Home Remedies For Diarrhea Relief
Diarrhea is an uncomfortable condition characterized by loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. It can cause abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and dehydration. While diarrhea often resolves on its own, home remedies can help manage symptoms and promote recovery. This article explores over 15 natural remedies to soothe diarrhea quickly and safely at home.
Causes of Diarrhea
– Viral infections
– Bacterial infections
– Food poisoning
– Food intolerances
– Medications
– IBS
– Stress
When to See a Doctor
Consult your doctor if diarrhea:
– Lasts more than 2 days
– Is accompanied by intense pain, fever, or bloody stool
– Causes dehydration
For most cases of acute diarrhea, these home remedies can provide relief:
1. Stay Hydrated
Preventing dehydration is key when dealing with diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids, like water, broth, or electrolyte-rich sports drinks. Take small, frequent sips to help your body absorb the fluids. Focus on hydration before taking medicine.
2. BRAT Diet
Stick to bland, gentle foods for a few days. The BRAT diet stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These binding foods help solidify stools. Avoid dairy, greasy, or sugary foods until diarrhea subsides.
3. Probiotics
Probiotic foods contain beneficial bacteria to restore gut health. Yogurt with live active cultures can help combat diarrhea-causing pathogens. Look for dairy-free options if you are lactose intolerant.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has antispasmodic properties that help relax the intestinal muscles and reduce cramping. This calming herbal tea also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Sip it warm throughout the day.
5. Ginger
Ginger root can help settle the stomach and support digestion. Make ginger tea by steeping peeled, sliced ginger in hot water. You can also take ginger supplements after consulting your doctor.
6. Peppermint
Peppermint contains menthol, which helps relax intestinal muscles. Drink peppermint tea several times per day. You can also take enteric-coated peppermint oil supplements.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar into warm water and drink up to 3 times daily. The acetic acid may inhibit water secretion and reduce diarrhea duration. Start with small doses to avoid burning.
8. Fenugreek Seeds
Rich in mucilage, fenugreek seeds can help coat and soothe the intestinal lining. Soak 1-2 teaspoons of seeds in water overnight then drink the soaked water in the morning. Fenugreek capsules are also available.
9. Green Bananas
Unripe bananas contain tannins that help normalize bowel movements. Eat a plain boiled or steamed green banana a couple times a day during diarrhea episodes. Avoid overripe bananas, which can worsen diarrhea.
10. Berries
Berries like blueberries and blackberries contain astringent tannins to help firm up loose stools. Eat fresh or cooked berries, but avoid dairy-based berry foods. Berries are safe for kids.
11. Chia Seeds
When chia seeds absorb liquid, they form a gel-like bulk that can help bind stools. For diarrhea relief, stir 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds into water, juice, or clear broth. Let sit 10 minutes before drinking.
12. Chicken Broth
Sipping warm chicken broth replenishes electrolytes lost from diarrhea. Broth also provides protein without upsetting the stomach further. Use low-sodium chicken broth and avoid fatty, creamy soups.
13. Avoid Caffeine
Caffeinated drinks like coffee, energy drinks, and black tea can stimulate the intestines and make diarrhea worse. Avoid caffeine until your symptoms resolve.
14. Take a Probiotic Supplement
Look for probiotic supplements specifically formulated to treat diarrhea. These provide a high dose of beneficial bacteria to restore healthy gut flora. Follow dosage on the label.
15. Use Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can help treat infectious diarrhea by absorbing toxins. Take 500 mg capsules as directed on the label with a full glass of water. Do not take within 2 hours of other medications.
16. Seek Medical Care
See your doctor if diarrhea lasts more than 2 days or causes dehydration, intense cramping, or bloody stools. Infants, elderly, pregnant women, and those with comprised immune systems should seek medical care for diarrhea quickly.
Home Remedies for Diarrhea in Babies and Toddlers
Diarrhea can be dangerous in little ones due to the risk of dehydration. Follow pediatrician’s orders, and ask about trying:
– Probiotic drops with live cultures
– Oral rehydration solutions
– BRAT diet
– Chamomile or fennel tea
– Smooth mashed bananas
– Gelatin
– Avoid apple juice, which can worsen diarrhea in kids
Seek immediate medical attention if a child shows signs of dehydration, including:
– Decreased urination
– Dry mouth and lips
– Sunken eyes
– Lethargy
– Skin tenting when pinched
Preventing Diarrhea
You can reduce your chances of diarrhea by:
– Washing hands frequently
– Drinking clean water
– Eating fresh, uncontaminated food
– Cooking food thoroughly
– Avoiding potential trigger foods
– Managing preexisting conditions like IBS
– Taking probiotics daily
When to Return to Normal Eating
Once diarrhea starts improving, gradually reintroduce regular foods over a few days. Avoid fatty, spicy, or harsh foods until symptoms are gone. Call your doctor if diarrhea lasts over 48 hours or keeps returning.
Know When to Seek Medical Care
While home remedies can provide relief in mild cases, always seek medical attention immediately if diarrhea is:
– Extremely frequent
– Lasting more than 2 days
– Bloody
– Accompanied by intense cramping, dizziness, or fever
Diarrhea usually resolves on its own within a few days. Supportive home treatment can help manage discomfort until bowel movements return to normal. Drink plenty of fluids, stick to bland foods, and try proven natural remedies to help control acute diarrhea episodes. But when in doubt, do not hesitate to call your doctor, especially if symptoms are severe or you have an underlying medical condition. With the right care, you can ride out a bout of diarrhea as comfortably as possible.
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