Natural Cures For Diarrhea

As the not-so-friendly bubbly feeling arises in your stomach accompanied by an awkward cramping, a bout of acute diarrhea is a condition that brings about a rather unpleasant digestive concern. The highly common condition is one that everyone will experience at some point in his or her life. As a matter of fact, most Americans should expect to deal with diarrhea on the average of four times per year. While the condition places some in an embarrassing situation, others face life-threatening circumstances when diarrhea becomes a major health concern.

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is an intestinal disorder typified by irregular bowel movements that showcase abnormal frequency and consistency. In developing countries (where healthcare is less accessible), diarrhea is a more serious complication that can cause intense dehydration with the potential to cause irreversible damage to the body or in the worst cases – death. Usually, the debilitating dehydration associated with diarrhea mostly affects infants and older individuals.

Acute diarrhea usually lasts for a couple of days at the most, while chronic diarrhea may last as long as four weeks. Reoccurring or continual diarrhea may alert a patient that they are suffering from a different condition that is causing their intestinal woes. A medical examination may reveal inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

Symptoms

While the loose, watery consistency of stools is one of the most glaring symptoms associated with diarrhea, there are additional signs connected to the condition. A patient may also suffer from constant trips to the bathroom, cramping in the stomach, pains in the abdomen, bloating, blood in the stool, and sometimes a fever. If an infection is the cause of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may strike.

Causes of Diarrhea

There are many different reasons why an individual is frequently running back and forth to the bathroom with a nasty case of diarrhea. For instance, if you have come in contact with an infectious organism or other agent, diarrhea may serve as a common symptom. Additional causes associated with the condition include:

a) Bacteria:

The following bacteria are just some of the causes that may facilitate diarrhea: E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridum, Vibrio cholerae.

b) Viruses:

Viral contact involving the likes of the rotavirus, Norwalk agent, enterovirus or hepatitis is known to create diarrhea.

c) Parasites:

A parasite may also cause diarrhea, such as the creatures connected to giardiasis (intestinal infection) and amebiasis (caused by food or water contamination).

d) Improper Absorption:

When a patient suffers from chronic or reoccurring diarrhea, they may suffer from a problem that hinders their body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

e) Contaminated Food or Water:

When bacteria, parasites, or waste contamination compromises food or liquid, individuals who consume such matter may respond with diarrhea (among other symptoms). The same is true in cases of food poisoning.

f) Certain Medical Conditions:

There is a wide-range of non-infectious causes of diarrhea, which involve an array of medical conditions. A patient may exhibit diarrhea due to an inability to digest certain foods (such as with lactose intolerance or diabetes); removal of intestinal parts or the gallbladder; adrenal disease; thyroid disease; rare tumors; intestinal tract inflammation; and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

g) Additional Causes:

Depending on your body, you may also suffer from diarrhea if you consume too much artificial sweetener or are prescribed a certain medication or antibiotic that causes your body to react in such a manner. Toxins found in insecticides, hallucination-inducing mushrooms, or arsenic can cause diarrhea. Drinking too much caffeine-filled beverages or alcohol also contributes to the increased risk of diarrhea [1].

Natural Cures for Diarrhea

To ease the symptoms of chronic, reoccurring or acute diarrhea, you may want to consider the following natural cures, which are sometimes already stored within your kitchen cabinet or refrigerator:

a) Black Indian Tea:

A reduction in an inflamed gut may take place when drinking strong, cooled cups of black Indian tea (without the use of milk or sugar) [3].

b) Agrimony:

The aerial parts and leaves of this herb act as an astringent and healing approach for an inflamed intestinal tract. Agrimony makes an effective infusion or tincture that is also recommended for soothing the symptoms that plague children.

c) Buttermilk:

Some believe that buttermilk is one of the most effective home remedies associated with treating diarrhea. Buttermilk is the leftover milk that appears after the fat has been eliminated from the curd during the churning process. The acid within the buttermilk is known to combat germs and bacteria. This type of natural cure is sold as is at the local grocery store. Some become also mix rice with buttermilk as a natural treatment.

d) Carrot Soup:

Diarrhea is also treated through carrot soup, which fights dehydration, and replenishes lost sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, and magnesium. Cooking ½ kilogram of carrots in 150 ml of water until the carrots are soft is one way to make an effective soup. The carrot pulp should be strained, and then boiled until a liter of mixture remains. ¾ of a tablespoon of salt should be added. The final soup can be taken every ½ hour.

e) Ginger:

Dry or fresh ginger has been used for many years to aid in the digestion process, as well as to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract.

f) Mint:

When looking for a natural diarrhea cure, one teaspoon of fresh mint juice mixed with a teaspoon each of honey and lime juice can be taken three times per day.

Diarrhea Prevention

While you may unwittingly come in contact with a viral spread of diarrhea, there are other ways to prevent the condition from wreaking havoc on your bowels by following a few preventive measures. To avoid diarrhea caused by contaminated food, selecting pasteurized dairy products is suggested. Pasteurization is the process that takes food items and heats them for a specific period of time in order to destroy bacteria. When food is made, it is suggested that you serve it right away or place it in the refrigerator after it has cooled. Bacteria notoriously grows on food left out at room temperature.

Often, individuals battle diarrhea when traveling to a foreign country where the threat of contaminated food and water, or inadequate sanitation runs rampant. One may reduce their risk of suffering from diarrhea by watching the things they eat and drink. Foods should be hot and well cooked. Avoiding tap water and ice cubes is also suggested. An extra precaution would involve stocking up on bottled water and other drinks that are served in its original container. It may sound funny, but also, keeping your mouth closed when showering is recommended [2].

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