Diarrhea must never be left untreated, otherwise, it can cause severe dehydration, which can have life-threatening consequences, especially among infants, children, and older adults. Those with a weakened immune system are also at major health risk. There are several ways to treat diarrhea. Some home remedies can prove to be beneficial in alleviating the condition to a great extent. When the signs of improvement are not seen, then it is advisable to seek proper medical treatment.
Home remedies to cure diarrhea
Increase your water intake.
Diarrhea makes you excrete loose and watery stools multiple times a day. Persistently passing of stools deprives your body of adequate hydration, as diarrhea strips away body fluids along with electrolytes. Since an adequate amount of water is necessary for the smooth operation of physiological functions, lack of it can cause water imbalance in the body, which can affect your health profoundly.
Water has an essential role as all the cells, organs, and tissues of your body need it in a sufficient amount to regulate temperature and carry out bodily functions. Individuals with diarrhea must keep rehydrating themselves. It is necessary to keep sipping water from time to time. You can also incorporate more liquid-based foods in your diet. Which can include soups, broth, and fruit juices.
- Eat right to speed up recovery
Certain types of foods can aid in the process of fast recovery. Specifically, foods that are low in fiber can be beneficial for your gut health and you shall observe a significant improvement in your condition when you include low-fiber foods in your meals. Include foods such as white rice, boiled potato, cereals, oatmeal, white bread, toast, banana, eggs, low-fat milk, apple sauce, cheese, and yogurt.
Such foods slow down the process of digestion and the food stays in the gut for a longer time. The bowel movement may also get slowed down, which does not make you run to the toilet. Your hydration levels may also remain intact. You might not feel weak, dizzy, or fatigued as a result.
Foods that can aggravate your condition
While it is necessary to consume the right kind of foods, it is equally important to avoid certain foods that can make your gut function worse during such conditions. Anything that can increase the irritation and inflammation of the stomach or gut lining can contribute to the worsening of the diarrhea. So, you need to be careful what you consume during such days, as your gut remains highly sensitive.
For a few days, stay away from milk and dairy products, spicey and peppery foods, oily and fatty foods, ice cream, alcohol, caffeine-based drinks like coffee, energy drinks, tea, energy drinks, etc. carbonated beverages, soda, green leafy vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, etc.
Moreover, you must control your sugar cravings during such conditions. You might develop a strong urge to have something sweet, however, sugar or artificial sweeteners can increase the fluid levels in your gut. Which can exacerbate the condition even more. So, try avoiding sugar for a few days until you fully recover from diarrhea.
Take probiotics
Probiotics increase the good bacteria in your gut, which helps in relieving gut irritation and reduces inflammation. Probiotics are loaded with millions of microbes that eliminate stomach and gut infections and restore digestive system health. They kill off the bad microbes and increase the number of good microbes. Which prevents gut malfunction and makes diarrhea go away.
Some super healthy probiotic foods that are fermented with good bacteria or yeast include yogurt, tempeh, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, pickles, and traditional buttermilk.
Diarrhea treatments
Consider taking Anti-diarrheal drugs.
Diarrhea can be overcome with the help of over-the-counter medicines. Such medicines can help in fast recovery. These drugs work by reducing the flow of fluids and electrolytes to the bowel and help in slowing down bowel movements. One needs to be careful while using such OTC drugs, as they might not be suitable for everyone. Before using such drugs, make sure you have read all the instructions that are listed on the label carefully. This will be helpful in avoiding any negligence.
Seek medical treatment.
A condition like diarrhea can be managed at home using simple remedies that are listed above. If the condition persists for more than two days and you do not see any sign of improvement, despite trying every remedial solution, then it is necessary to see your healthcare provider. They may ask you several questions and suggest some tests to identify the cause of diarrhea.
Depending on the diagnostic reports, they may prescribe some medications such as antidiarrheal drugs, antibiotics, oral rehydration therapy (ORT), fiber supplements (bulk-forming laxatives), and medical nutrition therapy.
You should see your doctor immediately when you experience some severe symptoms of diarrhea, which may include fever, severe abdominal pain or cramping, diarrhea during sleep, bloody stools, severe dehydration, and significant weight loss. Taking proper treatment at the right time can help you safeguard your health.
In conclusion
Diarrhea can be cured by implementing simple home remedies. But if the symptoms do not go away and you continue to have it for more than two days, then relying solely on home remedies might not work. You must see your physician to overcome diarrhea.