How to Get Rid of Diarrhea?
As Per the Modern Aspect
Diarrhea is the most common health problem which you have often faced in your life. It refers to the loose watery bowel movements (stools). It may be mild, temporary condition and may be life-threatening.
What are the Causes of Diarrhea?
- Viruses: Virus such as cytomegalovirus, Norwalk virus or viral hepatitis.
- Bacteria: Contaminated water or food transmit bacteria causes diarrhea to the body. Bacteria includes salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Shigella.
- Digestive disorders: Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, Irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease.
- Artificial sweeteners: Chewing gum contains artificial sweeteners such as mannitol and sorbitol that is also one of the reason behind this problem.
- Lactose intolerance:
- Lactose is found in milk and other dairy products. A person who is suffering from lactose intolerance has difficulty in digesting lactose.
- Surgery: Gallbladder removal or any other abdominal surgery.
- Overeating and overuse of laxatives
- Radiotherapy
- Cancers include- colon cancer, stomach cancer etc.
What are the Symptoms of Diarrhea?
- Loose or thin stools
- Watery stools
- An urgency to pass stool
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal bloating
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Loss of bowel control
- Stools containing pus or blood
As per Ayurveda Aspect
According to the Ayurvedic point of view, Diarrhea is correlated with ‘Atisara’, which is a Sanskrit word. Atisara is an acute diarrhea condition in which, who are suffering from this problem, can face symptoms such as the passage of liquid watery fluid frequently with stool. This problem is directly correlated with ayurvedic dosha such as kapha, pitta and vata doshas. When the vata dosha is aggravated and the power of digestion i.e. digestive fire “Agni” get affected this will directly liquefy the stool and causes diarrhea.
What are the Effective Home Remedies for Diarrhea?
1. Banana
Banana is rich in pectin which is a soluble fiber that absorbs the liquid in the intestines. It helps in solving the problem of watery and loose stools. Potassium present in it replaces the electrolytes and reduces the symptoms related to diarrhea and also will help to get the digestive tract back to normal. The starch content of the banana helps to reabsorb the water and salt in the colon and make your stool solid.
Steps to follow:
- Mash one banana and add a teaspoon of tamarind in it.
- Add salt as per your need and mix it well.
- Consume this mixture twice daily.
- You can also consume one or two bananas in breakfast and it will maintain digestive health.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt contains “live cultures” which contains bacteria such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. That can help in recovering the body from diarrheal symptoms. These are good bacteria that protect the layer of intestines and also generate lactic acid that flushes out the bacterial toxins from the body. Along with diarrheal issues yogurt is also helpful during constipation. So we can say that it overalls, maintain digestive health.
Steps to follow:
- You can eat fresh yogurt mixed with mashed bananas.
3. Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds improve the digestive strength and also acts as an absorbent in diarrhea. These seeds boost immunity and also helpful in treating worm infestation. It acts as a detoxifier that eliminates the toxins from the body. Cumin seeds are a rich source of iron and is a beneficial plant compounds that are useful and very effective during diarrhea problem. It also eases the other symptoms such as bloating, acidity and stomach cramping.
Steps to follow:
- Fry 20 grams of cumin seeds and add 200 ml of boiled water in it.
- Allow it to cool and consume it twice daily.
Another Step:
- Make a fine powder of 4 teaspoons of cumin seeds, 2 teaspoons of dry ginger and one teaspoon of salt.
- Consume this in the dose of half spoon just before the intake of food along with warm water.
4. Potato
Potatoes are rich in potassium and also contain pectin that is helpful in combating symptoms related to diarrhea. The pectin content of potatoes helps to bind the loose stool and prevent the passage of watery fluid frequently with stool.
Steps to follow:
- Eat boiled or plain potatoes that will help in restoring the lost nutrients and provides relief in symptoms related to diarrhea.
5. Fenugreek
Fenugreek contains mucilage which is very useful in treating diarrhea symptoms. It has an effective anti-diarrheal property that help in bulking up the stool. The lubricating properties of fenugreek helps to soothe your stomach and intestine during diarrhea. Along with this property, fenugreek seeds are also very beneficial for people who have been facing the problem of high cholesterol and reduces the appetite from many times.
Steps to follow:
- Add one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a tablespoon of yogurt.
- Consume this daily.
Another Step:
- Mix one teaspoon of roasted cumin and one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in two tablespoons of yogurt.
- Consume it two to three times a day.
6. Clear Fluids
- Dehydration is the main symptom of diarrhea. Drink 8 to 9 glasses of water daily along with vegetable soups, coconut water, clear broths etc.
- Avoid drinks that contain caffeine and also avoid juices of citrus fruits and tomato.
7. Blueberries
Blueberries contain soluble fibers that can help to ease the symptoms related to diarrhea. It acts as an antibacterial that kills the growth of bacteria and also acts as an antioxidant that prevents the damage of healthy cell.
Steps to follow:
- Chew dried blueberries several times that will help in killing the germs that cause diarrhea.
- Boil crushed and dried blueberries in a cup of boiling water.
- Consume this tea 3 to 4 times a day daily.
8. Coriander
Coriander is used as a natural cleanser that eliminates the toxins and is also useful in fever. This herb improves the taste and also helpful in anorexia. As a cardiac, tonic this herb keeps the heart healthy and maintains its proper functioning.
- Add one teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds in a glass of water.
- Cover it over one night and filter it in the next morning.
- Mix a little quantity of sugar in it and drink it on an empty stomach.
9. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile acts as an antispasmodic which is very helpful in providing relief in symptoms related to diarrhea such as abdominal pain, nausea, bloating etc. This herb also reduces intestinal inflammation. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant which promotes sleepiness and reduces the symptoms of insomnia. It may also reduce the acidity in the stomach and inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to ulcer formation in the stomach.
Steps to follow:
- Add a teaspoon of chamomile flowers and a teaspoon of peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water.
- Strain it and drink this tea 3 to 4 times a day.
Properly Balanced Diet
A balanced diet that contains proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals are very helpful in combating diarrheal symptoms. It’s better if you should avoid fast food items such as pizza, burgers, French fries, etc.
Foods to Avoid
1. Vegetables
Avoid vegetables such as tomato, garlic, ginger, spinach, etc.
2. Nuts
Nuts contain insoluble fibers that increase the diarrheal symptoms. These irritate the stomach lining and cause a lot of abdominal bloating.
3. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like pineapple, grapes, oranges, lemon etc worsen diarrhea and acidity within the gastrointestinal system.
4. Red Meat
Red meat contains ferritin and C-reactive protein that increases the abdominal cramps and inflammation and worsens the symptoms related to diarrhea.
5. Pulses
Avoid black gram, kidney beans, and chickpeas.
Other Food Products to Avoid
- Dairy and caffeine-containing products
- Junk and spicy food like pasta, sauces, etc
Some Useful Tips
- Do exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking
