Everyone will experience an episode of diarrhea at least once in their life. Although many factors can cause diarrhea, the most common is bacterial and viral infection. Diarrhea in children is commonly caused by the contagious virus Rotavirus but bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli can cause diarrhea in all age groups. Apart from the characteristic loose, watery stools and frequent need to relieve oneself, other symptoms of diarrhea include nausea, bloating, fever, dehydration, abdominal pain, and more. Diarrhea usually disappears on its own without any treatment after a few days but there are some ways you can alleviate its symptoms and make it disappear faster. Basically, there are two things you should keep in mind when a case of diarrhea hits you: rehydrate yourself and avoid anything that can make your condition worse. Here are eight home remedies for treating diarrhea that you can try out for the next time you find yourself constantly running to the bathroom.
- Drink water
Drinking water is a very important task to do if you have diarrhea. Because of all the loose bowl movement, your body can get dehydrated pretty fast. Thus, it’s important to replenish all those lost fluids by drinking water very frequently. Although drinking water does not have a direct effect in treating diarrhea, it can help prevent the condition from getting worse due to dehydration.
- Yoghurt
Non-pasteurized yoghurt is a great snack for those who have diarrhea. Non-pasteurized yoghurt contains live bacterial cultures including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium which are great for restoring healthy levels of good bacteria in your gut, thereby helping get rid of the bad bacteria that’s causing the diarrhea faster.
- Avoid certain foods
Certain foods can make your diarrhea worse. Watch what you eat and stay away from foods that can make the symptoms worse. Avoid oily and greasy foods, as well as certain beverages including milk, soda, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol. Some fruits and vegetables that can cause gas must also be avoided including corn, peas, peppers, broccoli, beans, and prunes.
- Drink sports drinks
Normally, sports drinks should not be chosen over water because of their sugar and salt content. However, if you have diarrhea, the sugar and salt content can help your body absorb the water in the sports drink better, thereby preventing dehydration. You can make your own sports drink by mixing a teaspoon of salt to four cups of apple juice.
- Stick to liquid food products
Soups are better food choices when you have diarrhea. This is because the nutrients in liquid food are better absorbed by the body. If you consume solid foods, the nutrients are not fully absorbed and therefore go to waste when you feel the urge to visit the bathroom again. You can break down solid foods using a food processor or blender to make its nutrients more absorbable.
- Ginger
Ginger has long been used to treat common digestion ailments and abdominal pain. Drink ginger tea about two to three times every day to help get rid of your diarrhea faster. You can make ginger tea by boiling a cup of water with a small slice of ginger then add some honey before drinking.
- Fenugreek Seeds
A certain substance known as mucilage contains certain components that can almost immediately help stop the effects of diarrhea. Fenugreek seeds are known to have high mucilage content, thereby helping you get rid of your diarrhea sooner. You can chew on some fenugreek seeds alone or you can mix it with some yoghurt to further improve its diarrhea-alleviating effects. Throw in some cumin seeds as well to enhance the overall taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
The mild acidic content of apple cider vinegar can help get rid of the bacteria that’s causing the diarrhea. Drink a solution of one teaspoon apple cider vinegar in a glass of water one to two times every day until the diarrhea subsides.
