Diarrhea, a common digestive disorder, is characterized by watery stools that are loose and abdominal pain. You may have acute diarrhea for up to two weeks. Chronic diarrhea is when the symptoms persist for more than two weeks. If diarrhea is not treated, it can cause serious complications, such as dehydration or nutritional deficiencies. It is important to understand the causes of diarrhea and how to treat it at home. Learn how to get rid of diarrhea by reading the following.
Diarrhea: Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment
Both adults and children are prone to diarrhea. The causes and risks for both are different.
Risk factors and causes of infants and children
- The rotavirus (also known as viral gastroenteritis) is the most common cause of diarrhea among children under 2 years old. Viral gastroenteritis, however, can affect adults.
- Touching unclean surfaces, playing with toys, or eating with dirty fingers can cause bacterial infections.
- Food allergies, such as those to peanuts, cashews, eggs, fish, or other foods, can be caused by lactose intolerance.
- Reactions to food formulas, or sometimes mother’s breast milk, when the mother has eaten something hard to digest.
- Taking antibiotics and other medications can lead to changes in the GI system.
Infants normally have softer stools. They can have a variety of stool colors and even pass stools more than once a day. It is normal. You should be worried if diarrhea persists for a few days and is accompanied by other signs of dehydration like foul-smelling stools or less urination. Our doctors can help you with more information.
Risk Factors and Causes of Adult Disease
- Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated foods or eating outdoors often.
- Bacterial Infections- Infections may be transmitted through skin contact or by touching surfaces contaminated.
- Intestinal imbalances can cause indigestion and nutritional deficiencies.
- Food allergies – Many people have food sensitivities, such as peanuts, eggs, fish, cashews, and milk products.
- Contaminated water can cause bacterial and viral infections.
- Overeating can lead to indigestion, which may cause diarrhea.
- A diet high in fats and foods that are difficult to digest.
- Diarrhea can be caused by stress and anxiety.
- Dehydration and indigestion can be caused by excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption.
- Certain medicines and supplements, such as antibiotics, quinidine or lactulose can cause side effects.
- Traveler’s diarrhea- This is due to an infection with E.Coli bacteria. Poor sanitation is a major cause.
- Other medical issues – Diseases related to digestion such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, and ulcerative colitis.
Home remedies for Diarrhea
Hydrate yourself
It is important to drink enough water in order to recover from diarrhea. Sugar and salt can help balance electrolytes and improve bowel fluid absorption. Mix 1 liter of water with a half teaspoon of salt and 6-8 teaspoons of sugar to make your Oral Rehydration solution. This solution should be consumed at regular intervals. Drink at least 3-4 liters per day.
Consume liquids such as fresh juices or buttermilk, which will restore potassium and sodium. This will help you to rehydrate.
Avoid Stomach Irritations
Avoid drinks that can irritate the digestive system, such as alcohol, caffeinated beverages, aerated drinks etc.
The BRAT Diet
Eat small meals frequently to improve digestion. Fruits, potatoes, sweet potato, and other foods high in potassium, electrolytes, and pectin are good choices.
The BRAT diet is made up of Bananas and rice, apple sauce, and toast.
The BRAT diet is rich in starch but low in fibers. This will make your bowel movements solid.
Rest
Diarrhea weakens the body. Adequate rest is essential to the healing process. Sleeping up to eight hours will relax your body and reduce stress.
Avoid Triggers
Avoid foods that can cause digestive irritation and are difficult to digest. Included in this list are foods that are spicy, high fat, and contain artificial sweeteners and fructose.
Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that help to maintain a healthy digestive system. Yogurt, for example, contains natural probiotics. Do not consume flavored yogurts.
Supplements
Nature has a solution for nearly everything. Natural supplements can be used to treat diarrhea without side effects. Biogetica offers a few natural supplements to help with digestion and relief. Contact one of our doctors to learn more about supplements that may help.
A few of the natural supplements for improving Gastric health are listed below:
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