TREATING DIARRHEA WITH HOME REMEDIES

It is that time of the year when the young and the old are not spared. Yes, it is the monsoon, and the time when diarrhea is common. They say, ‘Diarrhea is one of your body’s defense mechanism. It is the body’s way of getting something nasty out of your system.’ Some well known drugs may stop diarrhea, but they interfere with the natural process of cleansing which the body desperately needs. Diarrhea is a health problem and can be defined as the passing of frequent watery stools accompanied by painful cramps, nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea in babies and small children can be dangerous. Infants are easily dehydrated, and they lack the ability to tell you exactly how they feel.

In short, diarrhea is flushing bacteria or viruses from the body which you might have ingested by eating unclean food, especially food eaten from hawkers. Most cases of diarrhea resolve within a few days, rest and intake of extra fluids are required to prevent dehydration. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and the elderly, and must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems. If diarrhea becomes a chronic condition, or if it affects the very young, elderly, or the chronically ill, it can be dangerous.

The causes of diarrhea include viruses, food poisoning, reaction to food and stress. Diarrhea can also result from drinking impure water, as well as some drugs, especially antibiotics and also too much of alcohol. Gastroenteritis is one of the most common infections that cause diarrhea. Eating or drinking foods contaminated with bacteria can cause diarrhea.

Symptoms related to acute diarrhea are fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. All or none of these may be present depending g in the disease causing diarrhea. The number pf bowel movements can vary depending on the disease causing diarrhea. Dehydration can occur if diarrhea is severe particularly in very young and elderly patients, and in severe cases, it may lead to acute renal failure and confusion and drowsiness.

If diarrhea persists for more than one or two days, then it would be a serious problem, but if it is a temporary bout, home remedies may ease the symptoms. The most important remedy is to drink plenty of liquids, at least eight cups of fluids a day. Plain water is gentle on the tummy. To replace the fluids that are lost from the body electoral water, weak tea with little sugar, and fruit juices other than apple and prune helps. It is best to drink liquids that are little cool and also to take frequent sips instead of guzzling down a glass at a time. Avoid carbonated beverages.

Have a lukewarm chicken broth with a little salt added to it.

It is best to have easy-to-digest foods which include rice, soup, noodles, bananas, potatoes, cooked carrots, skinless white chicken, toast, and yogurt. It is best to avoid all dairy products except yogurt for one to two weeks after you have diarrhea.

Sugar and greasy or high-fiber foods can increase diarrhea.

Experts insist that letting diarrhea run its course is the best medicine. The best choice over-the-counter product would be Imodium, which causes the bowel to tighten up.