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Natural Diarrhea Cures
Use natural diarrhea cures such as herbs, homeopathy, and nutritional supplements to stop diarrhea.
Acute diarrhea is usually the result of an infected, irritated, or poisoned digestive system. It is the body system's natural defence. When the body is exposed to a toxic
substance that is causing the infection or irritation, the digestive system secretes extra fluid to the intestines and produces a series of strong intestinal
contractions, resulting in watery stools of increased volume and frequency. Through this process, the toxic substance is expelled from the body.
In most cases, the toxic substance is a bacteria, or a virus, or sometimes parasites. Of course, intolerance of certain foods (e.g. dairy products) may also cause acute
diarrhea.
Acute diarrhea usually lasts for a couple of days and, since it is a useful and necessary way to expel toxins from the body, it is best not to use over-the-counter
antidiarrhea medications to suppress the symptoms. However, since diarrhea may cause a loss of significant amounts of water and salts, it is important to stay
hydrated with plenty of fluids and electrolytes.
Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, is a different story. By definition, chronic diarrhea lasts much longer than acute diarrhea - generally longer than four weeks.
It can be a warning sign of a more serious disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn's disease, or even cancer.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
Common symptoms associated with diarrhea may include:
- Frequent, loose, watery stools
- Abdominal cramps and/or pain
- Fever
- Gas
See a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Your stools are bloody.
- You have diarrhea for over 3 days, or if it recurs over a period longer than one week.
- Your abdominal pain is not relieved by passing stools.
- You become dehydrated.
- You have a fever of over 102°F (39°C).
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Causes of Diarrhea
Causes of acute diarrhea include:
- Bacterial or parasite infection
- Viral infection
- Food intolerance or allergy
- Food poisoning
- Drug toxicity
- Anxiety and stress
- Medications (e.g. antibiotics)
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Natural Diarrhea Cures
When it comes to dealing with acute diarrhea, the best way is to let nature take its course and try to stay hydrated and rested. You can also use some natural diarrhea
cures that can make you feel more comfortable and can reduce the intensity and length of the condition.
In this regard, homeopathy and herbs stand out as two natural diarrhea cures that are safe and effective.
Natural Diarrhea Cures - Homeopathy
Quite a few homeopathic remedies are available as diarrhea cures. Choose a remedy that most closely matches your symptoms. Use a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X,
or 30C). Follow the instructions for use and dosage printed on the label.
- Argentum nitricum: This remedy is indicated for diarrhea caused by anticipation of a stressful event or situation. It is also
used for diarrhea resulting from sugar ingestion.
- Arsenicum album: This remedy is effective for diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, and is also good for diarrhea caused by food poisoning.
People needing this remedy have feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and exhaustion. There may be blood in the stool, and the person may feel better after frequent small
sips of warm tea or water.
- Chamomilla: This remedy is for hot, green, watery diarrhea that accompanies teething in infants.
- Ipecacuanha: This remedy is for diarrhea accompanied by extreme or constant nausea.
- Phosphorus: This remedy is for a watery stool. The person has a weak or empty feeling in the abdomen and craves for cold drinks.
- Podophyllum: This remedy is helpful for profuse, explosive diarrhea that is usually not accompanied by pain.
- Pulsatilla: This remedy is indicated for diarrhea that results from eating rich and fatty foods. Queasiness and abdominal pain are
likely to occur, and the person feels better in the open air.
- Sulphur: This remedy is for urgent, burning, explosive diarrhea that occurs in the early morning, making the person rush to the bathroom.
The stool has a very foul smell, like rotten eggs.
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Natural Diarrhea Cures - Herbs
Quite a few herbs make excellent natural diarrhea cures - they can lessen the intensity of the condition and some have anti-bacterial or anti-inflammatory effects and can
improve digestion.
- Ginger: Ginger is anti-inflammatory - it reduces
intestinal inflammation and lessens the effects of food poisoning. If your acute diarrhea is caused by food poisoning, drink a cup of fresh ginger tea every two
hours or so.
- Goldenseal / Oregon Grape: Goldenseal and Oregon grape are antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. The tincture or capsules of either of these herbs
can be used to improve diarrhea caused by an intestinal infection.
- Slippery elm: Slippery elm's high mucilage content soothes the intestines and makes it useful for treating diarrhea. You can use the tincture
of this herb for acute diarrhea. Other herbs that have high mucilage content include marshmallow, fenugreek, oat, and psyllium.
- Agrimony: This herb has high tannin content and is effective in improving diarrhea. Try using two to three teaspoons of leaves to make a tea.
- Red raspberry: This herbal tea has historically been used for diarrhea. You can drink up to 4 cups of this herbal tea daily to reduce
intestinal inflammation.
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Natural Diarrhea Cures - Nutritional Supplements
Several nutritional supplements are useful natural diarrhea cures as well. They include:
- Probiotics: Studies show that probiotics, especially Saccharomyces boulardi, are effective for diarrhea (particularly diarrhea associated with antibiotic use). Take
a product that contains at least 4 billion active organisms two to three times a day.
- Digestive Enzymes: Enzymes help in the digestion and absorption of food. You can take one to two capsules of a full-spectrum enzyme with each meal.
- L-glutamine: This is an amino acid that repairs the digestive tract. It is one of the most effective chronic diarrhea cures.
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Natural Diarrhea Cures - Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid
During an acute diarrhea episode, it is advisable not to eat solid foods. Just drink plenty of liquid to stay hydrated. You can drink water, fruit juices, electrolyte
drinks, and clear broths.
While recovering from diarrhea, eat simple, easy-to-digest foods such as soups, cooked vegetables, and brown rice. Foods rich in pectin (which has a binding quality) are
also beneficial, for example, apples, potatoes, and carrots.
Foods to avoid while recovering from diarrhea include:
- Foods that are rich, fatty, or spicy.
- Diary products.
- Sugar.
- Alcohol and caffeine.
Also See
Natural Remedies for Food Poisoning
References
Balch and Stengler, Prescription for Natural Cures, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004)
Duke, J.A. The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2002)
MayoClinic.com (http://www.mayoclinic.com)
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