Home Treatment for Diarrhea

Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and the discharge of watery, loose stools. The person with diarrhea may also have abdominal cramps and nausea.

Diarrhea occurs when the intestines push stools through before the water in them can be reabsorbed by the body. It is your body’s way of quickly clearing out any viruses or bacteria. Most diarrhea is caused by viral or bacterial infections. Prescribed or over-the-counter medications may also upset your digestive tract enough to cause diarrhea. For some people, emotional stress and upset may bring on the condition.

Chronic or intermittent diarrhea lasting over weeks or months may be caused by one of many life-threatening conditions. Prolonged diarrhea also leads to a secondary problem of malnutrition and fluid loss, since nutrients are passed before the body can absorb them.

Home treatment for diarrhea

• Since diarrhea may sometimes speed recovery of the underlying problem, avoid anti-diarrheal drugs for the first six hours. After that, use them only if cramping or discomfort continues.
• Put your stomach at rest. Drink only clear liquids for the first 24 hours.
• Begin eating mild foods, such as rice, bananas, and applesauce the next day. Spicy foods, fruit, alcohol, and coffee should be avoided until 48 hours after all symptoms have disappeared. Avoid dairy products for three days.

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