhea, the first question you’re likely asking is “Can you tell me how to stop diarrhea fast?”

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described above, you might be affected by an acute case of diarrhea. Acute diarrhea lasts one or two weeks while you’re temporarily sick. Or you might have chronic diarrhea, which persists for longer than several weeks. You have diarrhea is you have very loose or watery stools three or more times within 24 hours.

Believe it or not, acute diarrhea can be one of your body’s best defense mechanisms against a temporary infection or virus. Although they’re uncomfortable and unpleasant to deal with, short-term diarrhea symptoms help rapidly expel harmful substances out of your GI tract before they have a chance to cause even more trouble or complications. (1)

Chronic diarrhea symptoms, on the other hand, are a bit different. They tend to come and go depending on other dietary and lifestyle factors. This includes the state of your immune system and the level of stress you’re dealing with.

Research shows that chronic/persistent diarrhea occurs in approximately 3 percent of people traveling to developing countries (also known as traveler’s diarrhea). Acute diarrhea is usually easy to treat without medication or serious intervention.

However, chronic diarrhea is more problematic. It can cause dehydration and nutrient deficiencies if it isn’t properly addressed. (3) What causes chronic diarrhea? Digestive diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, SIBO (a disorder of the small intestine) and ulcerative colitis often cause chronic diarrhea.

The good news is there are several steps you can take to naturally treat both types of diarrhea. Below you’ll learn about steps you can take to thicken your stool, rehydrate and overcome symptoms of diarrhea.

Causes

Diarrhea is a natural reaction to dehydration, infection or toxins that need to be expelled from the digestive system. Examples include certain types of bacteria, parasites, food allergies or other microbes. One of the risks associated with diarrhea is that it can make you even more dehydrated and ill if you’re already sick. This is because it makes the body lose too much water and minerals, including electrolytes like sodium, too quickly.

If you’re not already familiar with symptoms that are typical of diarrhea, here are the most common:

• Frequent bowel movements, including going to the bathroom more than one to two times daily
• Watery feces, or “loose” stools
• Abdominal pains, cramping and sometimes stomach bloating
• Sometimes nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pains and sometimes loss of appetite, trouble eating enough and/or weight loss
• Increased thirst, due to losing more water than usual when going to the bathroom frequently
• Sometimes symptoms of a fever depending on what’s causing diarrhea (such as an infection or illness)
• Symptoms of dehydration, which can include weakness, brain fog, upset stomach, dizziness and blood pressure changes

The key to learning how to stop diarrhea symptoms once they’ve started, and also preventing them returning in the future, depends on the underlying causes of the condition. Diarrhea can develop for various reasons, including dehydration, illnesses or food poisoning. Children, infants, adults and the elderly may all develop diarrhea for different reasons.  This includes difficulty digesting foods properly, leaky gut syndrome, emotional stress linked to IBS, or not drinking enough water.

Risk Factors

What causes watery diarrhea in adults most often? Causes and risk factors for diarrhea in adults include: (4)

• Bacterial infection. This can be passed from person to person, or picked up from contaminated surfaces.
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which means that due to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the small intestine the body can’t digest and absorb nutrients properly.
• Food allergies, such as lactose intolerance (a type of sugar found in dairy). Experts believe that lactose intolerance is one of the most common reasons both children and adults suffer from diarrhea, especially when it’s chronic. What’s tricky about lactose intolerance is that it might not start until your adult years, or emerge due to hormonal changes like pregnancy.
• Drinking contaminated water, which can contain parasites, bacteria, etc.
• Food poisoning, due to eating a food contaminated with some type of harmful microbe.
• Dehydration (not drinking enough water or losing too much water from vomiting/illnesses or other causes).
• Poor digestion and related conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease.
• Overeating or drinking lots of liquids too quickly.
• Eating too much unripe or overripe fruit.
• Eating too much greasy food that is difficult to digest properly.
• Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, which can lead to dehydration and indigestion.
• Emotional stress and anxiety.
• Due to side effects of taking certain medications, especially antacids. Experts think that antacids are the most common cause of drug-related diarrhea because they contain magnesium, which can make stool too watery. If you take these meds to control acid reflux symptoms, it’s best to try and tackle the underlying causes of indigestion. Or if you must take medications, try those that don’t contain magnesium and lower your dose. Motility medications — medications to help stimulate the intestines in order to relieve constipation — may result in diarrhea.
• Other supplements and medications including antibiotics, quinidine, lactulose and colchicine can also cause diarrhea. Taking too much vitamin C and magnesium in supplement form can do the same. (5)

And what is the cause of diarrhea most often in children and infants? Causes can include: (6)

• Rotavirus, also known as viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu, which is the most common cause of diarrhea in children ages 2 and younger. However, viral gastroenteritis can also affect adults.
• Food allergies, including an allergy to milk (lactose intolerance) or other common culprits like peanuts, eggs, etc.
• Reactions to formula, or sometimes from breastfeeding if the mother consumed something that is hard to digest.
• Not consuming enough liquids, or consuming too much (such as juice).
• Bacterial infection, such as from touching dirty surfaces, toys, or other people and then putting their hands into their mouths. Infants in day care centers have been found to have a higher risk of contracting bacteria that can cause intestinal infections that lead to diarrhea.
• Taking antibiotics, which can cause changes in the gut/digestive system due to killing off healthy bacteria.

Remember that it’s normal for infants and babies to have bowel movements that are softer than those of adults. Their stool might also become different colors at times and their bowel movements may happen more than once daily (especially in infants), but this usually isn’t cause for concern. Talk to your doctor if your baby’s diarrhea lasts for more than several days, especially if you also notice signs of dehydration like: fewer wet diapers, dry eyes when crying, dry mouth, sunken eyes or lethargy, an usual foul odor in three or more diarrhea stools, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, or severe diarrhea while taking antibiotics. (7) Babies with diarrhea may also have a fever, seem very fussy, or seem disinterested in eating.

How to Stop Diarrhea: Conventional Treatments

Unless you’ve had diarrhea symptoms for more than one to two weeks, especially if you aren’t sure why they’re happening and they don’t seem to be getting any better from treatments described above, it’s usually not necessary to see a doctor. If you do decide to get a professional opinion, your doctor will likely recommend some of the following treatments for diarrhea:

• Anti-diarrheal medications: These medications, also known as anti-motility medicines, can help shut down diarrhea symptoms quickly, but this isn’t necessarily always a good thing. Because diarrhea is one of your body’s natural mechanisms for shedding toxins or microbes that have made their way into your GI tract, not allowing this “purge” to happen might mean that harmful bacteria stay inside your body longer. For this reason many doctors are now recommending that you “wait out” acute cases of diarrhea without taking anti-motility medications if you can, as long as you’re not at risk for complications and try to combat dehydration naturally.
• Following an elimination diet: If you’re suffering from chronic diarrhea symptoms, then your doctor will likely recommend you try pinpointing which foods are problematic for you to digest by following an elimination diet. This means you avoid certain foods, such as dairy products, for a given period of time to determine if symptoms get better. Once you add the suspected food back into your diet you can track whether symptoms return and then make a judgement call about whether you should avoid the food for good.
• Staying hydrated and eating light, bland foods until you feel better (more on these treatments below).

How to Stop Diarrhea Naturally: 5 Home Remedies

1. Eat Soothing Foods and Those That Are Easy To Digest

What do you eat when you have diarrhea? Here are some of the top foods that can help you stop diarrhea symptoms:

• Eat lightly — the more food you consume, the harder your digestive organs have to work. You likely won’t have too much of an appetite while you have diarrhea, so try to eat small amounts spread throughout the day.
• Simple foods that are easy to digest — stick with a diet of bland foods like simple whole grains, apples, bananas and rice the first few days. These foods are easy on the digestive system and can provide some fiber to help add bulk to stools.
• Flaxseed oil — this has been shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea.
• Fruits and vegetables — these provide water, fiber and electrolytes. Try making a smoothie or sorbet with fruit, and steaming veggies to make them easier to digest. Monitor your symptoms to make sure they don’t get worse, however, as some people react badly to too much natural sugar.
• Raw honey and ginger — some people find that a small amount of honey and ginger root added to herbal tea (see below) helps soothe their stomach and reduce irritation.

What foods cause diarrhea? The following are foods to avoid when you have acute diarrhea, or suffer from chronic symptoms that keep returning:

• Conventional Dairy — Processed dairy can be hard to digest and can make diarrhea worse.  However, raw cultured dairy, such as yogurt or kefir, is high in probiotics which can support bowel function.
• Any potential allergens — As mentioned above, diarrhea can result from food allergies like gluten, nuts, shellfish and dairy. (8)
• Processed fats and oils — Too much fat can upset your sensitive stomach and make the diarrhea worse. This can include fats from packaged products with refined vegetable oils, fast foods, cheesy foods, processed meats or fried foods.
• Added sugar and artificial sweeteners — Bacteria love to eat sugar, and sugar reduces immune system and digestive functioning in many cases.
• Caffeine — Caffeine can stimulate muscles in the digestive tract, increasing bowel movements and cramping.
• Carbonated, sugar drinks
• Alcohol
• Potentially foods with FODMAP carbohydrates, if they make your symptoms worse. Reactions vary from person to person, but problematic foods might include: pears, oats, beans/legumes, wheat, corn, soy, potatoes and any type of bran.

2. Stay Hydrated

Want to know how to stop diarrhea symptoms like dizziness or weakness that are tied to dehydration? Drinking enough water is critical when you’re losing so much in your stool. To keep dehydration symptoms from getting worse when you have diarrhea, try to drink 16 ounces of fluids about every hour. You can also get fluids through drinking homemade bone broth, which will additionally provide many nutrients you’re in need of (like amino acids and electrolytes). Herbal teas including ginger, peppermint, oat bark, licorice/fennel or pomegranate tea (non-caffeinated) may also help soothe your stomach.

Although it’s not a good solution for everyone, drinking coconut water (a natural source of electrolytes), fresh vegetable juice or sucking on homemade fruit ice pops can also be a good way to get more water and nutrients into your system. However, don’t consume too much juice, or too much liquid too quickly, if you notice this worsens the diarrhea. You can judge if you’re losing too much water by paying attention to the color of your urine, as well as how thirsty you are. If you’re not having to urinate often, but when you do your urine is very dark yellow, drink more water. Drink so that your thirst seems about normal and your urine is light yellow.

3. Get Enough Rest

Avoid too much exercise or strenuous physical activity when you’re dealing with diarrhea. Chances are you will feel weak and a bit run down and you might not be sleeping well while your symptoms persist. Give your body a chance to recover by getting enough sleep (8 hours per night or more), taking it easy, and trying to keep your stress levels down.

4. Try These Supplements

Certain supplements can help improve overall gut and digestive health, allow you to process the foods and nutrients you’re consuming more easily, and soothe an upset stomach. I recommend trying some of the following:

• Probiotics (50 billion units daily): Probiotics help fight infection and can help re-colonize the gut with healthy bacteria. These are available in supplement form and also in cultured/fermented foods.
• Digestive Enzymes (2 before each meal): These enzymes will help with nutrient absorption.
• Glutamine powder (5 grams 2x daily): Glutamine is an amino acid that helps repair the digestive tract, especially important for people with chronic diarrhea. It’s available in supplement form and also naturally in bone broth.
• Aloe Vera Juice (1/2 cup taken about 3x daily): Aloe is healing to the lining of the digestive system and easy to break down.
• Raw Sprouted Fiber from Flax and Chia seeds (2-3 tablespoons daily): Soluble fiber found in seeds can help thicken stools and reduce the frequency of diarrhea.

5. Use Essential Oils

Studies have found that peppermint essential oil can reduce bowel inflammation and soothe the digestive tract, reducing loose stools. Studies have also found that peppermint oil has active ingredients including menthol or monoterpine, which has anti-spasmotic properties due to its ability to block calcium channels within the intestinal smooth muscles. This helps stop cramping, frequent elimination and pains.

One review found that 8 out of 12 placebo-controlled studies showed statistically significant positive effects in favor of peppermint oil compared to control groups/placebo. (9) Certain studies have found that use of peppermint oil seems to be most effective in relieving abdominal pain in diarrhea in people with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, which is often caused by multiple factors and can be hard to treat. One double blind randomized placebo-controlled study involving 74 patients with IBS found that after six weeks of using peppermint oil three times daily, abdominal pain and quality of life was markedly improved compared with a placebo group not using peppermint. (10)

How to Stop Diarrhea in Infants and Children

Infants are especially susceptible to dehydration that can happen along with diarrhea. Plus, they’re more likely to have diarrhea due to allergies or illnesses since their immune systems aren’t yet fully developed or strong. It’s estimated that 3 percent of infants are allergic to proteins found in dairy. This includes the dairy found in most formulas, as well as dairy obtained from breast milk if the mother is consuming dairy. Symptoms to look out for that indicate a milk protein allergy include vomiting and developing a rash, in addition to diarrhea. It’s not safe to give infants or young children anti-diarrheal medications that are meant for adults. Rather, it’s recommended you try these treatment methods instead:

• Give the infant/baby more liquids that normal. Offer lots of liquids. Try to offer breast milk or a bottle with water more often; however, remember that sugary drinks like juice can make diarrhea symptoms worse, so avoid these.
• Most pediatricians now recommend trying to give infants/babies a source of electrolytes when they’re experiencing diarrhea, especially lost sodium.
• Give them probiotic foods. Cultured or fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, cultured veggies or supplements and even oral drops all contain probiotics. They help restore healthy bacteria in the digestive tract and can be useful for reducing many forms of digestive upset.
• If your baby develops skin irritation and diaper rash due to you having to change their diaper often, be very gentle. Use a washcloth and warm water to clean them, instead of wipes and lots of drying soap. Let their skin air dry. Then apply an ointment or moisture barrier for protection, like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide.
• Diarrhea should go away within one to three days if the child starts to get better. If it does not go away, call their doctor. You’ll want to rule out other health problems and make sure they aren’t suffering from an intestinal or yeast infection.

Precautions

It’s usually best to try treating acute diarrhea on your own for several days, tracking if your symptoms improve with help from the recommendations above while you wait it out. However, visit your doctor if diarrhea occurs in infants or young children for more than several days in a row, the elderly, anyone who is underweight and already suffering from health problems, or someone who develops more serious symptoms including: (11)

Pay attention to signs that you’re becoming dehydrated and take steps to drink more water and obtain electrolytes. If you become dizzy, very weak or confused, then consult with your doctor to avoid complications.

Final Thoughts

• Diarrhea is a common problem that occurs when your bowel movements (or stools) become very loose, frequent and/or watery. It can be either acute (short term) or chronic, lasting more than two to three weeks.
• Diarrhea is caused by factors including food allergies, an infection or virus, dehydration, stress and certain medications.
• Natural ways to help get rid of diarrhea include drinking enough fluids, consuming bland foods and getting enough rest.

Home Remedies to Stop Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by an increase in the liquidity and frequency of bowel movements. Diarrhea typically lasts for up to two days.

The treatment for diarrhea involves liquid and ORS intake in order to prevent dehydration.

At-Home Treatment Measures for Diarrhea

Mild to moderate diarrhea can be managed at home with simple and easy remedies.

1. Use of probiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that aid digestion and chiefly consist of lactic acid bacteria, which do not pose any adverse effects. Taking probiotics can provide quick relief from diarrhea.

Moreover, probiotics may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Therefore, identifying potential probiotic candidates and employing their use can help in preventing infectious diarrhea and reducing hospital stay. (1)

However, the optimum dosage required for treatment has not been determined yet. (2)

Summary:

Probiotic formulations contain bacteria similar to those present in the gut and, therefore, may help in alleviating diarrheal symptoms. Seek medical help if your symptoms do not subside.

ALSO READ: Probiotics: Foods, Health Benefits, and Side Effects

2. Consumption of green bananas

Traditionally, green bananas have been used for treating various digestive disorders. Studies showed that green bananas could be used for both clinical and at-home treatment of diarrhea. (3)(4)

More studies can help in understanding the role of green bananas in treating diarrhea and establishing its efficacy.

3. Intake of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar possesses antibacterial properties that can help manage diarrhea caused by bacteria. However, this is an anecdotal remedy whose effects have not been established by clinical studies yet.

How to use: Dilute 1 teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water and consume twice a day until the condition resolves.

4. Use of turmeric

Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial curcumin, which can aid in diarrhea treatment. It has been used as an anecdotal remedy for diarrhea for long. (5)

How to use: Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric in hot water or tea and consume. You can also include turmeric as a spice in your meals. Turmeric supplements should only be consumed upon consulting a doctor.

ALSO READ: Turmeric Benefits, Nutrition, and Remedies

Caution: Excessive intake of turmeric can cause gastrointestinal distress such as pain, acidity, ulcers, abdominal contraction, and even thinning of the blood. Therefore, it is recommended to consult your doctor about the appropriate dosage.

5. Intake of oral rehydration solutions

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are salt, water, and glucose mixtures that help rebalance the body’s sodium and water levels, thus enhancing digestive functions. (6)(7)

How to use: Mix ½ teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar in 1 L of water and consume.

6. Use of over-the-counter medications

Anti-diarrheal over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as loperamide and bismuth salicylate can help treat diarrhea.

However, it is recommended to consult your doctor before using them as they have various side effects such as dizziness, constipation, and vomiting.

Caution: Avoid using OTCs for bacterial diarrhea or if you have an accompanying fever.

7. Zinc supplementation

Zinc supplementation can help prevent acute diarrhea and also help reduce the severity and duration of the episodes. (8)(9)

How to use: Consume zinc-containing foods such as oats, nuts, fortified cereals, yeast, beans, and oysters. Supplements should only be taken after consulting a doctor.

Self-Care Tips to Help in the Management of Diarrhea

The following changes in diet and eating habits may help in alleviating the symptoms of diarrhea:

1. Increase your fluid intake

Consume 8–10 cups of fluids every day, including water, half-strength juice, broth, electrolyte replacement drinks, and chamomile or peppermint tea.

Infants with diarrhea should be given small amounts of water between feeds of formula or solid food, but only after consulting your pediatrician since water may not be advised depending on the infant’s age.

ALSO READ: How to Increase Your Daily Fluid Intake

2. Modify your diet

The following dietary recommendations can aid treatment:

• Eat fiber-rich foods to help solidify your stool.
• Avoid high-fat, fried, or greasy foods.
• Avoid foods with high sugar content, such as chocolate milk, candy, regular soda, and undiluted fruit juice.
• Consume salty foods, such as soup and pretzels, and electrolyte-rich sports drinks.
• Eat foods rich in potassium, such as skinned potatoes, half-strength fruit juices, and bananas.
• Consumption of bland BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) foods may help manage the condition at the onset. However, these foods lack nutrients such as fat and protein. Therefore, this diet should not be continued beyond a couple of days.
• Do not force-feed yourself.

Preventing Diarrhea

Taking the following steps toward maintaining hygiene and sanitation may help in the prevention of diarrhea:

1. Keep your hands clean

Wash your hands properly with warm water and soap for 30 seconds every time you use the bathroom, change diapers, or handle food to help avoid diarrhea-causing infections.

2. Get vaccinated

Timely vaccination against the rotavirus is vital for children. If you plan to travel out of the country, ask your doctor if hepatitis A or typhoid vaccines are needed, depending on where you are traveling.

3. Consume clean food

Store, clean, and cook food properly to avoid food poisoning or other foodborne illnesses. Make sure that you eat properly cooked food, especially meat.

The heat from the cooking process helps eliminate potential contaminants, germs, or pathogens. Moreover, avoid consuming contaminated food or water.

4. Make dietary changes

Reduce your intake of sweet, spicy, or fatty foods. Instead, eat probiotic foods, such as yogurt, and starchy foods, such as bread, rice, and banana. Do not consume alcohol.

For the first 6 months to 1 year, feed your child with breast milk only, and avoid giving formula if possible. Moreover, avoid giving fruit juices to children as these may cause diarrhea due to their high sugar content.

Most-Asked Questions About Diarrhea

Can diabetes lead to diarrhea?

Diarrhea may occur in patients with diabetes as a side effect of medications, such as metformin, or the use of sugar-free sweeteners. It can also occur due to damage to the nerves in the intestines, called autonomic neuropathy.

The diarrhea is watery and painless, usually occurs at night, and may lead to fecal incontinence. Diabetic diarrhea may be intermittent with regular bowel movements or even constipation.

Is diarrhea fatal?

Diarrhea is responsible for 2,195 child deaths every day, which is more than the number of deaths caused by malaria, AIDS, and measles combined. It is the second most significant factor for the death of children below 5 years.

However, rotavirus vaccination, breastfeeding, improved water hygiene and sanitation, and the use of safe drinking water have been cost-effective measures toward preventing diarrhea. (10)

What do yellow and green stools during diarrhea indicate?

Generally, stools associated with diarrhea are brown due to the presence of bilirubin, a by-product of red blood cells that is formed in the liver.

Green stools may be due to the consumption of green leafy vegetables, iron supplements, or foods with green food coloring or the rapid movement of food through the large intestine, causing incomplete action on the bile pigments.

Yellow or bright-yellow stools may be symptomatic of a giardiasis infection, decreased production of bile salts, or a liver or gallbladder problem.

What causes black diarrhea?

The presence of digested blood causes your stool to appear black and may occur as a result of internal bleeding in your upper digestive tract (stomach or food pipe).

Black diarrhea can only occur if you bleed a minimum of 2 ounces of blood.

Keep in mind that black stools may also be the result of medicines such as Pepto-Bismol, which can be helpful when you have diarrhea.

Can diarrhea and constipation occur at the same time?

Diarrhea and constipation are common problems; however, if both disorders co-occur, it may be indicative of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The quick fluctuation in symptoms from diarrhea to constipation and vice versa is characteristic of IBS-M (mixed type) and may occur due to various reasons, differing among individuals. (11)

How can a traveler’s diarrhea be prevented?

Traveling internationally, especially to developing countries, can expose you to different diarrhea-causing bacteria such as E. coli.

The following steps may help in preventing traveler’s diarrhea:

• Drink only bottled water and beverages, and avoid intake of tap water.
• Do not use ice made from unfiltered water.
• Consume tea or coffee made from bottled or boiled water only.
• Do not eat pre-cut fruits.
• Avoid buying eatables from street vendors.
• Consult your doctor for steps to be taken, according to your place of travel and the period of stay.

Note: Washing your hands with antibacterial soap helps in removing harmful E. coli from your hands. However, it will not have a significant effect on reducing the risk of infection if you do not take other preventive measures.

Are diarrhea and dysentery different?

Diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose and watery stools. Dysentery, on the other hand, is an inflammatory condition in the intestines that may lead to severe diarrhea associated with mucus and blood in the stool.

Dysentery is commonly caused by an infection with Shigella species (bacillary dysentery) or Entamoeba histolytica (amebic dysentery).

Final Word

Diarrhea, characterized by loose, watery stools, is a common digestive problem. It usually resolves in 3–4 days but it can also persist and can lead to dehydration.

Various natural remedies can help treat diarrhea. It is most important to eat right, consume fluids, and get proper rest to combat this condition.

Continue ReadingDiarrhea (Loose Stools): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

References

1. doCarmo MS, Santos CID, Araújo MC, Girón JA, Fernandes ES, Monteiro-Neto V. Probiotics, mechanisms of action, and clinical perspectives for diarrhea management in children. Food & function. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30183037. Published October 17, 2018.
2. Guarino A, Guandalini S, Lo Vecchio A. Probiotics for Prevention and Treatment of Diarrhea. Journal of clinical gastroenterology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26447963. Published 2015.
3. Rabbani GH, Larson CP, Islam R, Saha UR, Kabir A. Green banana-supplemented diet in the home management of acute and prolonged diarrhoea in children: a community-based trial in rural Bangladesh. Tropical medicine & international health: TM & IH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20831671. Published October 2010.
4. Falcomer AL, Riquette RFR, de Lima BR, Ginani VC, Zandonadi RP. Health Benefits of Green Banana Consumption: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627159/. Published May 29, 2019.
5. D; CKAW. Traditional Method of Initial Diarrhea Treatment in Children. Comprehensive child and adolescent nursing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29166193/.
6. Maragkoudaki M; Chouliaras G; Moutafi A; Thomas A; Orfanakou A; Papadopoulou A; Efficacy of an Oral Rehydration Solution Enriched with Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Zinc in the Management of Acute Diarrhoea in Infants: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30200394/. Published 2018.
7. GA; BKGCAMMS. Acute diarrhea: evidence-based management. Jornal de pediatria. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26351768/. Published 2015.
8. Florez ID, Veroniki A-A, Al Khalifah R, et al. Comparative effectiveness and safety of interventions for acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis in children: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. PloS one. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6281220/. Published December 5, 2018.
9. M; L. Oral zinc provision in acute diarrhea. Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26963581/. Published 2016.
10. Global Diarrhea Burden. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/diarrhea-burden.html. Published December 17, 2015.
11. Saha L. Irritable bowel syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based medicine. World journal of gastroenterology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4051916/. Published June 14, 2014.

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Diarrhoea | NHS inform

Diarrhoea will usually clear up without treatment after a few days, particularly if it’s caused by an infection.

In children, diarrhoea will usually pass within 5 to 7 days and will rarely last longer than 2 weeks.

In adults, diarrhoea usually improves within 2 to 4 days, although some infections can last a week or more.

While waiting for your diarrhoea to pass, you can ease your symptoms by following the advice outlined below.

Drink fluids

It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, particularly if you’re also vomiting. Take small, frequent sips of water.

Ideally, adults should drink a lot of liquids that contain water, salt, and sugar. Examples are water mixed with juice and soup broth. If you’re drinking enough fluid, your urine will be light yellow or almost clear.

It’s also very important for babies and small children not to become dehydrated. Give your child frequent sips of water, even if they are vomiting. A small amount is better than none. 

Fruit juice or fizzy drinks should be avoided as they can make diarrhoea worse in children.

If you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding your baby and they have diarrhoea, you should continue to feed them as normal.

Contact your GP immediately if you or your child develop any symptoms of dehydration.

Oral rehydration solutions

Your GP or pharmacist may suggest using an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration if you’re at risk – for example, if you’re frail or elderly. ORS can also be used to treat dehydration that has already occurred.

Rehydration solutions usually come in sachets available from your local pharmacist without a prescription. They are dissolved in water and replace salt, glucose, and other important minerals that are lost if you are dehydrated.

Children

Your GP or pharmacist may recommend giving your child an ORS if they are dehydrated or at risk of becoming dehydrated.

The usual recommendation is for your child to drink an ORS each time they have an episode of diarrhoea. The amount they should drink will depend on their size and weight.

Your pharmacist can advise you about this. The manufacturer’s instructions should also give information about the recommended dose.

You may be able to give your baby an ORS if they become dehydrated, but check with your GP, pharmacist, or health visitor first.

Eating

Opinion is divided over when and what you should eat if you have diarrhoea. However, most experts agree you should eat solid food as soon as you feel able to. Eat small, light meals and avoid fatty or spicy foods.

Good examples are potatoes, rice, bananas, soup, and boiled vegetables. Salty foods help the most.

You don’t need to eat if you’ve lost your appetite, but you should continue to drink fluids and eat as soon as you feel able to.

Children

If your child is dehydrated, do not give them any solid food until they have drunk enough fluids. Once they have stopped showing signs of dehydration, they can start eating their normal diet.

If your child is not dehydrated, offer them their normal diet. If they refuse to eat, continue to give them fluids and wait until their appetite returns.

Medication

Antidiarrhoeal medicines

Antidiarrhoeal medicines may help reduce your diarrhoea and slightly shorten how long it lasts. However, they’re not usually necessary.

Loperamide is the main antidiarrhoeal medicine used, as it has been shown to be effective and causes few side effects.

Loperamide slows down the muscle movements in your gut so more water is absorbed from your stools. This makes your stools firmer and they’re passed less frequently.

An alternative to loperamide is a different type of antidiarrhoeal medicine called racecadotril, which works by reducing the amount of water produced by the small intestine. Evidence suggests this medication may be as effective as loperamide for treating diarrhoea.

Some antidiarrhoeal medicines can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine to find out whether it’s suitable for you and what dose you should take. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure.

Do not take antidiarrhoeal medicines if there is blood or mucus in your stools or you have a high temperature (fever). Instead, you should contact your GP for advice.

Most antidiarrhoeal medicines should not be given to children. Racecadotril can be used in children over 3 months old if it’s combined with oral rehydration and the other measures mentioned above, although not all doctors recommend it.

Painkillers

Painkillers will not treat diarrhoea, but paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve a fever and a headache. If necessary, you can give your child liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication to check if it’s suitable for you or your child and find out the correct dose. Children under 16 years of age should not be given aspirin.

Antibiotics

Treatment with antibiotics is not recommended for diarrhoea if the cause is unknown. This is because antibiotics:

• will not work if the diarrhoea is caused by a virus 
• can cause unpleasant side effects 
• can become less effective at treating more serious conditions if they’re repeatedly used to treat mild conditions

Antibiotics may be recommended if you have severe diarrhoea and a specific type of bacteria has been identified as the cause.

They may also be used if you have an underlying health problem, such as a weakened immune system.

Hospital treatment 

Occasionally, hospital treatment may be needed if you or your child are seriously dehydrated. Treatment will involve administering fluids and nutrients directly into a vein (intravenously).

Treating the underlying cause

If you’ve been diagnosed with a specific condition that’s causing your diarrhoea, treating this may help improve your symptoms.

For example:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be treated with changes to your diet and medications – read more about treating IBS
• inflammatory bowel disease can be treated with medications that help reduce inflammation in the bowel
• coeliac disease can be treated by excluding foods containing gluten from your diet – read more about treating coeliac disease
• bile acid malabsorption can be treated with medication that helps stop bile building up in the digestive system

Read more about common causes of diarrhoea.

Cancer: Home Treatment for Diarrhea

Things you can do

Home treatment may be all that is needed to treat diarrhea caused by cancer or the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Be sure to follow any instructions and take any medicines your doctor has given you to treat diarrhea. Check with your doctor before using any nonprescription medicines for your diarrhea.

• Take frequent, small sips of water or a rehydration drink and small bites of salty crackers.
• Try to increase your fluid intake to at least 1 qt (1 L) each hour for 1 to 2 hours or until diarrhea symptoms disappear.
• Begin eating mild foods the next day or sooner, depending on how you feel.
  • Avoid spicy foods, fruits, alcohol, and caffeine until 48 hours after all symptoms are gone.
  • Avoid chewing gum that contains sorbitol.
  • Avoid milk, cheese, or ice cream for 3 days after symptoms go away. When you have diarrhea, some milk products may be harder for your body to digest.
• Try foods like white bread or white rice, bananas, applesauce, yogurt, gelatin (such as Jell-O), or eggs.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

If one or more of the following symptoms occur during home treatment, contact your doctor:

• Signs of dehydration develop.
• You develop severe diarrhea (large, loose bowel movements every 1 to 2 hours).
• You have any diarrhea for longer than 1 week.
• You have severe pain in your belly.
• You develop black or bloody stools.
• You develop a fever.
• Your symptoms become more severe or more frequent.

When you have diarrhea, make sure to wipe gently after using the bathroom. Using moist wipes or water squirted from a spray bottle may also help. Talk to your doctor if you have soreness, bleeding, or hemorrhoids.

Cleaning up diarrhea

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wear disposable gloves when cleaning up diarrhea or other body fluids. You may wear reusable rubber gloves if you wash them after each use. If you don’t have gloves, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you are finished.

For steps on how to clean up diarrhea from skin, soiled linens, or hard surfaces, see Cleaning Up Diarrhea.

Credits

Current as of:
December 17, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine
Kenneth Bark MD – General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery

Current as of: December 17, 2020

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine & Kenneth Bark MD – General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery

10 Natural Remedies For Diarrhea + Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention Tips

Norovirus, one of the causes of infectious diarrhoea, is responsible for causing over 200,000 deaths in developing countries (1). A disease that can be easily prevented by following basic hygiene habits is claiming a lot of lives.

All of us have experienced bouts of diarrhea at some point in our lives. And you probably know how distressing the stomach cramps and bloating associated with it can be. Diarrhea is a medical condition that is characterized by frequent bowel movements with abnormally loose and watery stools.

Mild cases of diarrhea usually last only for a couple of days. However, in some cases, diarrhea can also be an indication of a potentially life-threatening condition. If you are looking for natural ways to stop diarrhea, check out this post. We have included some simple home remedies and tips that can help prevent diarrhea in the future. Read on.

Note: If you have mild to moderate bouts of diarrhea, these home remedies may help ease the symptoms. However, if the condition persists beyond a week, consult your healthcare provider.

Home Remedies To Treat Diarrhea

1. Lemon Water

The mixture of lemon juice, sugar, salt, and water is a popular remedy used by many to treat symptoms of diarrhea, like dehydration (2).

You Will Need

• ½ lemon
• 1 glass of water
• A pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons of sugar

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a glass of water.
2. Add a pinch of salt and two teaspoons of sugar to it.
3. Mix well and drink up.

How Often You Should Do This

Sip on this mixture every few minutes.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (3), (4). It may help fight the microbes responsible for causing diarrhea and soothe the inflamed intestines.

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
2. Mix well and add some honey to it.
3. Drink the mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink this mixture 2-3 times a day until the symptoms subside.

3. Almond Milk

Adults and infants who are lactose-intolerant tend to develop diarrhea on consuming dairy products (5). Almond milk is a healthy and safe substitute (6).

You Will Need

Almond milk (as required)

What You Have To Do

Replace cow’s milk with almond milk in your cereals, smoothies, and other dishes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can make this a daily habit if you are lactose-intolerant.

4. Coconut Water

Coconut water can be used as a rehydration solution for people with mild symptoms of diarrhea. However, it should be used together with early refeeding (7).

You Will Need

1 glass of fresh young coconut water

What You Have To Do

Drink a glass of young coconut water daily.

How Often You Should Do This

You must preferably drink this concoction after every bout of diarrhea.

Caution: This remedy should not be used to treat symptoms of dehydration. It should also not be used for cholera or renal impairment.

5. Peppermint Essential Oil

The active constituent of peppermint oil is menthol. Menthol can help relieve abdominal pain that accompanies diarrhea and other IBS symptoms. Two studies published in Digestive Diseases And Sciences and Mymensingh Medical Journal also confirmed the same post sustained release of encapsulated peppermint oil in the small intestine (8), (9).

You Will Need

• 1 drop of food-grade peppermint oil
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a drop of food-grade peppermint oil to a glass of warm water.
2. Drink the solution.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink this mixture 1-2 times daily.

6. Ginger

According to a study published in Yakugaku Zasshi, Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, the acetone extract of ginger can help curb serotonin-induced diarrhea (10).

You Will Need

• 1-2 inches of sliced ginger
• 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add an inch or two of sliced ginger to a cup of water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Simmer and strain.
4. Drink the warm ginger tea.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink this mixture 2-3 times daily.

7. Green Tea

Among the many benefits of green tea, one is its ability to treat diarrhea in the affected individuals (11).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of green tea
• 1 cup of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Steep a teaspoon of green tea in a cup of hot water for 5-7 minutes.
2. Strain and drink the tea.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink green tea 1-2 times daily.

8. Electrolyte Drinks (ORS)

Consumption of electrolyte drinks, such as sports drinks, as well as the ever-popular oral rehydration solution (ORS), may help alleviate the symptoms of dehydration that often accompany diarrhea (12).

You Will Need

• 6 teaspoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 liter of boiled water

What You Have To Do

1. Add six teaspoons of sugar to a liter of water. Mix well until it dissolves.
2. Add a teaspoon of salt to the solution and mix well.
3. Drink a cup of the solution.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this after every watery bowel movement you have.

9. Vitamin A

Vitamin A deficiency is often associated with an increased risk of diarrhea. Hence, restoring this deficiency can reduce the severity of the symptoms (13).

You Will Need

Vitamin A-rich foods or supplements

What You Have To Do

1. Increase your intake of vitamin A-rich foods, like carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, winter squash, cantaloupe, and spinach.
2. You can also take additional supplements for this vitamin after talking to your doctor about the required dosage for you.

How Often You Should Do This

You can include small amounts of vitamin A-rich foods in your daily diet.

10. Rice Water

Rice water can cut down the number of stools without having any adverse effects on your health. It is especially great for treating diarrhea in infants that occurs as a result of infantile gastroenteritis in developing countries (14).

You Will Need

½ glass of rice water

What You Have To Do

1. Strain the water from cooked rice.
2. Consume half a glass of rice water after every bout of diarrhea.
3. This remedy can also be used for children.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2-3 times or more daily.

While these remedies work their magic, you can also make some changes to your diet for a speedy recovery.

What Foods Help Stop Diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be quite uncomfortable. Hence, you must be a little careful about what you eat. This is where the BRAT diet comes into play.

BRAT is “bananas, rice, apple, and toast.” These bland foods will be quite easy on your stomach and will not aggravate your condition any further (1).

It is also necessary that you drink lots of fluids to keep yourself well-hydrated.

Foods To Eat

The foods that can help ease symptoms of diarrhea include:

• Clear broths
• Bananas
• Apples
• Toast
• White rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt

Foods To Avoid

Avoid these foods if you have diarrhea:

• Dairy products
• Fried or greasy foods
• Spices
• Raw vegetables
• Caffeine
• Citrus fruits
• Raw vegetables
• Pork
• Processed foods
• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners

These foods may either be too heavy for your recovering tummy or may further aggravate your condition if they are already contaminated, like in the case of raw vegetables. Hence, exercise caution.

Here are a few additional tips to prevent the recurrence of diarrhea.

How To Prevent Diarrhea

• Always wash your hands every time after using the washroom and also before you eat.

• Wash your hands if you come in contact with any contaminants or pets/animals.

• If you can’t get hold of water to wash your hands, use a sanitizer.

• Be careful when you are traveling to a new place. Do not eat or drink until you are sure the food and drinks are safe to be consumed.

• Wash your vegetables and fruits thoroughly before cooking them.

• Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked eggs.

• Avoid using dairy that is not pasteurized. If you are lactose-intolerant, avoid dairy altogether.

• Avoid handling food if you have diarrhea.

• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and other foods that have laxative potential.

If you can think of any other possible hygiene tips that can help avoid diarrhea, add them to the above list and make sure you follow them religiously.

What causes diarrhea? Who is at risk of contracting this disease? Find out in the next section.

Causes And Risk Factors

Most cases of diarrhea are triggered by an infection in your gastrointestinal tract. Some common microbes that could be held responsible for triggering diarrhea are:

• Viruses like Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis, and rotavirus.

• Bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia coli.

• Other parasitic organisms like Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica.

In some cases, especially in chronic diarrhea, a clear cause may not be found. Such cases of chronic diarrhea are referred to as “functional.”

Other factors that can increase your risk of developing chronic diarrhea include:

• Sensitivity to dairy products and/or artificial sweeteners

• Stomach or gallbladder surgery

• Hereditary or genetic conditions, like cystic fibrosis or enzyme deficiencies

• Diseases of the pancreas or thyroid

• Radiation therapy treatment of the abdominal or pelvic region

• Consumption of uncooked meats

• Swallowing water or swimming in contaminated water bodies

• Traveling to countries with poor hygiene

• Eating contaminated or unrefrigerated food

• Close contact with an individual with gastroenteritis

• Medications like laxatives and certain antibiotics can also trigger diarrhea.

There are mainly three types of clinical diarrhea.

Types Of Diarrhea

• Acute Watery Diarrhea – It can last for several hours or even days. This type can also be caused due to cholera infection.

• Acute Bloody Diarrhea – Blood is also noticed in the watery stool. This type is also referred to as dysentery.

• Persistent Diarrhea – It lasts for 14 days or more.

Other than the characteristic watery stool, diarrhea may be accompanied by the following symptoms.

Signs And Symptoms

The common signs and symptoms associated with diarrhea include:

• Stomach ache
• Bloating
• Abdominal cramps
• Weight loss
• Increased thirst
• Fever

Other symptoms may include:

• Presence of blood in the stool
• Pus in the stool
• Dehydration
• Persistent vomiting

If you notice such symptoms along with chronic diarrhea, it could be an indication of a more severe illness. Most cases of diarrhea may ease on their own without treatment. However, in some cases, it is important to seek medical intervention.

When To See A Doctor

If your infant has had 6 bouts of watery bowel movements and 3 or more bouts of vomiting in 24 hours, do not waste any time in consulting a doctor. Children above 1 year should also be taken to a doctor if they have experienced 6 or more bouts of diarrhea in 24 hours.

You must also see a doctor immediately if you notice certain symptoms like:

• Continuous vomiting
• Persistent diarrhea
• Significant loss of weight
• Pus or blood in stool that may also turn the stool black
• Dehydration

Once you visit a doctor, they may do the following to diagnose diarrhea.

Diagnosis

Most often, doctors can diagnose diarrhea without having to carry out any additional tests as two or more watery stools a day indicates the condition without the need for any further diagnosis (1).

But, in severe cases, your doctor may suggest you take a stool test. This is done especially if the patient is very young or old.

For chronic and persistent cases of diarrhea, your doctor may ask you to take any of the following tests depending on the suspected cause:

• Full blood count – a low or raised blood count may indicate inflammation.

• Liver function test to test your albumin levels.

• Malabsorption tests to check the absorption of vitamin B12, calcium, and folate. Your iron status and thyroid functions may also be assessed.

• Testing for antibodies – as it can indicate Celiac disease.

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein levels – Raised levels are usually an indication of inflammatory bowel disease.

If an underlying cause is responsible for causing diarrhea, the doctor may suggest further treatments accordingly.

Diarrhea is a condition that is rather easy to manage by paying a little bit of attention to your day-to-day hygiene habits. However, if there is an underlying cause of your symptoms, it is best to seek medical intervention.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Why do I get diarrhea after eating?

Experiencing symptoms of diarrhea every time after you eat something is known as postprandial diarrhea. The underlying causes of this kind of diarrhea may include infection, food poisoning, IBS, lactose intolerance, or certain medications.

What is the best thing to drink when you have diarrhea?

You should drink 8 glasses of fluids like fruit juices without pulp, broth, soda (without caffeine), and sports drinks to alleviate dehydration that often results from diarrhea.

How long does diarrhea usually last?

Diarrhea caused by an infection often lasts for no more than 3-5 days. If your symptoms last for more than 4-6 weeks, you most probably have an underlying gastrointestinal condition.

How do you know if your baby has diarrhea?

If your baby has 6 or more bouts of watery bowel movements in 24 hours, he/she has diarrhea and must be taken to a doctor immediately to prevent further health complications.

Can you have diarrhea in early pregnancy?

The shifting hormones, diet changes, and stress are all factors that contribute to many changes in your body during pregnancy, including diarrhea and constipation.

How to prevent traveler’s diarrhea?

Here are some tips that can help prevent traveler’s diarrhea:
• Drink only bottled water.
• Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth.
• Avoid consuming ice that may be made with tap water.
• Eat vegetables that are cooked. Avoid eating them raw.
• Make sure that all foods that you eat, including dairy, seafood, and meat, are properly boiled and/or cooked.
• If the area you are traveling to has had a recent outbreak of hepatitis, take the vaccination for the same before commencing your trip.

14 sources

Stylecraze has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Nemeth, Valerie. “Diarrhea.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 June 2019.
  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448082/
• Ahmed, A et al. “The use of ORS (Nimkol) in management of childhood diarrhoea by mothers in the suburbs of Rawalpindi-Islamabad.” JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association vol. 40,8 (1990): 178-82..
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2126298/
• Yagnik, Darshna et al. “Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.” Scientific Reports vol. 8,1 1732.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
• “STUDY ABOUT THE NUTRITIONAL AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT.” Asian Journal of Science and Technology, ResearchGate.
  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322953260_STUDY_ABOUT_THE_NUTRITIONAL_AND_MEDICINAL_PROPERTIES_OF_APPLE_CIDER_VINEGAR_ARTICLE_INFO_ABSTRACT
• Commissioner, Office of the. “Problems Digesting Dairy Products?” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA.
  www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/problems-digesting-dairy-products
• Salpietro, C D et al. “The almond milk: a new approach to the management of cow-milk allergy/intolerance in infants.” Minerva Pediatrica vol. 57,4 (2005): 173-80.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16172596/
• Adams, W, and D E Bratt. “Young coconut water for home rehydration in children with mild gastroenteritis.” Tropical and Geographical Medicine vol. 44,1-2 (1992): 149-53.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1496708/
• Cash, Brooks D et al. “A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms.” Digestive Diseases and Sciences vol. 61,2 (2016): 560-71.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4729798/#
• Alam, M S et al. “Efficacy of Peppermint oil in diarrhea predominant IBS – a double blind randomized placebo – controlled study.” Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ vol. 22,1 (2013): 27-30.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23416804/
• Huang, Q et al. Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan vol. 110,12 (1990): 936-42. doi:10.1248/yakushi1947.110.12_936
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2074539/
• Chacko, Sabu M et al. “Beneficial effects of green tea: a literature review.” Chinese Medicine vol. 5 13. 6 Apr. 2010, doi:10.1186/1749-8546-5-13
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/
• National Research Council (US) Subcommittee on Nutrition and Diarrheal Diseases Control. “THERAPY FOR DIARRHEA.” Nutritional Management of Acute Diarrhea in Infants and Children., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1985.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219096/
• Briend, A. “Vitamin A and diarrhoea. Reducing the risk?.” Dialogue on Diarrhoea ,33 (1988): 4-5.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12342351/
• Wong, H B. “Rice water in treatment of infantile gastroenteritis.” Lancet (London, England) vol. 2,8237 (1981): 102-3.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6113434/

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Pooja is a Mass Communications and Psychology graduate. Her education has helped her develop the perfect balance between what the reader wants to know and what the reader has to know. As a classical dancer, she has long, black hair, and she knows the struggle that goes into maintaining it. She believes in home remedies and grandma’s secrets for achieving beautiful, luscious hair. When she is not writing, she learns Kuchipudi, practices yoga, and creates doodles.

6 Best OTC Remedies For Diarrhea—And You Can Buy Them Online

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It’s like the childhood book taught us—everybody poops, right? But there’s a big difference between needing to go number two and having uncontrollable diarrhea, especially at inopportune times … like before a big work meeting, at a wedding, or while you’re on vacation.

Diarrhea is defined as passing loose, watery stools, three or more times a day. “There can be many different causes, but it’s most commonly due to food intolerances, certain medications, celiac disease, bacterial or viral infections, or IBS-D,” says Taz Bhatia, MD, an integrative health expert and founder of CentreSpring MD.

IBS-D, which stands for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, affects 25 to 45 million people in the U.S., and 2 out of 3 are female. “Patients with IBS-D often experience abdominal pain along with increased frequency of bowel movements, and these symptoms—along with others, like bloating—may force them to miss important social events, school, or professional obligations,” says Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, a gastroenterologist at Illinois Gastroenterology Group.

Whatever’s causing your repeated trips to the loo, make sure you drink up: With diarrhea comes the serious risk of dehydration. But you may also need some medication to help settle your stomach.

If you suspect that you have IBS, celiac disease, or another chronic GI issue, see your doctor to make sure that you get the right help. But for most people—including those who only get diarrhea occasionally—one of the following OTC remedies should offer quick relief. Stock your medicine cabinet now so you’ll be ready the next time you end up with the runs. 

(Discover the ONE simple, natural solution that can help you reverse chronic inflammation and heal more than 45 diseases. Try The Whole Body Cure today!)

Pepto-Bismol Original Liquid

Amazon.com

If you’ve seen the commercial, you probably know the jingle about this medicine and what it helps relieve: “Nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea.” This pink potion coats your stomach so you feel better fast, and it can be extremely helpful after overindulging in some not-so-healthy foods. Plus, the drinkable version is perfect for people who don’t like swallowing pills. (Psst! Here are 6 signs your stomachache isn’t normal.) 

Buy now: $5-7, amazon.com; target.com; walgreens.com 

Heal minor health problems on the go with these purse-sized items:

​

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Imodium Advanced Multi-Symptom Relief Caplets

Amazon.com

If you can’t stop running to the restroom, this medicine is here for you. Pop two pills and let both active ingredients loperamide HCI (which slows movement in your GI tract) and simethicone (a bloat-buster) start working right away. It’s perfect during a diarrhea crisis, or you can take it as a preventative measure before a big day. But, if you find that celiac disease is the cause of your issues, talk to your doctor before using: Imodium caplets are not certified gluten-free as some ingredients are wheat-derived. 

Buy now: $9, amazon.com; walgreens.com; target.com 

MORE: 9 Things That May Surprise You About IBS

Turmeric Curcumin with Bioperine

Amazon.com

Chances are you’ve heard about the wonders of turmeric; maybe you’ve even tried it to see if it would help with an inflammatory issue, like arthritis. But did you know that the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can also help ease diarrhea? Taz suggests adding a teaspoon to warm water. (You can also try one of these 9 ways to add more turmeric to any meal.) 

Buy now: $18, amazon.com 

DiaResQ Vanilla Diarrhea Relief for Adults

Amazon.com

Unlike some of the other products on this list, these powder packets actually provide much-needed nutrients as well as other ingredients to keep you energized and help restore intestinal function. Mixing cups are provided with purchase; simply mix 30 milliliters of water with a packet and drink it down. Add it to your packing list if you’re headed somewhere that severe traveler’s diarrhea is common.

Buy now: $19, amazon.com 

MORE: How Often Is Too Often For Diarrhea, And When Should You Worry?

Kaopectate Multi-Symptom Relief Anti-Diarrheal Upset Stomach Reliever Caplets

Amazon.com

It contains the same active ingredient that’s found in Pepto Bismol, but Kaopectate pills are a good option if drinking something pink or chewing chalky tablets isn’t your thing. Again, if you suffer from celiac disease, these caplets are not certified gluten-free. (Here’s what to do if you suffer from runner’s trots.) 

Buy now: $5, amazon.com; walmart.com 

Yogi Ginger tea

Amazon.com

If you’re looking for a more natural way to relieve diarrhea or improve on your IBS-management routine, try sipping on this ginger tea. Add a spoonful of honey; according to Taz, honey and ginger can help soothe the stomach and reduce irritation.

Buy now: $4, amazon.com; target.com; walmart.com

PREVENTION PREMIUM: The Healthiest Herbal Tea Is…

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How to quickly and reliably stop diarrhea

There are several drugs traditionally used for diarrhea.They work differently, although 90% of diarrhea is caused by 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 acute intestinal infection, choosing a drug that only acts on the symptom can be dangerous. For example, Imodium and its cheaper counterparts containing Loperamide stop diarrhea by stimulating the opiate receptors in the intestines. This leads to the fact that the tone of the blocking sphincters increases, and the liquid from the feces is intensively absorbed in the intestines back.This means that the toxins that are formed in excess as a result of infection with pathogens of intestinal infections are also absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, Loperamide is not so safe: it is forbidden to give it to children under 6 years of age.

The optimal choice for an intestinal infection is a drug that acts in the intestinal lumen and eliminates infectious agents, doctors say. Therefore, for diarrhea in adults and children, drugs are used – derivatives of nitrofuran. Furazolidone, which is part of this series and has been quite popular for many years, despite its cheapness, because of its side effects (toxic effects on the liver), gave way to Nifuroxazide, a safe antiseptic that acts exclusively in the intestines, without 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 for use. It has proven itself in the rapid treatment of diarrhea caused by bacteria, however, even 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 retains beneficial intestinal microflora, eliminating such common pathogens of infection 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 tempts a slightly lower cost. However, it is better to follow the official recommendations and not take risks, because we are talking about the health of the child.

It is important to have nifuroxazide in a traveler’s first-aid kit: changing the usual water and food is very often the cause of “traveler’s diarrhea”, equally insidious for both children and adults. If your child is more than 3 years old, then you can save money and take a 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 need to see a doctor.

Attention should be paid to the prevention of diarrhea. Required:

– Observe personal hygiene, wash hands.
– Thoroughly heat-treat meat, milk, chicken eggs, fish.Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before use.
– If possible, boil water, especially water that is in doubt. Avoid iced drinks, as it is not known what kind of water it was made from.
– Store food properly. You must be especially careful in the summer, when the air temperature is higher and food deteriorates faster. If you do not like the taste or smell of a product, throw it away immediately.

https: // www.evrika.ru/show/kak-bystro-i-nadezhno-ostanovit-diareyu/fresh_feed/3

90,000 Helpful hints

Translated from Greek, “diarrheo” means “expire.” Anyone who has ever encountered this unpleasant problem should not explain the meaning of the word “diarrhea”. This syndrome causes a lot of inconvenience and unpleasant minutes and can be a symptom of serious diseases.

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea – frequent loose stools (more than 3 times a day).A distinctive feature is watery feces, which are more than 90% liquid.

Diarrhea is a syndrome, not a disease. It indicates that a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract has occurred in the body. In various diseases, diarrheal syndrome has its own distinctive features.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea is a symptom of many diseases and pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

The most common cause of diarrhea are viral infections (rotaviruses, noroviruses, adenoviruses, and others) or bacterial infections such as dysentery, salmonellosis, and others.

But diarrhea can also develop under the influence of drugs, such as antibiotics, antiarrhythmic drugs. It may be the result of an individual intolerance to a particular food product, the so-called food allergy. Diarrhea can be provoked by errors in the diet or the abuse of fatty, heavy foods.It accompanies a number of chronic gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers) or is a manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome.

But it is important to know that if we are talking about adults, then their diarrhea is most often the result of poisoning with spoiled or low-quality products, the so-called food poisoning. Usually food poisoning has a vivid clinical picture: in addition to frequent loose stools, vomiting, weakness, fever with high body temperature are observed.It develops rapidly, lasts from 1 to 3 days.

Diarrhea in adults often occurs during travel, especially if it is a trip to exotic countries. There is even a special term – traveler’s diarrhea, which affects up to 30% of all tourists visiting exotic countries. Bowel upset in this case is associated with a change in climatic conditions, adaptation to new water, food, spices, stress suffered from the flight, or lowered hygiene standards in a number of countries.

Why is diarrhea dangerous for adults?

Acute diarrhea in adults is dangerous because it can become chronic. In this case, loose stools haunt a person every day for a month or more. This significantly affects the general well-being of a person, his capacity for work, immunity and, of course, the quality of life. In this case, you need to see a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination and treatment. Find out the cause of diarrhea and eliminate it!

Diarrhea is also dangerous with the development of complications such as:

– Dehydration.

– Violations of the rhythm of the heart, cramps, muscle pain.

– Cachexia is a state of extreme exhaustion of the body.

Help for diarrhea in adults

It is better to start treating diarrhea as soon as you understand that loose stools are not an isolated case. Depending on the causes of diarrhea, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment, but here are the general rules that should be followed by all patients with diarrhea.

one.Start taking antidiarrheal drugs

Treatment should be started with drugs that have an antidiarrheal effect, that is, they are ways to stop diarrhea. There are a huge number of antidiarrheal agents, but you should stop on the one that is not only effective, but also safe. It is to such funds that Adiarin belongs. This remedy is based on a fundamentally new active substance – tannate gelatin, which not only acts quickly and stops diarrhea, but also protects the intestines from the aggressive effects of factors that provoked it (viruses, toxins, bacteria).It creates a special protective bio-barrier on the damaged mucous membrane of the small intestine, which stops inflammation, restores the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and normalizes its physiological functions, preventing the development of dehydration. In this case, the drug works only in the intestines and has no effect on the body as a whole.

After improving the condition and reducing the frequency of loose stools, it is the turn of enzyme preparations and probiotics. They help restore microflora and restore the stomach and intestines to function normally.

2. Drink more fluids

With diarrhea, the body loses a lot of water and electrolytes. It is possible to replenish the fluid deficit with an enhanced water regime, but special rehydration solutions cope best with dehydration, because they contain the necessary salts and trace elements.

3. Follow a sparing diet

It is necessary to exclude from the diet all “irritants”: spicy, salty, sour, coarse fiber.Also limit anything that stimulates the production of bile (tomatoes, carrots, fatty foods, juices). Remove products that cause gas formation: cabbage, milk, apples.

Compliance with these recommendations will allow you to cope with a common episode of diarrhea in a few days. But if the diarrhea lasts longer than 5-7 days and you don’t feel any improvement, you should see your doctor right away.

Treatment of diarrhea in children

Intestinal infections are more likely to attack children than adults.According to statistics, 2/3 of patients with diarrhea are children under 5 years of age. And it is this age that is most vulnerable to the danger of diarrhea complications. We are mainly talking about dehydration, which quickly develops in children against the background of poisoning and, if not properly treated, can lead to sad consequences.

With repeated loose stools, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to establish the causes of the ailment and receive recommendations for treatment. But there are a number of general rules that must be followed when a child has diarrhea:

1. follow a gentle diet
2. increase fluid intake to prevent deficiency in the body
3. start taking antidiarrheal agents appropriate for the patient’s age to support the intestinal microflora using probiotics.

No one is immune from diarrhea. But there are rules that can reduce the risk of disease:

– Wash hands regularly with soap, especially after visiting public places and before eating

– Compliance with the rules for storing food. Never store raw and cooked foods together.

– Avoid drinking raw water

– Avoid contact with people suffering from intestinal disorders

– Thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits before eating, preferably with soap and a brush

– Eat only fresh products, pay attention to their expiration dates, composition and manufacturer

– Do not eat unfamiliar or suspicious food

– Correct culinary processing of food

– Keep the dishes clean

– Eat in checked places

Related items: Adiarin

CONTRAINDICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE.PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE.

If the intestines sound the alarm / Health / Nezavisimaya gazeta

A “shameful” symptom can signal a serious illness

Diarrhea is often the result of food poisoning or allergies to certain foods. Photo by Pixabay

According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, every third inhabitant of our planet regularly suffers from diarrhea.This symptom occurs as a result of increased peristalsis (contraction) of the intestine and impaired absorption of water in its thick section.

We emphasize right away that this symptom is a kind of SOS signal, indicating, for example, an acute intestinal infection. In this case, we are talking about such a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria as dysentery.

Another cause of diarrhea can be dysbiosis – a violation of the quantitative and qualitative composition of the intestinal microflora, caused, in particular, by weakening of the immune system, poor nutrition, and the use of antibacterial drugs.At the same time, the number of beneficial microorganisms (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli), constantly living in the intestine, decreases, and pathogenic (staphylococci, streptococci) – increases. This contributes to the occurrence of diarrhea.

However, the causative agents of diarrhea can be not only pathogenic microbes, but also the so-called rotaviruses. They cause inflammation and swelling of the wall of the small intestine, which leads to impaired production and absorption of fluids rich in sodium and potassium. At the same time, the large intestine does not suffer and leukocytes are not detected in laboratory research.Diarrhea is accompanied by a massive loss of fluid, which can lead to dehydration.

Another cause of diarrhea is chronic gastrointestinal diseases such as enterocolitis (inflammation of the lining of the small intestine). There is also dyspeptic diarrhea, which is caused by insufficient amounts of gastric juice or enzymes produced in the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes diarrhea is neurogenic and appears under the influence of severe stress.In addition, diarrhea is often the result of food poisoning or allergies to certain foods.

If the diarrhea is severe and prolonged, accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain, see a doctor immediately. Based on the results of laboratory tests, he will diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

It happens that the patient’s diarrhea is caused by some serious illness, such as an infectious disease.In this case, urgent hospitalization is required.

Light and short-lived diarrhea is another matter. They have little effect on the general condition, and their treatment is usually carried out at home. It consists in adhering to a sparing diet, including, in particular, the exclusion of fatty and spicy dishes, raw vegetables and fruits from the menu, and restriction of carbohydrates. The optimal nutritious product that can also stop diarrhea is boiled rice, which must be cooked in a sufficient amount of salt water.The resulting broth is very useful and should be given to the patient along with cooked rice.

In the first two days after the onset of diarrhea symptoms, you can also include semolina and a steam omelet in the menu. As the condition improves, the diet should be diversified by including vegetable soup, boiled meat or fish. Meals should be fractional (4-5 times a day). Fasting with diarrhea is impractical, since the recovery of the intestinal mucosa slows down.It is advisable to abstain from food (within 24-36 hours) only in case of food poisoning.

It should be emphasized that the most dangerous complication of diarrhea, especially long-term, is dehydration. Therefore, along with the medicines and diet prescribed by the doctor, it is necessary to replenish the fluid deficit. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, in particular, weak tea without sugar (both black and green), alkaline non-carbonated mineral water, cranberry juice. To this it should be added that decoctions from oak bark, St. John’s wort, and serpentine rhizomes are actively used to treat diarrhea.An infusion of blueberries has a firming effect.

With regard to prevention, it primarily lies in the observance of basic rules of personal hygiene. So, you need to wash your hands with soap and water before every meal. You need to eat at least 3-4 times a day, be sure to exclude products with an expired shelf life from the menu. And, of course, it is time to deal with the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea | Biocodex Microbiote Institut

Taking antibiotics may cause diarrhea during treatment or for up to two months after treatment ends.Although mostly harmless, symptoms of diarrhea after taking antibiotics can sometimes hide a serious intestinal infection.

Antibiotics disturb the microflora balance.

While antibiotics kill pathogenic bacteria that cause infectious diseases, they can also kill certain beneficial bacteria in the microbiota, systematically leading to potentially significant imbalances in this ecosystem. This phenomenon, known as dysbiosis, causes diarrhea.5 to 20% of antibiotics cause diarrhea.

Usually this type of diarrhea has no other symptoms.

In the vast majority of cases, diarrhea that develops after taking antibiotics is of a functional origin; in other words, it is characterized by watery or loose stools in the absence of other accompanying symptoms. As a rule, the normalization of the intestinal state occurs independently after 48 hours.

In more rare cases (1–2% of cases), antibiotics may cause a decrease in the number of certain bacteria in the intestinal microflora.As a result, the vacant niches are colonized by pathogenic bacteria, most notably Clostridium difficile and Salmonella , which cause intestinal infections with more severe, potentially fatal diarrhea.

Most effective treatment: stopping antibiotic therapy

Treatment for post-antibiotic diarrhea is to stop treatment with the antibiotic in order to restore the microbiota.New antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, similar to the original strains, but not necessarily identical, will gradually colonize the gut flora, eventually reaching a new equilibrium. In addition, diarrhea can be prevented by adding specific probiotics to antibiotic treatment.

For severe antibiotic-associated diarrhea, stool tests should be done to identify the bacteria causing the infection. In the event of a relapse of the disease, targeted antibiotic therapy in combination with probiotics or even fecal microbiota transplantation for patients with a treatment-resistant form is recommended.

_{Sources:
Beaugerie L. Diarrhée post-antibiotiques. http://www.fmcgastro.org/wp-content/uploads/file/pdf-2014/02_Beaugerie_1_498_v1.pdf
De La Cochetière MF, Durand T, Lepage P, et al. Resilience of the dominant human fecal microbiota upon short-course antibiotic challenge. J Clin Microbiol. 2005; 43 (11): 5588-5592 Szajewska H, ​​Kołodziej M. Systematic review with meta-analysis: Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Aliment Pharmacol Ther . 2015; 42: 793-801.
Batista R, Kapel N, Megerlin F, et al. Fecal microbiota transplantation in recurrent Clostridium difficile infections. Framework and pharmaceutical preparation aspects. Ann Pharm Fr. 2015; 73 (5): 323-331.
McFarland LV, Surawicz CM, Greenberg RN, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of Saccharomyces boulardii in combination with standard antibiotics for Clostridium difficile disease. JAMA . 1994; 271 (24): 1913-1918.}

A cat has diarrhea what to do at home – 12-Obezyan

Diarrhea in a pet is quite common, but you shouldn’t leave the problem without a solution. Sometimes the cause of diarrhea can be quite serious problems, and this must certainly be found out, and not left to chance. However, if diarrhea torments the cat, you should take care of the pet and try to cure it at home.

How to treat a cat at home for diarrhea

If you have symptoms of indigestion, do not panic right away.If the animal is vaccinated, does not come into contact with other members of the species, then, most likely, the reason is a common intestinal disorder. Stress can also cause illness. The most important thing in any situation is to assess it correctly.

We have prepared a list of medicines that will help alleviate the condition of the pet:

1. Furazalidone – antimicrobial agent. The dosage can be correctly calculated by the therapist, it all depends on a number of factors. Before the appointment, the pet will certainly have to go through all the tests necessary for the diagnosis.
2. Enterofuril – the drug will help eliminate infectious diarrhea in cats. It is best to choose the children’s version of the suspension, it is well absorbed, and it is easier to give it to the pet.
3. Phthalazol is an antimicrobial drug that helps to get rid of dysentery and salmonellosis. For diarrhea in a cat, the drug is given in the following dosage: ¼ part of the tablet is crushed, mixed with water and given to the pet with a syringe. However, if your pet has liver or kidney problems, it is not advisable to give this drug to him.
4. Levomycetin – used to fight large viruses (rickettsia, spirochetes). This drug will be effective only if you strictly follow the instructions, otherwise side effects will occur. It is unacceptable to give the drug to a pregnant animal, as well as in case of liver and kidney disease and fungal diseases.
5. Smecta and activated carbon – remove toxins. They should only be given to cats if the diarrhea is short-lived and with extreme caution, as the drugs can cause constipation.

As can be seen, “human” preparations can be used to treat cats. However, it is strongly discouraged to self-medicate; in any case, it should be done only after the advice of a veterinarian. And, of course, it is best to use drugs for pets to treat pets.

It is worth reviewing the diet of a cat during diarrhea. The first day you can not feed him at all, while giving water indefinitely. Every other day, you can gradually introduce food, reducing the portion size by at least half, but the diet should contain easily digestible, low-fat food.

Probiotics that normalize intestinal microflora.

How to properly treat infectious diarrhea

Contrary to appearances, these are not antibiotics or drugs to stop diarrhea, but proper hydration is most important in treating diarrhea.

The greatest risk of diarrhea is dehydration, which is the greatest risk for children and the elderly. Most cases can be treated outside the hospital, so you should drink plenty of fluids, especially when symptoms begin (and hardly anyone thinks about it).

Drink – but what? Best of all are specially prepared oral rehydration fluids (Oral Rehydration Fluids) – a mixture for their preparation can be purchased at the pharmacy. Unfortunately, not every liquid is suitable for watering. DPNs have the correct proportions of sodium, glucose and the correct osmolarity (200-250 mOsm / L). Only this composition of the liquid ensures optimal hydration of the patient – this has been confirmed by convincing studies and is a fact recognized all over the world.

A person who is not dehydrated should receive 20 ml of ORP per kg of body weight during the first 3-4 hours of treatment.Patients with the onset of dehydration – dry mucous membrane of the tongue, slowly straightening skin fold, prolonged return of capillaries (that is, redness of the nail plate after pressing on it, which occurs after more than 2 seconds), should consume 40 – 70 ml of fluid per kilogram of body weight. The solution should be cooled, drunk in small portions.

Any suspicion of increased dehydration, inability to rehydrate by mouth, or poor patient contact should be treated in a hospital with intravenous hydration.In addition to the aforementioned amount of fluid required for drinking (the first 3-4 hours), you must supplement the subsequent losses caused by the loss of water after each stool. Approximately 200 – 250 ml after each bowel movement.

It is equally important to turn on food immediately after the end of the patient’s intensive irrigation phase. The diet should be easily digestible – crackers, porridge, pasta, potatoes, lean meat, or whatever the patient wants (although this is not the time for “culinary experiments”).Profuse diarrhea and vomiting are associated with loss of electrolytes. Most often, it becomes necessary to replenish the loss of potassium.

Probiotics – preparations containing bacteria or fungi that we use to replace the loss of our intestinal flora are likely to be beneficial and should therefore be used in the treatment of diarrhea. They can shorten the duration of your symptoms by 1 to 2 days.

Drugs that suppress diarrhea, such as loperamide, are widely abused. The truth is that we can only use them in exceptional cases, no longer than 2 days.They do not cure diarrhea; on the contrary, they can prolong its duration. Their reception is accepted, especially when we suspect a viral etiology. The daily dose of loperamide should not exceed 8 mg, and in exceptional cases and for a short period of time – 16 mg.

As a rule, we think about antibiotics only when the patient has a temperature of more than 38 degrees, his general condition worsens, and the stool contains an admixture of blood or lactoferrin is found in it. Patients with suspected cholera, typhoid fever, shigellosis, and giardiasis also need treatment.These situations may require hospitalization and culture, on which further treatment will depend (usually fluoroquinolone antibiotics, macrolides, cephalosporins, and metronidazole).

Presence of blood in stool without fever is not an indication for antibiotic therapy

Home remedies for diarrhea | Health

Home remedies for diarrhea in adults | IMODIUM®

When can diarrhea be treated at home?
Basic home remedies for diarrhea
What should not be eaten with diarrhea?
Home medication for diarrhea

Correctly treating diarrhea is very important.The speed and quality of its solution affects the restoration of the normal functioning of the intestines, as well as the state of health in general.

Among the consequences of this condition are such serious consequences as a violation of the water-salt balance.

It leads to dehydration, in which electrolytes that regulate the heart and the ability of cells to exchange the substances they need are excreted from the body in large quantities. Dehydration is a life-threatening condition that diarrhea quickly leads to.

When can diarrhea be treated at home?

If diarrhea from the moment of its onset is not accompanied by signs that cause real fears for a person’s life, then diarrhea therapy is acceptable at home. Symptoms when home remedies for diarrhea are not suitable and immediate medical attention is required:

• Spotting with stools;
• duration of diarrhea more than 2-3 days;
• body temperature above 38 ° C;
• frequency of urge to defecate does not decrease or even increases;
• deepening of the relief of the fontanelle (in children under 1 year of age), loss of skin elasticity in this area;
• dizziness accompanied by loss of consciousness;
• signs of dehydration.

Dehydration is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• dry mouth, intense thirst;
• a decrease in the volume of excreted urine, which acquires a concentrated dark yellow color, a decrease in the frequency of the urge to urinate;
• deterioration in concentration, drowsiness, feeling of weakness.

Basic home remedies for diarrhea

• Rest as much as possible

One of the most effective ways to help an adult or child’s body cope with diarrhea is to rest.

It gives the body the ability to fight off a virus if it has caused such a condition.

In addition, if it is associated with stress, anxiety or any irritants, rest can help to stop diarrhea at home, as well as cope with other symptoms.

• Eat mostly small amounts of liquid food

Avoiding diarrhea at home helps to eliminate most of the solid food from the diet.Moreover, it is not recommended to eat any food in the first hours of the disorder.

At the onset of diarrhea, liquid food is much healthier for the body. Another important nuance is eating in small portions. So, instead of eating 2-3 times a day, you can distribute the diet for 5-6 meals.

This also applies to drinking liquids: Drink small amounts in measured sips.

• Eat foods that are good for diarrhea

Light food. It is unlikely to worsen digestive upset, help calm the gut and stop diarrhea. Such products include:

• mashed potatoes without oil;
• baked apples;
• dried bread;
• porridge;

90 120 rice;

• lean boiled meat;
• toast;
• applesauce;
• crackers.

Yoghurts . If diarrhea is a side effect of long-term antibiotic use, it is recommended to eat yogurt (with normal lactose absorption).

Probiotics, contained in its composition, accelerate the process of intestinal microflora restoration.

These beneficial microorganisms are a good remedy for diarrhea and help to eliminate bacterial imbalances, normalize the digestive process and stop diarrhea if it is associated with a violation of microflora.

Ginger and peppermint . In small amounts, they have a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract and also reduce intestinal irritation.Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects and improves digestion. Fresh mint helps relieve indigestion and soothes intestinal cramps.

Chamomile tea has an excellent revitalizing effect on diarrhea. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to the drink. Chamomile tea is especially beneficial if diarrhea is caused by anxiety or stress.

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration!

Please note! Adherence to a diet for diarrhea therapy at home is necessary not only during an exacerbation.You should continue to eat right and eat only the recommended food for the most part even when the condition has already stabilized. Typically, the treatment period for diarrhea at home is about 2–3 weeks until the symptoms are completely resolved.

What should not be eaten with diarrhea?

Caffeinated products

It can cause gas and abdominal pain and, in some cases, lead to dehydration. It is undesirable to take drinks and food that contain caffeine – coffee, energy drinks, chocolate, etc.

Fatty, smoked and too spicy dishes

You can get rid of diarrhea at home by eliminating too spicy, smoked and fatty foods from the diet. They irritate the walls of the stomach and intestines, cause gas formation, actively stimulate peristalsis and generally make it difficult to treat diarrhea.

Foods high in fiber

They can irritate the stomach and lead to excessive gas production, which in turn can worsen the pain of diarrhea and significantly worsen the condition.

The listed methods often help to quickly get rid of diarrhea at home for both a child and an adult. But such treatment can also be accompanied by drug therapy.

Medication for diarrhea at home

Treat diarrhea at home with the following drugs only after consulting a doctor, when a specialist has accurately identified the cause of this condition and prescribed the appropriate drug.

Drugs regulating motility . With diarrhea, one of the main problems is a violation of the motor function of the intestine.

Fecal masses begin to move too quickly along it, the contractions of the walls become “chaotic”, which, in turn, causes pain and discomfort to the person.

IMODIUM® is one of the home remedies that regulate intestinal motility. The active ingredient loperamide, which is part of the drug, helps to restore the functioning of the digestive system.

Antibacterial drugs. Treatment of diarrhea at home in adults and children is often carried out with antibiotic therapy. This is only advisable if the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection.

Bacterial preparations (probiotics) . A frequent consequence of diarrhea is dysbiosis (violation of the intestinal microflora), for its correction, means are recommended that contain microorganisms that are part of a healthy microflora.

Sorbents. They are not absorbed in the intestine, but pass through it, absorbing gases, toxins, excess fluid, etc.

Also, such agents contribute to the compaction of feces, which slows down their movement and makes the urge more rare.

It is necessary to take sorbents with great care in the treatment of diarrhea in adults and children, in particular if the patient has intestinal absorption dysfunctions.

Preparations that restore the water-salt balance .To stop and cure diarrhea at home, special solutions are often prescribed, which contain substances (potassium, sodium, glucose) that replenish electrolyte stores and prevent violations associated with dehydration.

Effective folk remedies for diarrhea

Diarrhea is an unpleasant phenomenon that can happen to anyone, at home or at work, in a kindergarten with a toddler or a student at a university.

If the reason was poor-quality food or a specific reaction of the body to an irritant or product, folk remedies for diarrhea will come to the rescue.

Folk remedies used for diarrhea are natural and effective, unlike chemical drugs, they are marked with minimal side effects.

An arsenal of unconventional remedies – what is its use?

Treatment of diarrhea with folk remedies is the best option not only for an adult patient, but also for elderly people and children. In particular, in the elderly and children, it is more difficult to treat diarrhea – one or another drug may not suit them due to age restrictions.

With regard to the use of remedies from the arsenal of traditional medicine, diarrhea can be stopped with their help as effectively as with chemicals, and there are fewer contraindications and restrictions.

Walnuts to help with diarrhea

In addition to the fruits themselves, in the fight against diarrhea, it is shown to use a tincture of green, unripe nuts in the peel, the septum of ripe fruits. The following effective recipes are presented in the arsenal of alternative medicine:

1. Alcohol tincture of green nuts.It’s easy to cook it at home – 20 pcs. nuts are washed, divided into 2-3 parts, without removing the peel, then placed in a liter container and 0.5 liters of vodka are poured on top.
   In this form, it should be insisted for at least 15 days in a dark and cool place, then strain and store in the refrigerator. It is more suitable in the fight against diarrhea for an adult – it is not recommended to give alcohol to a child. Folk remedies for diarrhea in an adult: prescribed to drink alcoholic tincture of 1 tbsp. l. 203 times a day and before meals.
2. A folk remedy for diarrhea in adults involves the use of ripe walnut partitions – they are also insisted on alcohol. To prepare a tincture for 250 ml of alcohol, take 30 g. partitions and insist it for a week in the dark. Dissolve in a glass of water, 7 drops – drink with diarrhea before meals.
3. Instead of alcohol, you can also use Cahors – take a glass of ripe walnut partitions per liter of wine and leave for a week. It has a pronounced astringent effect – it should be taken carefully so as not to have the opposite effect in the form of constipation.

Fragrant tea for diarrhea

What to do if the baby has diarrhea? Brew strong tea – it can be either a black or green leafy variety, but without aromatic additives, or herbal preparations.

For diarrhea in adults and children, tea is a safe and powerful astringent. It is enough to brew a stronger, 2-3 times concentrated brew, insist and cool, letting it drink in one gulp in 4-5 sips.

The result will come in two hours.

Folk remedies for diarrhea are recommended to be adopted and the power of some medicinal herbs and plants:

1. St. John’s wort. It is simple to prepare a decoction at home – 1 tbsp is steamed in 250 ml of boiling water. l. dry plant and insist for half an hour. Take a third of a glass before meals.
2. Sage – in half a liter of boiling water, steamed 50 gr. dry raw materials and insist for an hour. After filtering the broth and take a third of the glass every two hours.
3. Wormwood is a powerful natural antibiotic due to essential oils and natural bitterness.It is enough to steam 1 tbsp in 250 ml of boiling water. l. wormwood and 2 tsp. dill seeds – insist half an hour and take half a glass before meals.
4. Oak bark decoction. It is prepared for characteristic chronic diarrhea – due to tannins, a decoction from oak bark has a powerful, astringent effect. Enough in 1 tbsp. steamed boiling water for 1 tsp. chopped raw materials, simmer for 3-5 minutes, leave for an hour – strain. It is enough to drink a tablespoon, before meals – 2-3 times a day.

In addition to the plants described, the treatment of folk remedies for diarrhea at home involves the use of a decoction of berries and leaves of bird cherry, which, like the bark of oak, has a pronounced astringent effect.It is prepared similarly to the described recipe, but it should be taken no more than 2-3 times a day. It will perfectly help to stop diarrhea and a decoction of Potentilla leaves, as well as chamomile and raspberry leaves, hawthorn fruits.

Potato starch to fight diarrhea

How to stop diarrhea in a few hours – the proven remedy for diarrhea in the form of potato starch will come to your aid. A decoction from it will help not only quickly cope with the negative symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, but also eliminate irritation of the gastric mucosa, and prevent dehydration.

In the practice of traditional healers, there are several recipes using potato starch:

1. Dissolve ½ tsp in half a glass of warm, boiled water. starch and drink it in a quarter of a glass, before meals, 3-5 times a day. With minor diarrhea, a single dose is sufficient.
2. An astringent liquid jelly from starch, with the addition of dried fruits and thorns, blueberries, is a useful and tasty remedy in the fight against diarrhea.

Vegetables to help the body

You can treat diarrhea with one of the following recipes:

1. Fragrant porridge from boiled carrots – it is simply boiled until cooked in a peel and then, after peeling, mashed from it, diluted with warm water to a state porridge.It is enough to take 3-4 tbsp. l. porridge with an interval of 2 hours.
2. Tea with onions – tasteless, but very effective. Divide the onion into 4 parts, creating a rosette, and place it in a glass of hot tea without adding sugar. Soak for 10 minutes, take out and drink tea throughout the day in small sips.
3. Cooking a decoction of onion peels – ½ cup of the presented raw materials are poured into an enamel saucepan and boiled over low heat, without bringing to a boil for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the stove, cool and strain – drink half a liter of broth in small sips throughout the day.
4. Beetroot and celery juice, carrots. This assortment is prepared from 1 beet, 3 celery rhizomes and 3 carrots – they are grated and squeezed through cheesecloth or passed through a juicer. They drink juice in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening – 100 ml each before meals.

Fragrant berries and fruits in the treatment of diarrhea

How to treat diarrhea with berries and fruits? Recipes from berries and fruits – they are suitable for both an adult and a child, are absolutely safe and have a positive, beneficial effect on the digestive tract.

First of all – make it a rule to eat every day, with an interval of every hour, an apple, which, due to the pectin they contain, normalize the digestive tract, fighting diarrhea.

Dried blueberries and diarrhea are great help – you can eat a handful of them every day or make jelly from them.

You can also cook a fragrant and sweet delicacy from a mixture of sugar and blackberries – these components are mixed in a ratio of 1 to 3 and eaten every 2 hours in a tablespoon.Stewed quince is an excellent remedy for diarrhea, because it has an astringent effect on the intestines thanks to natural pectins and essential compounds.

Blueberry fruit is a recognized healer not only for improving vision, but also an effective astringent that can fight the trouble of diarrhea. You can eat it fresh, but it is more effective in the form of a homemade infusion – just add 2 tsp to a glass of boiling water. berries and leaves, insist and drink as aromatic tea.

Bird cherry is another folk healer, which is shown to be taken in the form of a decoction for diarrhea.It is simple to prepare it – they take a tablespoon of berries in a glass of boiling water, insist for half an hour and drink a quarter of a glass throughout the day.

The decoction of pomegranate skins is no less useful – it is enough to peel the fruit itself, separate the skin and wash it, dry it. Grind and 1 tsp. powder is boiled in a liter of water over low heat for 3-4 minutes. – removed from the fire. Let it brew and cool for an hour.

Take half a glass 3-4 times a day and always before meals.

Spices in the fight against diarrhea

In the fight against diarrhea, spices will come to the rescue from the arsenal of folk remedies and black peas will be your first assistant – it is recommended to take it at night.

The recipe for treatment is simple and effective due to natural essential oils that stimulate the production of food enzymes, improving digestion and suppressing pathogenic microflora in the gastrointestinal tract.

It is enough to swallow 10 peas at night with water.

In addition to black pepper, cumin or turmeric can also be used in the fight against diarrhea – they help suppress pathogenic microflora and stimulate the production of gastric juice, normalizing the entire work of the gastrointestinal tract.You can add these spices to tea, dilute in water, or add to dishes.

Rice for diarrhea is a natural sorbent

Rice is also a universal and safe remedy in the fight against diarrhea at home – it fixes and envelops, it is shown for both adults and children. With diarrhea, it is enough to boil rice without salt and oil – for 1 measure of rice, take 7 measures of water, boil the cereals until cooked and allow to cool. Rice can be used as a side dish, but water can be drunk at intervals of 2 hours, 100-120 ml.

Black bread with diarrhea

Croutons of their black rye bread – they can be used in the fight against diarrhea, since the latter help to normalize the digestive tract, improve the microflora of the stomach. Just soak them in warm water for 15 minutes, then stir well – you get a kind of analogue of bread kvass. It is also worth drinking throughout the day.

Diet in the fight against diarrhea

The above remedies will have a short-term positive effect or not help at all in the fight against diarrhea if you do not follow a diet with an upset stomach.First of all, you should exclude all fried and fatty foods from your own diet, giving preference to light and low-fat dishes. Sweet and fatty, smoking – all this should be removed for the duration of the treatment.

Introduce as much as possible fresh vegetables and fruits with an astringent effect, rich in pectin and vitamins, such as baked apples, cranberries and blueberries, viburnum.

From products – introduce cereals into the diet, for example, rice and oatmeal, biscuit biscuits and potatoes, from meat products – chicken or rabbit.

And of course – more liquid, for example, pure water and fresh juices, which will speed up recovery and normalize the intestinal microflora and all the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Summing up, we can summarize the following – recipes from the arsenal of traditional medicine will help to cope with diarrhea, but only with the correct selection of funds and components.

In case of individual intolerance or allergies, such recipes will only harm – so as not to aggravate the course of diarrhea, it is best to consult a doctor first.

And remember – if within 2-3 days home remedies for diarrhea treatment have not yielded a positive result, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Folk remedies for diarrhea in adults: a review of methods

Folk remedies for diarrhea have become increasingly popular lately. This is due to the fact that medications can cause a lot of side effects, many medications lead to dysbiosis.

At the same time, the treatment of diarrhea at home is in no way inferior in efficiency to medication.

Some folk remedies can be used to treat children because they are safe and have no side effects. However, any therapy should be carried out wisely and not to the point of fanaticism.

Treatment of diarrhea with medicinal plants

In folk medicine, everything that nature has given is used – herbs, shrubs, trees, tree fruits, vegetables, spices and much more. Some products can be made at home from ingredients at hand.

How to Cure Diarrhea with Plants? It is possible to quickly recover from this problem with means based on medicinal plants that contain concentrated tannins in the composition, since they have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

A folk remedy for diarrhea is yarrow: the plant contains a large amount of vitamins A and C, as well as tannins. Yarrow tea should be drunk throughout the day instead of tea.

To eliminate the symptoms of diarrhea and prevent gastrointestinal disorders, you can use such decoctions, for the preparation of which the traditional method is used (1 tablespoon of dry grass or flowers per 250 ml of boiling water):

• Potentilla decoction should be drunk 3 tablespoons before meals, preferably warm;
• Rosehip root uzvar – drink in small portions throughout the day;
• drink infusion of St. John’s wort half a glass three times a day;
• decoction of sorrel root and snake knotweed, use 100 ml three times a day;
• drink 100 ml of angelica root infusion before meals;
• Take 50 ml infusion of calamus roots before meals;
• Drink chamomile tea after meals;
• the infusion of St. John’s wort and centaury should be consumed throughout the day instead of tea;
• Uzvar from fruits of mountain ash, marshmallow root and St. John’s wort (in proportions 4: 2: 3) take 110-120 ml 4 times a day.

You can get rid of diarrhea using folk methods with the help of vodka tinctures. To do this, take 100 g of dried angelica root, 250 ml of vodka, insist in the sun for 14 days.

Take 15 drops three times a day. For another recipe, you need 6 large tablespoons of chopped room geranium leaves, pour 250 ml of alcohol, leave for 3 days. Take half a small spoon in the morning and at bedtime.

This multicomponent collection is effective for prolonged diarrhea: mix 1 large spoonful of calamus root, St. John’s wort, cinquefoil, currant leaves, coltsfoot leaves, lemon balm, chamomile, yarrow, wormwood.

Two tablespoons of the resulting medicinal mix, brew 450 ml of boiling water, leave for 1.5 hours. Consume 120 ml before meals.

For diarrhea in adults, use walnut partitions. To make the tincture, you need to take 150 g of partitions and pour 120 ml of alcohol, leave for three days.

Take 10-12 drops three times a day. The main thing when taking this medication is to know when to stop, and when diarrhea disappears, stop taking it, since the remedy with prolonged use can cause constipation.

Another way to prepare the potion: chop green nuts, put them in a liter jar and add vodka to the top. Insist for a week. Consume 1-2 times a day in small portions.

A decoction of oak bark will give results in the treatment of prolonged diarrhea. For cooking, take half a small spoonful of oak bark for 400-500 ml of water, boil for 15 minutes.

Take 1 large spoon three times a day. A decoction of viburnum bark has a similar effect and is prepared in the same way.

The decoction and tincture of wormwood is effectively used. No wonder the plant is called a natural antibiotic that will quickly relieve diarrhea. The broth is prepared according to a standard recipe. You need to drink half a glass an hour before meals.

To prepare a medicinal drug, you need to brew 1 tablespoon of lemon balm herb 250 ml of boiling water. Take 50 ml before meals.

Many herbs can be used to eliminate diarrhea, normalize the gastrointestinal tract, eliminate increased gas production, and normalize metabolism.

In some cases, the use of certain herbs to get rid of diarrhea is unacceptable, for example, in case of individual intolerance.

The list of medicinal decoctions is not limited to those listed, different peoples in many countries use their unique traditional medicine recipes to treat diarrhea.

All of them are united by harmlessness, efficiency of use and naturalness of ingredients.

Use of fruits and vegetables

Folk remedies for treating diarrhea can be prepared on a fruit, berry and vegetable basis, for example, they prepare infusions, compotes, jelly and juices, eaten fresh and dried.

So for the treatment of diarrhea, onions are used, they must be peeled and cut a couple of times in the form of a cross, but not completely.

After that, you need to dip it in a mug of strong black hot tea and brew for 20 minutes.It is recommended to take this tea for diarrhea for one day.

Used for the treatment of diarrhea and onion peeling: for this, a handful of husks must be added to 400 ml of boiling water and cooked for 15 minutes. Consume all day before eating or drinking.

Treat diarrhea with vegetable juice. To do this, juice is squeezed into one vessel from 1 red beet, three celery roots and two carrot roots. Drink daily before meals.

Folk remedies for diarrhea in children can be prepared on a fruit or berry basis.

Uzvar made from dried pears contributes not only to an early stop of diarrhea, but also to the saturation of a depleted body with useful microelements.

A harmless remedy for diarrhea, which can be used by children from one year old and the elderly, is a decoction of fried sunflower seeds.

Pour one glass of fried seeds with two glasses of boiling water, cook until the volume is reduced by 50%. For adults, you need half a glass of broth, for children over a year old – 2 teaspoons.

Quince can be used to relieve diarrhea, both raw and baked.Compotes, jelly, and even syrup are prepared from the fruit, which, in combination with other components, gives an amazing result in the treatment of diarrhea.

You can use such an effective unconventional product as follows: Mix equal proportions of horsetail juice and quince syrup. Use 15-20 ml for diarrhea and dysentery up to five times a day.

For the treatment of diarrhea with folk remedies, berries, bird cherry, flowers and bark of a bush, which contain an increased concentration of tannins, are used.

Recipe for making an uzvar for the treatment of diarrhea: for 100 g of bush fruit, you need 450 ml of distilled water, boil for a couple of 35 minutes. Take 15 ml every one and a half to two hours.

A positive result in the treatment of diarrhea can be achieved with the help of an exceptional plant – blueberry, the healing properties of the fruit depend on the type and method of use.

Dried berries are used to treat diarrhea, and raw blueberries are better in the fight against constipation.

Researchers have proven that dry berries have a high concentration of pectins and tannins that help get rid of diarrhea.

Young parents are attracted by the harmlessness and effectiveness of fetuses in the treatment of diarrhea in children.

Dried blueberries can be used to make uzvars, infusions, compotes and other drinks that are effective in treating diarrhea.

Potato starch is used to eliminate diarrhea, as it has an enveloping and astringent property that helps to thicken the contents of the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition to blueberry-based drinks, simply dried berries can be used to eliminate diarrhea. A child can chew (as long as possible) 5 berries, and adults – 10-15 berries up to six times a day.

Viburnum broth can be made from half a kg of berries for 2.5 liters of boiling water, cook for 15-20 minutes. Add honey or sugar and drink throughout the day instead of tea or water.

Of the many options based on garden gifts, instead of black tea, it is recommended to use the following drugs:

• cherries – 0.5 cups, myrtle fruits – 0.2 cups, pour 1 liter of boiling water and cook over low heat for 25-30 minutes;
• myrtle berries – 50 grams, sage herb – 3 tablespoons, caraway seeds – 1 spoon, 550 ml of boiling water is poured in and boiled in a water bath for 35 minutes.

Treating diarrhea using available tools

Traditional medicine is rich in various tips to help eliminate diarrhea. Many of them can actually be cooked at home from improvised ingredients.

One such method is diarrhea therapy with chicken stomachs. To prepare a medicine for diarrhea, first of all, you need to remove the yellow membrane from the stomach, then thoroughly wash and dry it.

Then grind with a mortar or blender. The resulting powder is consumed in one large spoonful, washed down with boiled water, once a day until the diarrhea stops.

The following remedy for diarrhea is prepared on the basis of potato starch, which must be diluted with warm water (one large spoon for a full glass of water) and immediately drunk.

Effectively get rid of diarrhea with this mixture: brew two tablespoons of flour with one glass of boiling water, add a little honey.Eat the resulting gruel in one go.

Pomegranate skins, which are usually thrown away, have useful properties. The peels from one large fruit must be dried and ground into powder with a mortar.

The resulting powder is brewed at the rate of 0.5 teaspoon per glass of boiling water. The drug is used for diarrhea, 1 tablespoon three times a day.

For severe diarrhea, use 1 tsp of goat lard or fat. up to five times a day.

A wonderful folk “drug” for the treatment of diarrhea that everyone has in the house is black peppercorns.

Due to its use, the work of the gastrointestinal tract is normalized. The tool contributes to a simple and effective disposal of diarrhea, for this you need to eat 9-12 whole peppercorns, drink water.

For diarrhea, alcoholic tincture of green nuts has long been used. But there is one rule: you need to stock up on nuts until August.

You need to take 25 nuts, chop with a knife, place in a glass vessel and add 0.5 liters of vodka. Leave warm for two weeks.Drink for the treatment of diarrhea 25 ml up to five times a day.

Black tea is used to treat diarrhea when brewed tightly. In this case, the drink takes on a strong astringent effect.

Some methods include taking dry tea leaves: for this you need to thoroughly chew a few tablespoons of dry leaves, then wash them down with plenty of water.

Solution for replenishing trace elements and stopping diarrhea: add 30 g of sugar and 10 g of salt to 250 ml of water, after dissolving add 4-6 drops of iodine.Drink 15-20 ml during the day.

To make a medicine, you need to mix one teaspoon of starch with 50 ml of water, add 5 g of sugar and a couple of grains of citric acid.

Then add 150 ml of boiling water to this mixture, and after cooling – a teaspoon of iodine.

This medicine is stored for several days. Adults need to drink 0.5 liters throughout the day, but 1 tablespoon at a time.

Diarrhea in most cases causes dehydration.Sea salt is able to prevent this process.

It is necessary to combine 10 grams of sea salt, 60 ml of glucose, a little soda and 30 g of potassium chloride. Combine with 1.5-2 liters of distilled water and drink throughout the day.

Treating diarrhea with folk remedies can be a worthwhile alternative to traditional medical treatment.

The advantages of using such products are simplicity, availability, harmlessness, effectiveness and the possibility of using them in children.

Very often, diarrhea can be cured on its own, but you need to follow the rules for preparing funds. However, self-medication can be hazardous to your health.

For this reason, if the treatment for diarrhea does not work within three days, it is better to contact a medical facility.

The doctor will prescribe diagnostic procedures, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment for diarrhea.

Treatment of diarrhea at home: medical and folk remedies

Diarrhea is not the worst thing that can happen to you.But he is able to greatly spoil life and break all your plans, because he appears unexpectedly. What to do if diarrhea starts suddenly? How to calm the intestines and restore their ability to function normally?

Before intensive treatment, you need to deal with the symptoms. What can be considered signs of diarrhea:

• frequent bowel movements, in which the stool is loose;
• drilling;
• spasms;

90 120 swelling;

• severity;
• flatulence;
• poor appetite;
• vomiting;
• pain;
• nausea;
• weakness;
• drowsiness.

Statistically, diarrhea rarely lasts longer than three days. But it is impossible to treat quickly if you do not know the cause of the disease.

The most common causes of this ailment

Poisoning by poor quality products. The body immediately responds to bad food with diarrhea and abdominal pain.

• Rotavirus or viral diarrhea. It is often confused with poisoning, but this is not correct. The cause of the malaise is an infection that is transmitted through the air or shared utensils.Usually accompanied by fever and palpable weakness.
• Dysbacteriosis. It can occur against the background of prolonged use of antibiotics, malnutrition or existing diseases of the digestive system.
• Stressful diarrhea. It occurs due to stress, overstrain of the body, disorders of the nervous system or intolerance to medications.
• Diseases of the intestines or digestive organs.

There are actually a lot of reasons for diarrhea.They all have different origins. But often, treatment can help at home as well.

Medication

Diarrhea is common, so everyone should know a couple of ways to get rid of it. The easiest and fastest way of treatment is medications. They act quickly, and to take them, you only need a glass of water.

1. Loperamide and its analogues such as Supreol and Imodium. It successfully eliminates non-infectious diarrhea.As a rule, it works after 2 hours.
2. Smecta is a good adsorbent. Quickly removes diarrhea caused by intestinal infections. Suitable for treating small children. It is commercially available in powder form. It must be diluted in water.
3. Kaopectat. Helps with diarrhea of ​​any kind. Approved for use by pregnant women, but not used to treat children under 6 years of age. Available in suspension and tablets.
4. Polyphepan. Eliminates infectious diarrhea. Suitable for treating newborns.It is produced in the form of a powder, which is diluted in water before taking.
5. Probiotics. Useful microorganisms populate the intestinal microflora. The most effective: Enterol, Linex, Hilak-Forte. They are usually used to eliminate infectious diarrhea, dysbiosis and traveler’s diarrhea.
6. Enterofuril. It has a strong antimicrobial effect. It successfully fights infectious diarrhea. Suitable for babies over 1 month old. On the market, it is found in the form of a suspension. Pleasant to the taste.
7. Enterosgel.A powerful sorbent that removes bacteria, toxins and allergens from the body. It also prevents other medications from being absorbed.
8. Activated carbon. This is a proven remedy, but it may not help in all cases. Coal is a strong adsorbent. It removes toxins from the body, but also vitamins along with them. Coal gets rid of harmful microorganisms, those that have not yet been absorbed into the blood. Therefore, it is only effective in the fight against food poisoning. If diarrhea is caused by a virus or microflora disorders, charcoal can aggravate the condition by removing beneficial bacteria, which helps normalize the intestinal flora.

Almost all medicines have certain contraindications that need to be studied before taking at home.

Folk remedies

It’s no secret that there are products that have an astringent effect and “fix” the stool. Therefore, before swallowing medications, you can try to cope with the malaise with the help of proper nutrition and herbal decoctions.

Diet

On the first day of the onset of diarrhea, it is necessary to facilitate the work of both the stomach and intestines, so you need to eat dried bread, drink black tea or jelly.On the second day, you can add boiled, mashed vegetables, fish, meat, slimy cereals to the menu. It is necessary to completely forget for the period of treatment about apricots, plums, figs, beets and other raw vegetables, spices.

Rice broth in this case becomes the best choice. Rice can be found in almost every home and is easy to prepare. Its most valuable quality is its ability to envelop the intestinal wall and prevent irritation that causes gastric juices. In addition, it improves the peristalsis of the organ, which helps the stool to form properly, and eliminates flatulence.

Rice broth is an alternative to regular food that should not be consumed in case of diarrhea, it contains enough nutrients to support physical strength.

Recipe

Two teaspoons of rice are soaked in cold water for an hour. Then half a liter of water is brought to a boil and the porridge is poured into it. The product is stirred and boiled for 50 minutes. When the broth cools down, it is filtered through cheesecloth.

Adults are given 150 ml of broth every three hours. Children – 50-110 ml 4 times a day.

Improvement comes in an hour. Rice porridge will help enhance the effect. It should be eaten in between decoctions.

You also need to replenish the loss of fluid. With diarrhea, the body loses trace elements along with water, so it is better to drink not water, but a glucose-saline solution: a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of soda, a quarter of a teaspoon of potassium chloride and four tablespoons of sugar are dissolved in a liter of water. Instead of a solution, you can drink dried apricot compote or orange juice.

Other folk remedies are also suitable for treating diarrhea at home.

Bird cherry decoction

Pour half a glass of fresh bird cherry bunches with boiling water (two glasses) and cook in a water bath for thirty minutes. Half an hour insist under the lid. Then it is filtered, diluted with the same amount of blueberry juice and taken every hour (dose – 2 tablespoons).

Bird cherry contains a lot of tannins, which successfully cope with non-infectious diarrhea.But you can’t take bird cherry broth for several days in a row. It contains a substance that can cause poisoning. A similar folk remedy also cannot be used to treat diarrhea at home in nursing and pregnant women.

Pomegranate crusts

Dry crusts must be crushed. Take the resulting mixture (teaspoon) and pour boiling water (one glass), then boil in a water bath for about a quarter of an hour. The finished broth should be infused for 40 minutes. Take it 4 times a day, one teaspoon, until the diarrhea stops.Full healing occurs in 2 days.

Crusts are usually thrown away because no one knows how useful they are. They contain about 30 percent tannins, making them an excellent treatment for diarrhea. In addition, they contain a lot of polyphenols – strong antioxidants that effectively suppress even dysentery bacillus.

Properly prepared crusts are peeled from the white layer and dried in the oven.

Blueberries

The best remedy is jelly.To prepare it, you need a tablespoon of dried blueberries, a teaspoon of starch, 300 ml of water, and add sugar to the jelly to taste. The berry contains a lot of tannins and pectin – substances that successfully eliminate diarrhea when treated at home.

Oak bark

A glass of water and half a glass of bark are mixed and cooked for 30 minutes. The broth is cooled and drunk 3 times a day (dose – 2 tablespoons).

There are many tannins in the bark, as well as components that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.

When combined with proteins, tannins create a protective layer that prevents irritation from damaging the gastrointestinal tract.

Therefore, the use of a decoction allows not only to successfully treat diarrhea, but also to eliminate the problems that accompany it. The remedy relieves infectious and non-infectious diarrhea.

Black pepper

This remedy was always used by our grandmothers. It is worth drinking 10 peas, just swallow without chewing, and after a few hours the malaise will pass.

Vodka with salt

This is a rather extreme method of treatment at home, but effective. A third of a teaspoon of salt is diluted in 80 ml of vodka and drunk. Such a remedy is not permissible to give to children, as well as adults who are affected by an ulcer or gastritis.

Medicinal herbs

At home, diarrhea can be eliminated with the help of plants rich in tannins. They are harvested on their own or bought at a pharmacy.

Before preparing the broth and using it, you should study the peculiarities of taking the selected herb, as well as the existing contraindications.