Diarrhea
Having firm stools with two bowel movements per day is what most normal people experience. Diarrhea is when stools are very loose, liquid or watery, and occurs several times a day. Stress, infection, a sudden change of diet and pharmaceutical drugs can all cause diarrhea.
Recurrent diarrhea may be caused by a food sensitivity, parasitic infection or some other sort of inflammation of the bowel lining or overactivity of its muscular wall, and it requires professional treatment.
Dietary Advice For Diarrhea
Do not eat during an attack, but drink plenty of water. To replace lost fluids, add 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp of sugar to a liter of boiled water and half a liter of orange juice. Drink a glass every 15 to 20 minutes until symptoms subside.
Probiotic supplements of lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidus bacteria may be most beneficial for diarrhea after taking antibiotics, or recurrent diarrhea that may be caused by a lack of unfriendly bacteria in the bowel. Take as directed, or add ½ tsp powdered supplement to a tub live yogurt and take three times a day until symptoms improve.
Complementary Remedies For Diarrhea
Ginger tea can help relieve diarrhea. Pour a cup of boiling water over 1 tsp crushed fresh ginger root and leave to stand for 5 minutes before drinking. To improve the flavor and effects add 2 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey and a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves. Drink 1 cup, 3 times a day.
The herb goldenseal is excellent for many gastrointestinal problems. Take as a tincture or capsules, but do not use during pregnancy.
Grapefruit seed extract is excellent for parasitic or bacterial gut infections and holiday tummy. Take 75 mg 3 times a day as a preventative for a month before, after and during your holiday.
The homeopathic remedy Arsenicum album 6c is good for diarrhea with burning stomach pain and anxiety, and Nux vomica 6c may help relieve diarrhea caused by food or drink. Take your chosen remedy every 30 minutes until symptoms clear, or up to 8 doses.
If diarrhea lasts for more than a couple of days (24 hours in children), and is accompanied by vomiting, then it’s best to consult your doctor.
Recommended Ready Made Natural Remedies For Diarrhea
- Bowtrol Probiotic – with 9 Billion live probiotic cells, it helps maintaining a healthy digestive system and avoid the occasional symptoms of intestinal discomfort.
- DigestAssist – promote healthy digestion and comfort after meals.
- Digestion Tonic – FDA registered homeopathic remedy for maintaining digestive comfort, health and functioning.
- Gastronic Dr – promote healthy digestion and encourage comfort after meals.
- Tummy Trumbles – a supportive tummy tonic for children and to facilitate normal bowel activity and healthy, firm stools in children.
