Signs and Symptoms of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the term that is used to describe frequent loose or liquid bowel movements.
Once diarrhea begins, it usually takes from two to four days for the symptoms to disappear.
Diarrhea may also be accompanied by cramping abdominal pain.
If symptoms lasts for more than a week or are accompanied by a fever, or if there is blood, pus, or mucus in your stool, then it is best to consult a doctor since it could be a sign of a more serious illness.
Causes of Diarrhea
Most diarrhea occurs as a result of a viral infection. Traveler's diarrhea is the most common type, which often occurs by drinking water from an infected water supply. For this reason, it is always recommended that you drink only bottled water and avoid ice cubes when traveling abroad.
Nervous diarrhea is another common type, which can occur when an individual is under a significant amount of stress, such as before an important exam or presentation.
Many people that take antacids on a regular basis also experience frequent diarrhea. Antacids often contain magnesium, which is a know trigger of diarrhea when taken in large doses.
Home Remedies and Natural Treatments for Diarrhea
Drinking Clear Fluids
When diarrhea occurs, it is important to consume plenty of clear liquids such as water, apple juice, and tea to avoid dehydration. A common recommendation is 6 to 8 ounces of water every 2 hours when suffering from diarrhea. Since diarrhea depletes potassium and sodium, sports drinks such as Gatorade are also highly recommended. However, it is important to avoid non-clear drinks such as orange juice or tomato juice, and stay clear of alcoholic beverages.
If diarrhea is caused by stress or food poisoning (such as traveler's diarrhea), then a great home remedy is to consume yogurt. The active "good" bacterial cultures in yogurt help to balance the effect of the "bad" bacteria that triggered the diarrhea in the first place.
Apple Cider Vineger
Apple Cider Vinegar is a great natural remedy for diarrhea. The vinegar acts an effective agent against many of the major bacteria that lead to diarrhea, and the high pectin concentration in the vinegar soothes the irritated lining of the colon. A suggested dosage is to mix 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar into an 8 oz glass of water, and drink this 3 times a day.
It is best to avoid stressing your digestive system when you are experiencing diarrhea. Therefore, it is best to stay away from high-fiber and complex carbohydate foods such as whole grain breads, oats, pasta, corn, and most fruits such as apples, pears, and prunes. Instead, light foods such as white bread, steamed carrots, and applesauce are recommended. Bananas are also highly recommended since they are high in potassium (which is often depleted as a result of diarrhea).
Black Seed Oil
Black Seed Oil has been found to be an effective natural remedy for diarrhea. Simply mix a teaspoon of black seed oil with a cup of yogurt, and take the mixture twice a day until symptoms disappear.