Norovirus is one of the many causes of diarrhoea. It has caused over 200,000 deaths worldwide (1). Many people are dying from a disease that can be prevented with basic hygiene.
We have all experienced diarrhea at some point in our lives. You’re probably aware of how distressing abdominal cramps and bloating can be. Diarrhea can be a medical condition that is characterised by frequent bowel movements with watery and loose stools.
Light cases of diarrhea usually last only a few weeks. In some cases, diarrhea may be an indication of a potentially life-threatening condition. If you’re looking for natural methods to stop diarrhea, this article is for you. You will find some simple home remedies and tips that can assist you stop diarrhea sooner. Continue reading.
These home remedies can help ease mild to moderate bouts of diarrhoea. If the condition persists beyond a week, consult your doctor.
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In this Article
Diarrhea Treatments at Home
What foods help to stop diarrhea?
Diarrhoea: How to Stop it
The Danger Components and Causes
Diarrhoea Types
Indicators and Signs
When to See a Physician
Prognosis
Diarrhea Treatments at Home
- Lemon Water
Many people use a combination of sugar, lemon juice and salt with water to treat diarrhea symptoms, such as dehydration.
You Will Want
Half a lemon
One glass of water
Salt is a pinch
Sugar 2 teaspoons
What You Need to Do
Pour the juice of half a lemon into a glass full of water.
Add two teaspoons sugar and a pinch salt to the mixture.
Mix well and drink up.
What You Should Do Usually
Enjoy this delicious combination every time you want.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is antimicrobial, and has anti-inflammatory properties (3). It could help fight the microbes that cause diarrhea and soothe infected intestines.
You Will Want
Apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons
One glass of water
Honey (optionally Available)
What You Need to Do
Add two teaspoons apple cider vinegar to one glass of water.
Add some honey and mix well.
Combine the two drinks.
What You Should Do Normally
This mixture can be consumed 2-3 times a day until the symptoms subside.
- Almond Milk
Lactose intolerant adults and infants are more likely to experience diarrhea after consuming dairy products (5). Almond milk can be a healthy and safe substitute for dairy products (6).
You Will Want
Almond milk as required
What You Need to Do
Almond milk can be substituted for cow’s milk in cereals, smoothies and other dishes.
What You Should Do Usually
If you are lactose intolerant, this can be a daily habit.
- Coconut Water
Coconut water is a good rehydration solution for people with mild diarrhea symptoms. It is important to use it in conjunction with early refeeding.
You Will Want
One glass of coconut water contemporary younger
What You Need to Do
Drink one glass of coconut water every day.
What You Should Do Normally
This concoction is best consumed after every bout of diarrhea.
This treatment should not be used for signs of dehydration. This treatment should not be used in cases of cholera, renal impairment or a kidney disease.
- Peppermint Important Oil
Menthol is the active component of peppermint essential oil. Menthol can also relieve stomach ache associated with diarrhea and other IBS symptoms. Two studies published in Digestive Illnesses And Sciences, and Mymensingh Medical Journal also confirmed the same post sustained release of encapsulated Peppermint Oil within the small gut (8,9).
You Will Want
Peppermint oil, food grade: 1 drop
Heat water in a glass
What You Need to Do
Add a drop or two of peppermint food grade oil to a warm glass of water.
The answer is to drink.
What You Should Do Often
This combination can be consumed 1-2 times per day.
- Ginger
According to a study published in Yakugaku Zash, Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (Yakugaku Zasshi), the acetone extracted from ginger can also curb diarrhea caused by serotonin (10).
You Will Want
Ginger sliced into 1-2 inch pieces
One cup of water
What You Need to Do
Add an inch of ginger sliced to a cup water.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil in a pan.
Pressure and simmer.
Enjoy a cup of ginger tea.
What You Should Do Normally
This combination can be consumed up to two times a day.
- Inexperienced Tea
One of the many benefits of untrained tea is that it can be used to treat diarrhea in the people who are affected (11).
You Will Want
Tea inexperienced: 1 teaspoon
One cup of hot water
What You Need to Do
Steep one teaspoon of unseasoned tea for 5 to 7 minutes in a hot cup of water.
Drink the tea and don’t be afraid to pressurize yourself.
What You Should Do Often
You can consume inexperienced tea up to two times every day.
- Electrolyte Drinks
The consumption of electrolyte beverages, such as sports drinks, along with the popular oral rehydration solution (ORS), can help alleviate dehydration symptoms that are usually associated with diarrhea (12).
You Will Want
Sugar 6 teaspoons
Salt – 1 teaspoon
1 liter boiled water
What You Need to Do
Add six teaspoons to one liter of water. Mix well until it dissolves.
Mix well with a teaspoonful of salt.
Drink a cup full of the solution.
What You Should Do Usually
This is what you can do after every watery bowel movement.
- Vitamin A
Vitamin A deficiency can increase the risk of diarrhea. This deficiency is therefore a factor in the severity of diarrhea (13).
You Will Want
Foods or supplements rich in vitamin A
What You Need to Do
Increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, candy potato, apricots winter squash, cantaloupe and spinach.
You can also take additional dietary supplements after consulting your doctor about the dosage that is right for you.
What You Should Do Usually
Include small amounts of vitamin A-rich foods in your daily diet.
- Rice Water
It can reduce the number of stools without causing any harm to your health. It is particularly useful for treating diarrhea that occurs in children in developing nations due to childish gastroenteritis (14).
You Will Want
Half a glass of rice water
What You Need to Do
Pressurize the water out of cooked rice.
After each bout of diarrhea, drink half a glass rice water.
The treatment is suitable for children.
What You Should Do Normally
This can be done at least 2-3 times each day.
While these treatments are working, you can make changes to your diet plan in order to speed up the recovery.
What foods help to stop diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be quite uncomfortable. You should therefore be careful about what you consume. BRAT is a weight loss plan that can help you achieve this.
BRAT stands for “bananas and rice with apple and toast”. These bland foods are easy on your stomach and will not worsen the situation (1).
You should also drink lots of fluids in order to keep yourself hydrated.
Meals To Eat
These are the meals that can help ease diarrhea symptoms:
Clear broths
Bananas
Apples
Toast
White rice
Mashed potatoes
Yogurt
Foods to Avoid
Avoid these foods if you suffer from diarrhea
Dairy products
Fatty or fried meals
Spices
Uncooked greens
Caffeine
Citrus fruits
Uncooked greens
Pork
Processed Meals
Alcohol
Synthetic sweeteners
They could be heavy for your tummy, or they could worsen it if they are already contaminated. This is the case with uncooked vegetables. Exercise caution.
Here are some additional tricks to prevent diarrhea from returning.
Diarrhoea: How to Stop it
Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating.
If you come into contact with animals or contaminants, wash your hands.
You can use a hand sanitizer if you don’t have money to buy water.
Be cautious when you travel to a new location. Do not eat or consume anything until you are sure that it is safe to do so.
Before cooking, wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
All meats can be cooked in a nice way.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked egg.
Avoid using dairy products that have not been pasteurized. If you’re lactose intolerant, avoid dairy products altogether.
Avoid eating if you’re experiencing diarrhea.
Limit caffeine, alcohol and other laxative foods.
Add them to the list above and make sure you follow them.
What causes diarrhea? Who is susceptible to this disease? Find out in the next part.
The Danger Components and Causes
An infection of the gastrointestinal tract is usually responsible for most cases of diarrhea. Microbes are responsible for diarrhea in many cases.
Viruses such as Norwalk virus (cytomegalovirus), rotavirus, hepatitis and rotavirus.
Micro organism like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia coli.
There are many parasitic organisms, including Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba Histolytica.
In certain cases, especially in persistent diarrhea a trigger may not be visible. These persistent diarrhea cases are referred to as “useful.”
The following are some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing persistent diarrhea:
Intestinal problems such as Crohn’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, microscopic colitis or Celiac disease
Sensitivity towards dairy products and/or artificial sweeteners
Surgery of the abdomen or gallbladder
Hereditary or Genetic circumstances such as cystic fibrosis and enzyme deficiencies
Pancreas and thyroid diseases
Radiation therapy for the abdomen or pelvic region
Raw meat consumption
Our bodies can be contaminated by drinking or swimming in water.
Poor hygiene when traveling to foreign locations
Unrefrigerated or contaminated food can be dangerous to consume
Contact with someone who has gastroenteritis should be avoided
Certain antibiotics and laxatives can also cause diarrhea.
Three types of scientific diarrhea are most common.
Diarrhoea Types
This type of diarrhea can last for several hours or even days. Cholera can trigger this type.
Blood is also visible in the stool. Dysentery is another name for this type.
Diarrhea that persists for more than 14 days.
In addition to the characteristic watery stool, other signs of diarrhea may also accompany it.
Signs and Indicators
Diarrhea is characterized by:
Abdomen pain
Bloating
Belly cramps
Weight loss
Elevated thirst
Fever
Signs can be used to:
Blood in the stool
The stool is a pus
Dehydration
Persistent vomiting
It may be an indication of a more severe illness if you notice such symptoms in conjunction with persistent diarrhea. The majority of cases of diarrhea will go away on their own without treatment. In some cases, however, you may need to seek medical attention.
When to See a Physician
Consult your doctor immediately if you notice that your child has experienced six bouts or more of diarrhea in the last 24 hours. Children older than 1 year old should also be seen by a doctor if they have experienced 6 or more bouts of diarrhea within 24 hours.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is important to see your doctor immediately.
Steady vomiting
Persistent diarrhea
Weight loss is important
Blood or pus in the stool will also turn it black
Dehydration
If you visit a doctor, he or she may do the following to diagnose diarrhea.
Prognosis
Doctors can often diagnose diarrhea without needing to perform any additional tests, as the presence of two or more watery stools per day is enough to indicate the condition (1).
In extreme cases, however, your doctor may recommend that you take a stool test. This is done especially if the patient could be very young or old.
Your doctor may ask you to perform any of the following tests depending on the suspected cause of persistent diarrhea:
A full blood count is a good indicator of irritation.
Liver perform check to check your albumin ranges.
Tests for malabsorption to measure vitamin B12, folate, and calcium absorption. You may have your iron status and thyroid features assessed.
Test for antibodies, as they may indicate Celiac disease.
Ranges of C-reactive proteins and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Price (ESR) – High ranges can be a sign that you have inflammatory bowel disease.
The doctor may recommend other treatments if an underlying cause is responsible for diarrhea.
Diarrhea can be easily managed by paying attention to your daily hygiene practices. If you suspect that there is a underlying cause for your symptoms, seek medical attention.
Incessantly asked questions
Why do I have diarrhea after eating?
Postprandial diarrhoea is when you experience diarrhea every time you eat something. This type of diarrhea can be caused by an infection, food poisoning, IBS or lactose insensitivity.
What is the best thing to drink if you are suffering from diarrhea?
To prevent dehydration, you should drink 8 glasses of liquids such as broth, sports drinks, and fruit juices without pulp.
How long does diarrhea usually last?
An infection will usually cause diarrhea that lasts no more than 3 days. If your symptoms last longer than 4-6 week, it is likely that you have a gastrointestinal condition.
What do you know about diarrhea in children?
If your child has six or more bouts of diarrhea in 24 hours, you should take him/her to the doctor immediately to prevent further health problems.
Is it possible to get diarrhea early in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body will undergo many changes, including diarrhea and constipation, due to the changing hormones, changes in diet, and stress.
What is the best way to prevent traveler’s diarrhoea?
Here are some tips to stop traveler’s diarrhoea:
Only drink bottled water.
Even when brushing your teeth, use bottled water.
Avoid consuming ice that has been made using tap water.
- Only eat greens that can be cooked. Avoid eating them raw.
- Ensure that all food you eat, including dairy products, seafood and meats, is properly boiled or cooked.
- In case you are traveling to a place where there is a recent outbreak of hepatitis then it’s best to get vaccinated for the disease before starting your journey.
