Diarrhea results due to stomach flu or intestinal flu which causes an individual to lose excessive body fluids as well as electrolytes due to the passing of loose and watery stools several times a day. This issue usually lasts for around two to three days. Whilst it is causing you trouble, you can consider some ways that can help you in alleviating the diarrhea symptoms. In case your condition does not improve even after trying various methods to manage the condition, then it is advisable to see a doctor.
This blog will make you aware of some effective remedies that can be beneficial for getting rid of the symptoms and speeding up your recovery from diarrhea. Keep reading.
Keep yourself hydrated
Diarrhea can cause you to lose more fluids than you consume. It deprives your body of adequate hydration by causing fluid imbalance, which disrupts the smooth operation of your bodily functions. The fluid imbalance is created because of excessive amounts of fluid loss through stools. The amount of fluid that leaves the body is much greater than what enters.
The likelihood of infants, children, and older adults being exposed to health risks due to loss of fluids is quite high comparatively. Therefore, they need utmost care during such conditions. One can prevent the possibility of dehydration by increasing the intake of fluids. Keep sipping water, and include soups, and fruit juices in your meals, along with energy drinks to replenish the lost electrolytes.
When the body is dehydrated, it may give rise to some symptoms such as thirst, dry skin, tiredness, dark-colored urine, urinating less frequently than usual, being unable to sweat, and lightheadedness. This is why adequate hydration is necessary, and one has to consume more and more fluids during diarrhea, which will help in restoring the amounts of fluids that were previously lost due to the passing of stools repeatedly.
Have more probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria or living microorganisms that can be beneficial for treating diarrhea. These bacteria eliminate gut irritation and inflammation. They increase the number of good bacteria in the gut, which helps in restoring their normal digestion function. Yogurt is a well-known probiotic food source, which fixes digestive system problems including diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Yogurt is a cultured or fermented food, that can promote digestive health and provide relief against diarrhea. You might as well consider other sources of probiotics such as kefir, cottage cheese, raw milk, and buttermilk, which are also fermented with live culture.
Know what to eat
Consuming certain foods during this condition can help you to bounce back. Foods, particularly, white rice, oatmeal, bananas, apples, boiled potatoes, chicken soup, toast, etc. can be beneficial during diarrhea. Such foods are low in fiber, which is excellent, as they stay for a longer time in the gut. The bowel movement may slow down, and such foods might take a bit longer to get digested. As they delay digestion, one might not get an urge to run to the toilet for passing stools.
kinds of food to avoid
Caffeine
Staying away from caffeinated drinks and beverages is the best during such conditions. Coffee is the biggest source of caffeine, so give up coffee for a few days. Also, some energy drinks, carbonated beverages, sodas, etc. contain caffeine, refrain from having them for some time until the condition improves.
Leafy vegetables
Leafy greens contain excessive quantities of fiber, which can speed up your digestion and enhance your bowel movement. Avoid including collards such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, etc. for a few days.
Diary products
Foods that are obtained from dairy can increase the irritation of the lining of your gut and worsen the symptoms of diarrhea even more. It is best to avoid milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, etc. till the digestion improves.
Alcohol
Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and speed up the process of digestion. So, it is necessary to abstain from it.
Spicy foods
Hot peppers can trigger diarrhea even more. It can exacerbate gut irritation, thereby worsening the condition.
Take adequate rest
Do not force yourself to engage in physical activities such as exercising for a few days. Your body needs some time to regain its health after an episode of dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Exercising can make you lose more fluids through sweating; therefore, it is better to just take enough rest and allow your body to recover itself fully.
Talk to your physician
Taking OTC medications might help most individuals in fixing diarrhea, but sometimes these medications might be suitable for some. These drugs might increase the risk of side effects, also there is a risk of medicinal interaction involved, in case you are already using any other drug. Hence, is wise to consult your doctor and seek proper treatment. Usually, a condition like diarrhea may not stay for more than two days and goes away on its own, however, if it doesn’t, then it is necessary to talk to your doctor.