Diarrhea refers to the frequent passage of watery unformed stools also recognized as loose motions. Diarrhea is one of the most common of all digestive problems and while diarrhea may occur independently it could also at times occur as symptom of a specific medical condition or disease that requires specific treatment. Diarrhea is a significant cause of dehydration and if diarrhea and vomiting occur together the risk is even higher because of the large and rapid loss of body fluids. It can cause dryness that in severe cases may lead to death.
Always consult your doctor if you or children experience prolonged periods of diarrhea, if it is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, or blood in the stools.
Symptoms of Diarrhea:
Diarrhoea can be acute or chronic. Normally known as 'loose motions', it is one of the commonest diseases, mainly in India, in children.
The small intestine usually gets more than ten litres of liquid per day which comes from the diet and from discharge of the stomach, liver, pancreas, and intestines. In diarrhoea, water is either not absorbed or is excreted in excess. It is then sent to the colon whose water-holding capability is limited. Thus the urge to defecate approach quite often.
Diarrhea symptoms are most obvious as it is hard to not notice the frequent passage of watery stools. Diarrhea would however typically cause other symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating as well. There may also be nausea and vomiting, but these symptoms of diarrhea may vary depending on the causes of diarrhea.
Causes of Diarrhea:
Overdose or eating of wrong foods
The main causes of diarrhoea are overeating or eating of wrong foods, decay of food in the intestinal tract, fermentation caused by unfinished carbohydrate digestion, nervous irritability, use of antibiotic drugs, and excessive intake of laxatives.
Parasites, germs, virus, bacteria, emotional strain
Other causes comprise parasites, germs, virus, bacteria, or a poison which has entered into the body through food, water, or air; allergies to certain substances or even ordinary foods such as milk, wheat, eggs, and sea foods; affecting strain or stress in adults and fright in children.
Organic diseases disturbing the intestines
Certain natural diseases affecting the intestines may also lead to diarrhea.
Home Remedies for Diarrhea:
Diarrhea treatment By Buttermilk:
Buttermilk is one of the most useful home remedies in the treatment of diarrhoea. Buttermilk is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from curd by shaking. It helps overcome destructive intestinal flora. The acid in the buttermilk also struggle germs and bacteria. Buttermilk may be taken with a bit of salt three or four times in a day for controlling this disease.
Diarrhoea treatment By Carrot Soup:
Carrot soup is another useful home remedy for diarrhoea. It gives water to combat dehydration; refills sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, and magnesium; supplies pectin; and coats the intestine to allay irritation. It also ensures the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria and prevents vomiting. Half a kilogram of carrots may be cooked in 150 ml of water until they become spongy. The pulp should be strained and sufficient boiled water added to it to make a litre. Three-quarters of a tablespoon of salt may be added further. This soup must be given in small amounts to the patient each half an hour.
Diarrhoea treatment By Fenugreek:
Fenugreek leaves are helpful in diarrhoea. One teaspoon of seeds which have been boiled and fried in butter should be taken with a cup of buttermilk two times daily. They are priceless in allaying biliousness. The seeds are also useful in the treatment of this disease.
Diarrhoea treatment By Ginger:
In case of diarrhoea caused by indigestion, dry or fresh ginger is very helpful. A piece of dry ginger should be powdered along with a crystal of rock salt, and quarter of a teaspoon of this powder must be taken with a small piece of jaggery. It will bring fast relief as ginger, being carminative, aids digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract.
Diarrhoea treatment By Mint:
Mint juice is also helpful in the treatment of diarrhoea. One teaspoon of fresh mint juice, mixed with a teaspoon each of lime juice and honey, can be given thrice daily with brilliant results in the treatment of this disease.
Diarrhoea treatment By Bottle Gourd:
The juice of bottle gourd is a precious medicine for excessive thirst due to severe diarrhoea. A glass of plain juice with a pinch of salt should be taken every day in treating this situation.
Diarrhoea treatment By Drumstick Leaves:
The juice of fresh leaves of drumstick is also important in diarrhoea. A teaspoon of this juice, mixed with a teaspoon of honey and a glass of tender coconut water, can be given two to three times as a herbal remedy in the treatment of diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea treatment By Pomegranate (Anar):
The pomegranate has proved helpful in the treatment of diarrhoea on account of its astringent properties. If the patient develops weakness due to profuse and continuous purging, he should frequently be given about 50 ml of pomegranate juice to drink. This will manage the diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea treatment By Mango Seeds:
Mango seeds are priceless in diarrhoea. The seeds should be collected during the mango season, dried in the shade and powdered, and held in reserve for use as a medicine when required. A dose of about one and a half to two grams with or without honey, should be administered two times daily.
Diarrhoea treatment By Sesame Seeds:
Sesame seeds are useful in the treatment of this condition. Two tablespoons of the seeds should be lightly baked in a frying pan. They must then be ground into a fine powder and mixed with one tablespoon of cow's ghee. The mass should be separated into three parts and each part must be taken with half a cup of boiled goat's milk thrice daily for six days by the patients. It acts as a superb medicine in this condition.
Diarrhoea treatment By Turmeric:
Turmeric has proved to be one more valuable home remedy for diarrhoea. It is a very valuable intestinal antiseptic. It is also a gastric stimulant and boost. One teaspoon of fresh turmeric rhizome juice or one teaspoon of dry rhizome powder may be taken in one cup of buttermilk or simple water.
Diarrhoea treatment By Rice:
Rice is helpful in treating diarrhoea in children. A teaspoon of powder of charred parboiled rice, mixed with a glass of buttermilk, must be given in does of thirty grams each half an hour. This will bring outstanding results.
Diarrhoea treatment By Other Remedies
Cooked or baked apples are excellent for diarrhoea. The cooking process make softer the cellulose. Much of its value as a adaptable material is thus lost and it is effective in looseness of the bowels. A glass of fresh tomato juice, mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, taken in the morning, also proves helpful. Other starchy liquids such as arrowroot water, barley water, and coconut water are also helpful in the treatment of diarrhoea. They not only replace the lost fluid but also bind the stools. Other home remedies comprise bananas and garlic. Bananas contain pectin and encourage the increase of beneficial bacteria. Garlic is a powerful, effectual, and harmless germ killer. It aids digestion and eliminates intestinal worms.
Dietaries for Diarrhea:
Observe complete fast for two days and take only hot water
In harsh cases of diarrhoea, it is advisable to observe a complete fast for two days to offer rest to the gastrointestinal tract. Only hot water may be taken during this time to compensate for the loss of fluids.
Take juices, cooked vegetables, whole rice
Juices of fruits may be taken after the acute indications are over. After the condition improves, meals can be enlarged steadily to include cooked vegetables, whole rice, and soured milk. Raw foods should be taken only after the patient totally recovers.
Other Diarrhea treatments:
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