Diarrhea occurs when the stools move faster than usual through intestines. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and the elderly, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems. Diarrhea can be cured through home remedies.
The causes for diarrhea include viruses, a reaction to food, food poisoning, and stress. Too much alcohol, some drugs, especially antibiotics can be the culprits too. Diarrhea can also result from drinking untreated water that contains "Giardia", a parasite that attacks the intestines, or from other parasites and amoebas. In some cases diarrhea may indicate a more serious disease such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms of diarrhea
- Loose, watery stools.
- Frequent bowel movement.
- Abdominal pain or cramping.
- Dark colored urine.
- Fatigue or tiredness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Prevention for Diarrhea
- Avoid food you know your body cannot handle well.
- When traveling in foreign counties, drink only bottled water or canned drinks don't use ice in drinks .
- Don't eat food that have been put out in the open.
- Take lactobacillus acidophilus in liquid or capsules before meals.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Cook food thoroughly, especially meat.
- Practice good hand-washing hygiene.
- Cut back on caffeine, which can cause stools to loosen.
- Serve food right away or refrigerate it after it has been cooked or reheated.
Leaving food out at room temperature can encourage growth of bacteria.
Home remedies for Diarrhea
Common home remedies for Diarrhea are:
- Don't eat solid food at first this will let your digestive tract rest.
- Don't take over the counter anti diarrhea products for the first few hours.
- Sip clear, warm liquids like water, tea, flat soda's.
- Try eating bland food such as banana's white rice or toast.
- While you are recovering don't eat dairy food or fiber rich foods such as salads and fruits.
- If the diarrhea is sever watch out for dehydration. Signs include dry mouth, sticky saliva.
- Take rehydration drinks like sports drinks, to replace the lost minerals and fluids.
Identify the home remedies for Diarrhea
- If the diarrhea comes with a severe cramping, lightheartedness, chills vomiting or fever above 101degrees.
- If you notice signs of severe dehydration.
- If stools are bloody, or contains mucus.
- If you have diarrhea often or if it continues even after on medication.
- If diarrhea lasts for more than 2 to 3 days.
- If you have been traveling and may have been drinking untreated water.
- If diarrhea and constipation come and go in turn for more than a few weeks.
