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Diarrhea - Causes And Treatment

Diarrhea is a common symptom of a gastrointestinal disturbance. It is characterized by frequent and loose, watery stools. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and the elderly, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems. Stool is made up mostly of water. For people in the Western World, the usual amount of water in stool each day is generally no more than 200 ml or 7 oz. (8 oz. = 1 cup). When it is consistently more than this, it is called diarrhea in the medical field.

Diarrhea symptoms and signs

Symptoms that may accompany diarrhea include vomiting, cramping, thirst, and abdominal pain. Some people run a fever as well. It is rarely a serious condition, except in young children and older adults. Diarrhea causes the loss of both fluids and electrolytes (minerals), which can lead to troublesome problems. Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment:-

• Cramps
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Wind and distention in the abdomen
• Weakness

Causes of diarrhea

Among the many possible causes of diarrhea are incomplete digestion of food; food poisoning; food allergies; excess alcohol consumption; bacterial, viral, or other infection; and consumption of contaminated water.

Caffeine, magnesium, laxatives, and sorbitol (for young children) are all known to cause diarrhea in some people. The use of certain drugs, including antibiotics such as tetracycline, clindamycin (Cleocin), or ampicillin can also contribute to diarrhea. Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or Crohn's disease; pancreatic disease; and cancer may all lead to severe intestinal upsets. Emotional stress also can cause diarrhea. Acute diarrhea accompanied by fever and mucus or blood in the stool can 'be a sign of infection or the presence of parasites.

Vitamins and nutrients to cure diarrhea

Home remedies for diarrhea treatment

• Sugar and salt solution. Mix one teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of common salt in a cup of water. Small doses of this mixture (around a quarter cup) can be given whenever the patient wants to drink. It is the best home remedy to cure diarrhea.
• Slippery elm bark, taken in tea or extract form, is soothing to the digestive tract.
• Ginger tea can stop cramps and pain. Or take Ginger in capsules.
• Mix 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp ginger juice, and 1/4 tsp pepper powder and drink it. Helps to cure diarrhea.
• Grate one raw papaya. Add 3 cups water, boil for 10 mins, strain and finish the water in one day.
• Grapefruit seed extract has anti-parasitic properties.
• Stew 1 apple with 2 pinches of nutmeg powder and 1 tsp sugar. Give your child to eat it.
• Drink 3 cups of rice water daily. To make rice water, boil 1/2 cup of brown rice in 3 cups of water for forty-five minutes. Strain out the rice and drink the water. Eat the rice as well. Rice helps to form stools and supplies needed B vitamins.
• Boil the milk at a low boil for 10 minutes. Remove the skin that forms on the milk and discard. Use the remaining milk adding Hot Chocolate mix and drink.

Diarrhea diet and prevention tips

• Avoid high-fiber foods, which may stress the digestive system. Instead, stick to foods that are easy to digest, such as cooked potatoes, rice, bananas, applesauce, or toast.
• Drink lots of water with some salt and sugar added.
• Let a mild case of diarrhea run its course. It is the body's way of cleaning out toxins, bacteria, and other foreign invaders. Do not take any medication to stop diarrhea for at least two days. Stick to a liquid diet for twenty-four hours to give the bowel a rest.
• Fruit juices can also be taken in small quantities.
• Do not eat raw or rare meat and fish.
• Chronic diarrhea in very young children is evident if the child has five or more watery stools a day. A baby with diarrhea can become dehydrated very quickly and should be evaluated by a health care provider.
• In food diet you should take yogurt (yoghurt, Curd ), buttermilk, mint, apple, pomegranate, papaya, banana, carrot, potato, etc. Children can also be given these foods.