Fight Diarrhea With These Effective Home Remedies

There is nothing worse than having a bad tummy! During summers, the risk of stomach ailments doubles up due to various reasons. This is when diarrhea, a digestive disorder, is also on the rise. Though any one can fall prey to it at any point in time, it is most common in summers when the chances of getting food infections and other food-borne illnesses are at the highest. Diarrhea is the passage of loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day. It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration due to fluid loss. It can also lead to unhealthy weight loss. Diarrhea can be accompanied by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and may cause complications like dehydration. But when diarrhea lasts for weeks, it can indicate a serious disorder, such as a persistent infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or a less serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

What causes it?

The causes for diarrhea are varied like viral or bacterial infections, food intolerance, consumption of contaminated food, certain medications such as the penicillum, intestinal diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease. Some people develop diarrhea after stomach surgery or removal of the gallbladder. Stress too can trigger digestive disorders as our entire body is closely tied to our psychological health.

• Fried and greasy food
• Vegetables that cause gas like broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn.
• Dairy products
• Caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
• Stale food
• Food with high fibre content
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Raw or rare meat and fish
• Food from street vendors

Here are some easy tried and tested home remedies for diarrhea:

1. Probiotics


Probiotics are sources of good bacteria. Yogurt, especially the one with live bacterial cultures such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium is a great home remedy for diarrhea.

2. Bananas

Sodium and potassium help getting the digestion back to normal therefore bananas are recommended in treating diarrhea. Bananas are simple to digest and easily available throughout the year. Eat a few ripe bananas a day until your diarrhea subsides.

3. Apple cider vinegar

It acts as an effective agent against bacteria that causes diarrhea. Add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink the solution once or twice a day.

4. Ginger

Ginger can also be used for stomach problems. You can drink ginger tea two to three times a day to cure diarrhea. You can also grate some ginger, mix it with a teaspoon of honey and eat the concoction.

5. Fenugreek Seeds
 

Fenugreek seeds are highly recommended for treating diarrhea due to their high mucilage content. Mucilage provides a strong antidiarrheal effect. Mix a teaspoon of yogurt with fenugreek seeds, add a little bit of cumin seeds too, to help improve its overall taste.

6. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea soothes the aggravated parts of the digestive system so that diarrhea can be stopped at the soonest. You can also add lemon juice to enhance the taste.

7. Stay hydrated
 

Drink plenty of clear liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Oral pediatric hydration solutions, like Pedialyte, are the recommended fluids of choice for children with diarrhea. Eat light and in small portions.

When to call a doctor?
 

You should visit your doctor if:

• The diarrhea gets worse or does not get better in 2 days for an infant or child, or 5 days for adults
• There is blood or mucus in your stool
• Continuous fever
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting