Diarrhea occurs when more fluid passes through the large intestine (colon) than it can absorb. When viruses, bacteria or parasites enter the intestine through water or food, they attack and damage the lining of the digestive system, thus making it unable to absorb fluid from the bowel contents. In return, the bowel content moves quickly through the digestive system, resulting in diarrhea.
Diarrhea’s common causes are a bacterial or viral infection, excessive drinking, anxiety, and stress, food allergy, consumption of contaminated food and water, or side effects of some medications.
Its symptoms include frequents bowel movements, vomiting, fever, thirst, dehydration, nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. Diarrhea can be acute, which lasts for one to two weeks, or chronic, which continues for longer than two to three weeks.
Get rid of these symptoms by trying some of these simple home cures.
Ginger
Ginger is always a good option for treating diarrhea.
Make a cup of tea using dried or fresh ginger. Drinking ginger tea two or three times a day will help ease abdominal pain and cramps accompanied by diarrhea.
Bananas
Bananas contain pectin, which is a soluble fiber that helps absorb liquid in the system, thus reducing the amount of liquid in the stools.
Also, the potassium content of bananas helps replace electrolytes that may be lost while experiencing diarrhea.
Maintain overall digestive health by having one or two ripe bananas with your breakfast. You can also mix one ripe mashed banana, a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of tamarind. Eat the mixture twice daily.
Yogurt
Yogurt that contains ‘live cultures’ is an effective way to help your body recover from diarrhea. ‘Live cultures’ are bacteria that protect the intestines and help generate lactic acid to flush bacteria toxins out of the body.
You can simply eat the yogurt or make a smoothie with it.
White Rice
White rice is high in starch and easy to digest making it an excellent bland food recommended for diarrhea. Have plain boiled white rice without sauce or spices. Simply start consuming small amounts of rice and then gradually increase the amount as your condition improves.
Orange Peel Tea
Orange peel tea help in controlling symptoms associated with diarrhea and aid the digestive process.
First wash the orange thoroughly, remove the peel, and gently chop it. Put the chopped peel in one-half cup of boiling water. Let it steep for some time. When it has cooled, add some sugar or honey to sweeten it. Drink this tea 2 to 3 times daily.
Potatoes
When boiled, this starchy food will help restore lost nutrients and comfort upset stomach. Or you can cook potatoes and white rice together in plenty of water until it becomes thick. Add a little salt and eat it.
However, if you suffer from diarrhea, avoid eating French fries or other fried and spicy potatoes as they can only worsen your condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar help in fighting diarrhea caused by bacteria. Plus, its pectin content acts as a protective coating and soothes intestinal spasms.
You can improve your condition by mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it two times daily.
In addition to these, you must also drink plenty of water or try some clear fluids and starchy liquids such as coconut water, rice water, clear broths, fruits and vegetable juices.
