The Best Ways To Treat Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive disorders and has several symptoms, including abdominal pain, dizziness and bloating, according to information from the USNational Library of Medicine. Although it usually lasts two to four days, some methods can help treat diarrhea and stop the symptoms more quickly.

Why does diarrhea occur?

Diarrhea is simply the term for watery or loose stools. Although it has several causes, the main causes are viral infections and food poisoning.

Food poisoning is the most common. The problem usually comes from eating something that has become bad, or eating too much at meals. The same thing can happen if you drink too much alcohol.

If diarrhea lasts longer than a week, it is considered chronic. In that case, it is crucial to consult a doctor because you may be dealing with a serious infection. Even if your problems are less serious, it is always a good idea to talk to a specialist to make sure you are getting the right treatment.

How can you relieve the symptoms of diarrhea?

You should pay special attention to the side effects of diarrhea. Be sure to avoid dehydration, which is very common. The Madrid Medical Service in Spain recommends drinking plenty of water to counteract the loss of fluid from diarrhea.

Specialists tend to recommend diets that include:

• Mineral water or fruit juice without meat
• Lemon or jelly
• Sports drinks
• Vegetable broth
• Sugar-free sorbet

You should try to introduce solid foods little by little. For example, eating bananas, rice, apple sauce or toast is a good option . Avoid fatty foods or foods high in fiber because it can make diarrhea even worse.

It is also wise to avoid coffee, alcohol and artificial sweeteners for a few days. Make sure you get a good rest. This will help your body better fight the virus or disorder that caused the diarrhea in the first place.

Treat diarrhea naturally

To supplement the treatment recommended by your doctor, you can try certain natural treatments for the symptoms of diarrhea. The most effective are the following:

1. Chamomile

These small flowers have medicinal properties that have been used for centuries to treat stomach problems and stop diarrhea.

According to a study from Camaguey Medical Sciences University (Cuba), chamomile is antispasmodic, so it can help reduce intestinal inflammation. Usually people use chamomile in the form of tea.

Treat diarrhea with carrots

Carrots have many wonderful properties. For example, they have a high water content and can help you avoid dehydration. They are also helpful in restoring the balance of your gut flora, according to a study from Penn State University (USA).

They can also increase the levels of certain minerals in your body, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and sulfur.

Ingredients

• 3 carrots
• 4 cups water (1 liter)

Preparation

• Peel the carrots and cut them into small pieces.
• Boil the water in a saucepan with a little salt and add the carrots.

• Cook until tender.
• Run in a food processor or blender until you get a creamy soup.
• Drink it as hot as possible.

3. Treat diarrhea with rice water

In addition to the rice itself, people often recommend drinking rice boiling water. It can have some beneficial health properties, such as being able to soothe abdominal pain and cramps.

Rice water is also rich in starch that protects your mucous membranes, reduces irritation and stops diarrhea, according to a study by Dr. Verny E. Huertas-Franco.

It’s so easy to make:

Ingredients

• 1 handful of rice (70 g)
• 2 cups water (500 ml)

Preparation

• Add rice and water to a saucepan.
• Cook the rice until tender (you may need to add a little extra water).
• Remove the rice, but do not pour out the liquid.
• Let it cool and drink it throughout the day.

4. Treat diarrhea with lemon

According to a study from the University of Berlin, lemon is a powerful antibacterial and digestive agent. Lemon also has properties that prevent fluid loss and normalize the flow of acids in the digestive system.

Ingredients

• Lemon juice
• 4 cups water (1 liter)
• 1 pinch of salt (2 g)
• 1 tbsp baking soda (10 g)

Preparation

• Squeeze the lemon juice into a jug.
• Add water, salt and baking soda.
• Stir well.
• Drink this in small portions, four times a day.