Safe Treatment Methods for Diarrhea

Diarrhea is bowel movements at more than average frequency or decrease in the consistency of stools causing discharge of loose, watery stool. Most of the time increase in the frequency of bowel movement and reduction in consistency happen at the same time increasing the severity.

The number and size of stools that one passes within given period is the determinant for severity of diarrhoea.

Mild diarrhea: a few loose stools in a day

Moderate diarrhea: more than few diarrheas stools a day but not more than 10

Severe diarrhea: More than 10 loose and watery stools in 24 hours.

Treatment of diarrhea can be by medication, natural ways or combination of both.

Medication

Mild to moderate diarrhea due to some digestive problems can stop itself. Severe diarrhea or that which takes too long should get a doctor's attention. An occasional bout especially traveller's diarrhea that occurs after taking contaminates water or food does not leave you with many options except seeking quick treatment.

Getting over the counter medication can be helpful in increasing the consistency and reducing the frequency of bowel movement.Imodium(loperamide) and Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate) or Pepto-Bismol are some of the over the counter medications that you can buy without a prescription. The maximum time for using the OTC drugs is two days.

In most cases OTC medication is helpful in stopping diarrhea soon even within the same day.it is comforting but it is essential to know that the cause of the problem is pouring of more water through the intestines to help in flushing out harmful bacteria or virus and manage disruption in the gastrointestinal system.

OTC drugs might not act on the parasites, bacteria or viruses in the system. They will only reduce visits to the toilet for a short time. Visiting a physician for diagnosis of the cause is essential.A doctor will treat the cause and administer the right medicine to treat the cause such ciprofloxacin or rifaximin for bacterial infections.A caregiver will also administer oral rehydration therapy(ORT) if diarrhea had caused dehydration.

Natural Remedies for Diarrhea

Fortunately, natural ways can treat diarrhea for those with non-severe diarrhea or fear the side effects of medication. The primary focus should be a replacement of electrolyte and fluid to avoid the complications of dehydration.

These methods help in easing diarrhea.

Zinc supplement

The supplement has a three-way solution to solve diarrhea. It helps in self-regeneration of the intestinal wall and boosts the immune system to fight infectious microbes (that include those causing diarrhea). It also improves water and electrolytes absorption.

Coconut water

A superb natural replacement from sports drinks and saves the take from consuming the high content of artificial sweeteners or sugar. It also has, but this is natural which does not have side effects if you take in moderation. Coconut water helps in addressing dehydration by replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes.

Probiotic Foods

Probiotic foods have good bacteria that help the body to fight off the pathogens that cause diarrhea. Probiotic-rich food such as yoghurt, fermented dairy products and probiotic supplement hasten the pace of ridding diarrhea from the gastrointestinal system.

Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that are essential in attacking the organisms that cause diarrhea. A teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with a glass of cold or hot water is a useful tonic for the digestive system and a remedy for inflammatory or infectious diarrhea.

It is important to take much water and take nutritious diet to replace their loss through diarrhea. If vomiting occurs at the same time, it is essential to take a break from drinking or eating anything for three hours. When the vomiting stops, the best way of replenishing lost fluid is to sip small amounts of mineral-rich or pure water and homemade bone broth for an hour or two.

If vomiting accompanies diarrhea, rest your stomach by not eating or drinking anything for three hours. As soon as vomiting stops, sip small amounts of pure water or mineral-rich, homemade bone broth for one to two hours.