Diarrhea
Diarrhea manifests itself as persistent, liquid stool and can have a variety of causes. Common triggers include infections of the gastrointestinal tract, whether caused by bacterial, viral or parasitic pathogens. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gluten intolerance or other food intolerances can also lead to chronic diarrhea due to an overactive immune response in the intestine. Environmental factors such as heavy metals and other toxins should also be taken into consideration.
Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be triggered by a variety of causes.
These include the following causes:
- Bacterial, viral or parasitic intestinal infections
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
- Intestinal dysbiosis
- Food intolerances, such as gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance
- Food poisoning
- Toxic exposure to heavy metals and other toxins
- Medication such as antibiotics, antidepressants or painkillers
- Stress and irritable bowel syndrome
What to do in Case of Diarrhea?
If you have diarrhea, there are a few things to consider.
Chronic diarrhea can be accompanied by dehydration (water loss), nutrient deficiencies and weight loss. It is therefore crucial to ensure adequate fluid and mineral intake. Food should be light and not irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Foods that firm the stool, such as rice, rusks, potatoes or bananas, have proved particularly effective. If necessary, it can be useful to relieve the digestive system for a day and eat little or nothing at all. However, this should be considered on an individual basis and discussed with an experienced doctor.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medication (antibiotics, antiparasitic agents), probiotics, antidiarrheal agents, dietary adjustments, stress management, detoxification measures and, if necessary, surgical interventions. Consultation with a physician to determine the exact cause of chronic diarrhea is crucial, as it can be life-threatening.
Home Remedies for Diarrhea
There are home remedies for diarrhea that can provide quick relief and compensate for fluid loss.
Drink water
Water is the first home remedy for diarrhea. Due to the loss of fluids, those affected are dependent on sufficient hydration. Depending on the person, 1 to 3 liters per day should be drunk.
Salt
High-quality, natural salt can be added to the water to make up for the lost electrolytes.
Teas
Chamomile tea, peppermint tea, sage tea or blueberry tea have proven effective for diarrhea. Teas can be helpful in calming the gastrointestinal tract.
Rusks, rice and bananas
Rusks are the classic remedy for diarrhea. Just like rice and bananas, it has a firming effect on the stool and has a mild effect on the digestive tract.
Can I eat something when I have Diarrhea?
As you lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes when you have diarrhea, you should eat something when you have diarrhea. Look out for mild and light foods that do not irritate the digestive tract. Rusks, boiled rice, bananas or light, unseasoned soups have proven effective. Chew the food as well and as long as possible to make the digestive tract’s work easier. Occasionally it may be advisable to eat little or nothing. However, this should be clarified with an experienced doctor.
Med. pract. Dana Hreus M.A.
Chronic diarrhea can bring the body into imbalance in a short time. It is important to identify the cause of the problem and treat it in a targeted manner.
Further information
The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.