Diarrhea is a common symptom that can occur with many disorders. It can be dangerous if you do not know how to treat diarrhea, as it can cause the body to dehydrate.
Diarrhea is a condition where we do at least three loose or liquid bowel movements each day. You can usually last two to three days.
Almost all people have had diarrhea at some point in their lives, even when traveling (which is more uncomfortable).
However, uncomfortable it is, it is a natural response of our bodies to “remove” any harmful bacteria present in our body. You can contract from someone who already has diarrhea or through food poisoning.
Fortunately, the condition is not serious when it is not severe and lasts for a short time. For some people, diarrhea may appear two to three times a year.
Because it is so common, many people know how to treat diarrhea. It is a simple task and in this article we’ll talk about that. However, first we talk a little about its causes and types.
Causes of Diarrhea
Serious and mild cases of diarrhea may be the result of certain conditions such as:
- Alcohol abuse.
- Antibiotics.
- Diabetes.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Food poisoning.
- Contaminated water.
- A viral infection.
- Food allergies.
- Certain surgeries (e.g. the digestive system).
- Poor absorption of nutrients.
The duration of diarrhea may vary depending on the cause, and based on that, a qualified doctor can tell you how to treat diarrhea in your case.
Types of Diarrhea
Knowing the type of diarrhea that you have is also important because you can treat it as directed.
- Acute Diarrhea: In this case, diarrhea lasts a few days, generally up 3. Evacuations are recognizable cause two to three times a day. Not being so severe, the diarrhea can be treated at home.
- Chronic diarrhea: This diarrhea can last from two weeks to more. For its severe nature, you need to seek specialized care. If left unattended, it can cause further complications such as dehydration.
- Traveler’s diarrhea: As the name says, is more common among travelers. It can occur if traveling to underdeveloped areas with water that is not purified.
It should be especially careful with children, pregnant women and the elderly who suffer from diarrhea because it can be fatal for children and the elderly. In pregnant women can induce labor.
Here we tell you how to treat diarrhea.
How to Treat Diarrhea
It is possible to treat this condition at home and avoid the appearance of other complications. Dehydration is one of the complications that should be avoided, among others.
Nonprescription medicines
After consulting with your doctor, you will know that certain medicines you can buy without a prescription can help treat diarrhea.
The drug as bismutol subsalicylate is popular to treat the causes. However, people with chronic diarrhea should not take this medicine without consulting a doctor.
Taking probiotics
Probiotics are essentially “live bacteria” that can benefit the living creature that consumes them, and have been studied in terms of their relationship with digestion.
There is evidence that probiotics especially used to treat diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
Taking antibiotics for a long time can kill “good” bacteria in our intestines that help in digestion. When this happens, the “bad” bacteria are prevalent.
Eating foods with probiotics can increase the “good” bacteria in our digestive system to improve digestion.
The most popular foods with probiotics is yogurt, kefir, kimchi (typical Korean dish).
Avoiding certain foods
As mentioned before, we must treat diarrhea before causing complications such as dehydration. Dehydration from diarrhea can be fatal to children and the elderly.
Foods like soda, alcohol, milk and other caffeinated beverages or carbonated can worsen symptoms. Also avoid eating fried foods and foods high in fat.
It is easy to think that fruits and vegetables would not hurt, but when you have diarrhea, your body becomes sensitized. Therefore, avoid eating foods that can cause gas, such as:
- Beans.
- Broccoli.
- Corn.
- Asparagus.
- Pasta.
- Potatoes.
- Apples.
- Pears.
- Whole grain foods.
Some people are more sensitive to lactose than others, but while you have diarrhea is better to stay away from dairy products.
Home remedies to treat diarrhea
Consumes “soft” foods
When I talk of “soft” foods, I mean foods that will not irritate your stomach.
Pectin is a soluble fiber that absorbs excess fluid in your intestines and slows the passage of stool.
Foods that can add to your diet during diarrhea are bananas, white rice and carrots.
The carrot you can cook until it is smooth can make a puree with a little water and eat ¼ cup every hour.
Consume clear liquids
Water is not only liquid you can take to rehydrate. You can take coconut water (great rehydrating), clear broth (eg chicken broth), vegetable soups.
You can also take sports drink that does not contain caffeine to treat diarrhea.
Turmeric
Is popular using turmeric to treat diarrhea caused by food poisoning. It can help relieve abdominal pain and stomach cramps.
One way to prepare is:
Mix a small piece of turmeric with a teaspoon of honey. You can eat to promote the production of gastric juice and improve digestion.
The taste may be uncomfortable for some, but should avoid taking water immediately afterwards.
Conclusion
As you can see, diarrhea is a common condition, and mostly not be severe.
In severe cases, such as chronic diarrhea lasting more than two weeks, it is best to consult a doctor.
If your case is mild and only go to the bathroom two or three times a day, you can treat it at home with a change of diet.
To treat diarrhea you can take medicines without prescription, provided you have consulted your doctor before.
It is important to avoid dehydration when you have diarrhea, therefore avoiding certain foods like soda and alcohol. Other foods that can worsen the symptoms are dairy products and certain fruits / vegetables.
Probiotics also improve the intestinal flora, you can try to cure diarrhea when taking probiotic foods like yogurt.
