5 Causes of Keto Diarrhea & How to Get Rid of It
Olive oil has many benefits and surprisingly few side effects. It is derived from the olive and is popular with people around the world. The popularity of this type of oil has likely increased due to the fact that people who eat olive oil regularly, such as those with a Mediterranean diet, tend to have low cholesterol levels and are often free from heart disease. Many people are surprised that any type of fat can be healthy, but according to the Mayo Clinic, olive oil is healthy because it is a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). It is believed that MUFAs have many health benefits.
What Can Olive Oil Do For Me?
Olive oil is believed to decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, as well as total cholesterol levels. This can prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, and even Alzheimer's disease. Although more research is needed, studies have pointed to the fact that MUFAs help control blood sugar, which can be especially beneficial to millions of people with type 2 diabetes. Olive oil does not require processing, so it retains the vitamins that are found in olives. These vitamins may also benefit the body in various ways.
Researchers also believe that olive oil can help reduce certain types of cancer, including colon, skin and breast cancers. Some people use it to relieve constipation and to help their digestive system work well. Additionally, this oil has many antioxidants that promote the health of cells and prevent them from being damaged by free radicals. According to a 2005 edition of the British Journal of Medicine, extra virgin olive oil contains the ingredient Oleocanthal that acts as a pain reliever much like ibuprofen. Another study, published in the April 2011 European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that test subjects had lowered anti-inflammatory effects when they ate olive oil daily.
Side Effects of Olive Oil
Although it is uncommon for a person to have an olive oil allergy, it is possible to have this food allergy. Olive oil is known to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues like gas and bloating. The body reacts in this way to rid itself of the substance that it is allergic to through the gastrointestinal system.
It is also possible for a person to develop wheezing, coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath after eating olive oil. Skin problems are another allergic reaction in people who have an olive oil allergy. Contact eczema may develop if olive oil, or products containing olive oil, come in direct contact with the skin. Hives are another possible reaction that results from eating olive oil. An allergist can test you to confirm that you have an olive oil allergy. Although most people benefit from eating this healthy oil, those with an allergy to it need to avoid it in the foods they eat.
Olive oil is great for salads and as a cooking ingredient. Not only that, but it is healthy for the heart, skin, and body too! But some are curious, can olive oil cause diarrhea?
Olive oil is an extract of the fruit of Olea europaea or olive tree. It has a yellowish color which ranges from yellow to golden, even greenish. Most of the olive oil supply comes from the Mediterranean Basin although it is also produced in South America, California, and Australia.
Fun fact: Olive oil is also used in the textile industry, toilet preparations and cosmetics manufacturing, castile soap production and pharmaceutical industry.
There are four different grades of olive oil:
Extra virgin olive oil
Virgin olive oil
Pure or edible
Refined or commercial
What’s in it?
Olive oil is mostly made of monounsaturated fat or MUFA and this is the good type of fat that you’d like in your body. MUFA helps lower cholesterol besides controlling insulin levels. Not only that, but it also has omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. But it also has some saturated fat and polyunsaturated fat.
Another good thing about olive oil is that it is loaded with antioxidants. This helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases and fight the oxidation of blood cholesterol.
can olive oil cause diarrhea
It’s all good and dandy, but does olive oil cause diarrhea?
Some people recommend olive oil to relieve constipation. Some researchers found that patients undergoing hemodialysis for kidney disease who took a daily dose of olive oil were effective in improving their constipation symptoms.
Reason 1: The Strain
If you have too much fatty food, then it strains the digestive system. Among the three macronutrients, fat takes the longest to digest. Different digestive juices have to be released to proceed with breaking down fat. Even if olive oil is mostly made of MUFA, overdosing may lead to an overworked gut and strain.
January 14, 2022 VMR - chronic diarrhea in a patient w/adenocarcinoma of the prostate
This strain creates an uncomfortable tummy and may cause you to run to the bathroom to release oily stools. It sometimes leads to diarrhea, nausea and bloating too.
Reason 2: The Local Bacteria
The local gut bacteria, or microbiome, affects the digestion process but can be affected by different factors too. One of the most common changes in the local microbiome is the diet of an individual. The local bacteria have to ferment or eat something to survive. This is usually a starchy material or a prebiotic. But if you eat fatty or greasy food, or when you have a high-fat diet, it might affect your local bacteria. The microbiome might be displaced by harmful bacteria that thrive on greasy food.
But, some say that the fat in olive oil can help the stool to be softer by keeping in more water and that it has a laxative effect. There is no definitive study correlating the use of olive oil to relieve constipation for healthy individuals, or if it directly causes diarrhea.
Some recommend taking one tablespoon of olive oil to help relieve symptoms of constipation for healthy adults. More than that and it may lead to diarrhea and cramps.
can olive oil cause diarrhea
The Triggers
There are different triggers for diarrhea such as:
Dairy food
FODMAPs (Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols)
Gluten
Fried or fatty food
Spicy food
Caffeine
Preexisting medical conditions
Other causes such as poor diet, bacterial infection, excess alcohol consumption
There is a possibility that even if you eat olive oil, other triggers might act in and cause diarrhea. But, can olive oil cause diarrhea? Well, it depends on how your body digests these foods and how your body reacts to it. It is important to observe and identify if you are sensitive to a certain food ingredient. After identifying it, you can then know what measures you can do to counter it or cope with it.
If you want to try out olive oil, use extra virgin olive oil. Remember to be cautious because there are fraudulent sellers that mix the extra virgin olive oil with other oils. Read the label and check the certifications!
Are you a fan of olive oils? Do you know any good vinaigrette recipes for it?
Olive oil has been around for centuries and offers many benefits and few side effects. It can be used for cooking, housekeeping and as a personal beauty or health supplement. Daily intake of the right type of olive oil will even help prevent heart disease and can lower your risk of colon cancer.
Facts
Olives are pressed to yield olive oil. The oil retains all the vitamins and nutrients of the olive, because it does not need processing. Once oil is pressed from the olive, it can be ingested as is.
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. The oil also contains high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) that are vital in controlling low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). LDLs raise your cholesterol level and can be harmful to your health, but HDLs keep these levels in check.
Olives are pressed to yield olive oil.
LDLs raise your cholesterol level and can be harmful to your health, but HDLs keep these levels in check.
Health Benefits
Because olive oil is so vital in controlling cholesterol, it is an excellent food to help prevent heart disease 1. Swallowing just 2 tbsp. of virgin olive oil each day for one week can noticeably reduce your cholesterol 1. By lowering your cholesterol, you can also reduce your blood pressure and your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers have also found that olive oil can be very useful in reducing your risk of colon, breast and skin cancers. A diet supplemented with olive oil can be just as effective as a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Olive oil may also aid in digestion, relieve constipation, prevent hair loss, moisturize skin and promote healthy nail growth.
An Approach to Chronic Diarrhea
Because olive oil is so vital in controlling cholesterol, it is an excellent food to help prevent heart disease 1.
Researchers have also found that olive oil can be very useful in reducing your risk of colon, breast and skin cancers.
Household Uses
Olive oil can also be a useful tool around the home. Olive oil rubbed into stainless steel pans can help prevent streaking or tarnishing on the pots and acts as a natural conditioner for the metal. Olive oil with a bit of vinegar and citrus juice acts as a substitute for wooden furniture polish. If you have a stuck zipper, simply dab olive oil on the teeth and work the zipper down. Adding 1 tsp. olive oil to your cat’s food will also help prevent hairballs and give it a shiny coat.
Olive oil can also be a useful tool around the home.
olive oil to your cat’s food will also help prevent hairballs and give it a shiny coat.
Side Effects
The only negative effect of olive oil, unless you are allergic to it, is that it can cause mild diarrhea if large amounts are ingested. But this can also be beneficial, as it acts as a natural laxative if you are constipated.
However, if you are taking medications for diabetes or blood pressure, decrease your intake of olive oil. Olive oil reduces blood sugar and blood pressure 1. If you are taking medications for this and ingesting olive oil at the same time, your blood sugar and pressure may go too low, causing complications.
The only negative effect of olive oil, unless you are allergic to it, is that it can cause mild diarrhea if large amounts are ingested.
The Best Type of Olive Oil
Many types of olive oil are available—extra light, light, virgin and extra virgin. The light oils are generally more processed and have less of the original nutrients in them. The virgin oils are oils straight from fresh pressed olives. Extra virgin means the olive was pressed once, and virgin means it was pressed twice. Extra virgin will always have more nutrients and more benefits for your health. Always buy organic olive oil if possible.
Many types of olive oil are available—extra light, light, virgin and extra virgin.
Extra virgin will always have more nutrients and more benefits for your health.
Can olive oil cause stomach issues?
When it comes to fighting GERD in Albany, there are some foods that get all the attention. Common triggers like citrus, tomatoes and fried foods are well-known no-no’s, but what about their lesser-known companions?
Many people are surprised to learn that the common cooking ingredient olive oil can actually prompt acid reflux symptoms. Like other oils, olive oil has a high in fat content and can cause the lower esophageal sphincter or LES to relax, leading to heartburn and acid reflux. This is why fried foods are on the trigger list. Foods fried in fattening oils can severely worsen your acid reflux symptoms. But unlike many other oils, olive oil tends to show up in places you would least expect it.
THE FACTS ABOUT OLIVE OIL
Loved for its light but robust taste, olive oil is added to all sorts of dishes. Everything from breads and pastas to sautéed chicken and vegetables are cooked with olive oil, leaving you susceptible to the trigger during breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Olive oil is not typically used for frying due to its low smoking temperature. Foods like chicken, potatoes and other common fast food items are often fried in canola or vegetable oil, which have even more fat than olive oil. However, olive oil is a favorite of Italian and Mediterranean recipes thanks to its potent flavor. Items you might other think of as healthy, such as sautéed chicken breast or a side of sautéed vegetables, have a big chance of coming into contact with olive oil and could cause your heartburn and acid reflux to flare.
There is some good news for those GERD sufferers who are huge fans of olive oil. Different forms of olive oil have different acidity levels, so there is a chance you can reduce your susceptibility to heartburn by changing the type of olive oil you are using. Refined olive oil has a high acidity level, while extra virgin olive oil has an acidity level of less than 1.5 percent, making it the best choice in olive oils for those with heartburn and acid reflux.
Like any other trigger, olive oil is not going to affect all heartburn sufferers in the same way. Talk to your GERD surgeon about other ways that you can ease the ill effects of heartburn in Georgia.
There are two sides to every coin.
This famous adage implies that there’s both good and bad side to every ingredient. Olive oil is no exception. Touted to be one of the best in food and skincare world, this oil has numerous health and beauty benefits to offer.
But olive oil also comes with certain drawbacks that can cause significant damage to your health. Check out side effects of olive oil before you start using it.
Acute and Chronic Diarrhea with Dr. Moffett
Top 14 Side Effects Of Olive Oil
Let us talk about the top 10 olive oil side effects that can take a toll on your health:
Causes Acne
Can Cause Allergies
Causes Skin Rashes
Not Safe On A Baby’s Skin
Is Not Suitable For Dry Skin
Can Cause Blackheads
Saturated Fat-Related Diseases
Trans-Fat Related Diseases
Lowers Blood Sugar
Lowers Blood Pressure
Causes Inflammation
Gallbladder Stones/Blockage
Can Cause Diarrhea
High On Calories
1. Causes Acne
Side Effects Of Olive OilMerken
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Excessive use of oilve oil can harm your skin and increase the chances of acne.
Olive oil a heavy. It does not quickly absorb into your skin, and creates a thick layer on the skin, clogging the pores. Thus if you frequently apply it on your skin, it turns into an adhesive surface, trapping all the dirt, dust, and sebum into it. This process paves the way for the appearance of unwanted acne and pimples.
So, we recommend you not to go overboard with the application of olive oil on your skin—twice a week should be enough to get a complexion that’s smooth and hydrated.
Note: If you have oily skin, it’s better for you to avoid olive oil altogether due to it’s naturally sticky and oily nature.
2. Can Cause Allergies
Side Effects Of Olive Oil Merken
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Several people show acute allergic reactions to olive oil. And if you are one of them, I would suggest you stay away from it—this oil will only aggravate your condition.
Olive oil can cause severe allergies, such as contact dermatitis, eczema, respiratory allergies, and so on. It is mainly experienced during or after the topical application of the oil. Those who are prone to allergies can also face this issue after they consumed something that has olive oil as one of the ingredients in their food. It’s always better to know olive oil benefits and side effects before consuming it regularly.
Note: If you notice any symptoms mentioned here, consult your physician immediately. Remember, prevention is better than cure. And you wouldn’t want your condition to aggravate.
[ Read: Home Remedies To Treat Skin Allergies ]
3. Causes Skin Rashes
Side Effects Of Olive Oil Merken
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As explained earlier, people with oily skin should avoid olive oil altogether.
Oily skin is the result of an uncontrolled sebum secretion. When olive oil combines with your naturally greasy skin, it can cause severe irritation, rashes, and redness on your skin.
4. Not Safe On A Baby’s Skin
Side Effects Of Olive OilMerken
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Babies have the most sensitive skin, and using olive oil on them can be a bit risky. It can cause rashes, redness and irritation on the skin.
This is because, especially with the newborns, we are yet to know whether the baby is allergic to this oil or not. And seriously, why take chances when you can have other safe options, like coconut oil, to massage your little angel?
Note: Yet, if you are keen on using olive oil, always use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for your baby’s skin.
5. Is Not Suitable For Dry Skin
Olive oil is not a good option for those with extremely dry skin too. Many studies have concluded that oleic acid present in olive oil is responsible for breaking the skin’s natural moisturizing abilities in case of dry skin.
6. Can Cause Blackheads
With its extremely sticky and oily nature, olive oil can pave the way for the growth of blackheads on your face.
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As explained earlier, the greasy olive oil forms a layer on your skin that traps in the dirt and dead skin into it. This, in turn, makes way for the formation of blackheads.
7. Saturated Fat-Related Diseases
Side Effects Of Olive Oil Merken
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Olive Oil Is Not Healthy - Michael Klaper MD
Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fat. Every tablespoon of this oil contains about 14% saturated fat and 120 calories.
This is a huge amount—almost three times higher than that of a 4 oz chicken breast. Regular consumption of unprocessed olive oil can increase the risks of lethal diseases like atherosclerosis, obesity, heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, and colon cancer (1).
8. Trans-Fat Related Diseases
Side Effects Of Olive Oil Merken
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Olive oil is often refined or partially hydrogenated under high heat and pressure. This process alters its molecular structure and burns the healthy omega-3 fatty acid contained in the olives.
It also affects the cholesterol levels in our bloodstream by decreasing ‘good cholesterol’ and increasing the ‘bad’ one. This, in the long run, raises the danger of cardiovascular diseases (2).
9. Lowers Blood Sugar
Side Effects Of Olive Oil Merken
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This oil can lower your blood sugar below the normal level. Olive oil makes way for an increased insulin resistance; that is the main reason for its activity against blood sugar levels. Over consumption can make you prone to several health complications, like hypoglycemia, sweating, trembling, weakness, etc.
[ Read: Foods To Treat Blood Sugar Levels ]
10. Lowers Blood Pressure
Side Effects Of Olive Oil Merken
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Olive oil is known to keep our heart healthy. But, studies have found that over-consumption of olive oil can cause a massive fall in the blood pressure. It is detrimental to our overall health as we become vulnerable to many problems like dizziness, lightheadedness, stroke, and kidney failure (3).
11. Causes Inflammation
Loaded with fat, olive oil increases the chances of developing inflammation in our body.
It contains a high amount of oleic acid (about 78%) which plays a vital role in releasing the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)), appended to the large fat-rich lipoprotein particles called chylomicrons, from the gut into the bloodstream. The more the LPS present in the blood, greater the extent of inflammation caused by the immune cells.
Additionally, olive oil also promotes higher levels of markers, like inflammatory cytokines, that are linked to chronic inflammation (4).
12. Gallbladder Stones/Blockage
Side Effects Of Olive Oil Merken
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One of the serious side effects of olive oil. You should stay away from consuming too much olive oil as it may block the gallbladder or cause painful gallstones. Our liver produces bile, which is accumulated inside the gallbladder. But, when our body holds excess fat, and we include olive oil in our daily diet, this stored bile starts to secrete and emulsify the fats. It ultimately results in stones or blockage.
13. Can Cause Diarrhea
Side Effects Of Olive Oil Merken
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The high-fat content of olive oil may cause digestive disorders and trigger gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea.
We all know the strong laxative properties of olive oil. So when we consume it in large amounts, our system becomes unable to digest it completely. As a result, we develop minor to moderate diarrhea (5).
14. High On Calories
Unnecessary weight gain is one of the major side effects of too much olive oil consumption.
Olive oil, just like all other oils and fats, are a chief source of calories. You will be surprised to know that every 16 ounce of olive oil contains calories that are equal to your two days of calorie requirement (4,000 per pound); far more than even refined sugar (1,725 calories per pound).
This is why you should never cook your whole course meal in olive oil. Drizzling on top of your meals, of course, is a safer option.
Bile Acid Diarrhea
As you just learned, olive oil is an excellent and healthy option, only when consumed according to the recommended levels. Do you know any other side effects of olive oil? Were you aware of these facts? Do write to us in the comment box below!
Stay fit, stay healthy!
Diarrhea, or watery stools, can be embarrassing and strike at the worst times, such as during a vacation or special event.
But while diarrhea often improves on its own within two to three days, a few remedies can help promote firmer stools faster.
Keep reading to learn about five fast-acting methods, along with what typically causes diarrhea and prevention tips.
1. Anti-diarrheal medication
Some people see diarrhea as nothing more than a mild nuisance and let it run its course, especially since some bouts lasts less than 24 hours.
You might stay close to home or a bathroom, and load up on fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
But what if you can’t stay home?
In this case, taking an anti-diarrheal medication may reduce or completely eliminate loose stools after the first dose. Look for over-the-counter products like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, which have the ingredients loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, respectively.
The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. This can quickly restore normal bowel function. Pepto-Bismol, on the other hand, helps kill diarrhea-causing bacteria in your intestines.
2. Rice water
Rice water is another fast, effective remedy for diarrhea. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes, or until the water becomes cloudy.
Strain the rice and preserve the water for consumption. Rice water not only provides your body with fluid to prevent dehydration, it can also reduce the duration of diarrhea. Rice water has a binding effect in the digestive tract, resulting in firmer, bulkier stools.
3. Probiotics
Taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic foods like some brands of yogurt may also stop diarrhea.
Sometimes, diarrhea results from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help restore balance by providing a higher level of good bacteria. This can promote normal bowel function and shorten the duration of diarrhea.
4. Antibiotics
Diarrhea from bacteria or a parasite may need an antibiotic. In this case, diarrhea can occur after coming in contact with contaminated food or water, often while traveling.
Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective when viral infections cause diarrhea. This type of diarrhea must run its course.
5. BRAT diet
A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea.
BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they’re starchy, low-fiber foods.
These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier. And since they’re bland, they’re less likely to irritate your stomach or worsen diarrhea.
Along with these items, you could also eat (similarly bland) saltine crackers, clear broth, and potatoes.
What typically causes diarrhea?
Understanding the cause of diarrhea can help you avoid future bouts. Common causes include:
Stomach virus
Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is one cause of diarrhea. Along with watery stools, you may have:
stomach pain
nausea
vomiting
low-grade fever
These viruses include norovirus and rotavirus, which can develop after eating or drinking contaminated food, or sharing personal items with an infected person.
Medication
Sensitivity to certain medications can also trigger bouts of diarrhea. This may happen after taking antibiotics, pain relievers, or cancer-fighting drugs.
Foodborne illness
Also called food poisoning, diarrhea can develop if you eat food contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or toxins. Food-borne illnesses can include those caused by the following bacteria:
Salmonella
E. coli
Listeria monocytogenes
Clostridium botulinum (botulism)
Food allergy or sensitivity
If you’re lactose intolerant, diarrhea may develop after eating dairy products. These include milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.
Having a food allergy or sensitivity may also trigger diarrhea. For example, you may have diarrhea after eating foods containing gluten — wheat, pasta, or rye.
Artificial sweeteners
This is a lesser known cause of diarrhea. But if you’re sensitive to artificial sweeteners, you may have a bout of diarrhea after eating foods or drinks containing these sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are found in diet drinks, sugar-free products, chewing gum, and even some candy.
Digestive problems
Diarrhea is sometimes a symptom of digestive disorders. You might have frequent bouts of loose stools if you’re diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Also, irritable bowel syndrome can cause alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.
A New Mechanism for Bile Acid Diarrhea: Defective Feedback Inhibition of Bile Acid...
Tips to prevent diarrhea
Diarrhea caused by a virus or bacterial infection is contagious. You can protect yourself by:
washing your hands frequently
avoiding sick people
disinfecting commonly touched surfaces
not sharing personal items
If you have diarrhea after starting a new medication, ask your doctor about an alternative drug or possibly lowering your dosage.
You can also protect yourself by thoroughly cooking food and washing fruits and vegetables before preparing. Also, make sure you know the proper way to wash your hands.
Use warm, soapy water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
To identify possible food allergies or sensitivities, keep a food journal and write down everything you eat for a few weeks. Make a note of days that you have diarrhea.
Keeping a food journal can help determine whether you have a lactose intolerance or a gluten sensitivity. You can then try an elimination diet. Remove suspected problem foods from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.
For a digestive disorder, talk to your doctor if you feel that your current therapy isn’t working. You may need to adjust your medication.
When to see a doctor?
See a doctor for diarrhea that lasts longer than three days, or if you show signs of dehydration. This can include extreme thirst, decreased urination, and dizziness.
You should also see a doctor if you have:
a fever above 102°F (38.9°C)
bloody or black stools
abdominal pain
The bottom line
Diarrhea can come and go within 24 hours. Or it can last for days and disrupt your plans. But between medication, low-fiber foods, and avoiding foods that irritate your digestive system — such as dairy or artificial sweeteners — you can quickly relieve symptoms and enjoy diarrhea-free days.
What naturally stops diarrhea?
You can get diarrhea from a virus or bacteria and it usually goes away on its own in two to three days.1
Some people reach for Imodium (loperamide) the moment they have loose stool. But the drugs are meant for frequent or severe diarrhea rather than an occasional episode.
This article goes over ways that you can get rid of diarrhea without turning to medicine.
Young woman drinking a glass of water in a bedroom
Geri Lavrov / Getty Images
Treating Mild Diarrhea Without Medicine
In some cases, taking an antidiarrheal drug will replace watery stools with constipation. Both are unpleasant. Try these helpful home remedies to treat a mild episode of diarrhea without using pills.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
One of the biggest problems with diarrhea is dehydration. This is what leads many people to the emergency room.
Diarrhea causes the body to lose a lot of water and electrolytes it needs to function normally. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that are needed for various bodily processes
It's important to treat dehydration properly. Otherwise, it can become dangerous, especially in young children.2
To manage a mild bout of diarrhea, you need to replace the fluids and electrolytes you lost. Drink plenty of water, clear juices, clear broths, or an electrolyte-rich sports drink.3
There are also things you should avoid when you have an episode of diarrhea. Avoid coffee, caffeinated drinks, prune juice, sugary drinks, sodas, and alcohol. These all have a laxative effect. It's also a good idea to avoid dairy products if you're lactose intolerant, which means you can't digest the main sugar in milk well.4
Young children and babies with diarrhea need pediatric rehydration drinks. These are marketed under certain brand names, like:
Pedialyte
Enfalyte
Gastrolyte
Breastfed babies should continue to breastfeed. Children should continue eating their regular diet. Also, they should drink rehydrating fluids. This is better than putting them on a restrictive diet.5
Some people want to avoid the artificial colorings or flavorings in some rehydration drinks. You can make a homemade rehydration drink with only salt, sugar, and water.2
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You can also buy oral rehydration salts over the counter at most drugstores. Follow the preparation instructions and don't use too much salt. That can be harmful, especially to children.
Eat a Bland Diet
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases doesn't recommend following a restrictive diet to treat diarrhea. But that doesn't mean all foods are the same. There are some foods you should avoid, as well as foods you might tolerate better.4
The BRAT diet was a commonly-recommended food plan for easing digestive distress.
The diet is made up of four bland, low-fiber foods:3
Bananas
Rice
Applesauce
Toast
Bananas are especially useful. They help restore any potassium your body lost through diarrhea.
You can add other bland, easy-to-digest foods as your diarrhea symptoms start to get better. This includes:
Baked, skinless chicken breasts
Oatmeal
Baked potatoes
Chicken soup with saltines
Don't eat or drink foods or beverages that cause gas, such as:
Carbonated drinks, like sodas or seltzer
Beans
Legumes
Cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower
If diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days, check the foods that you're eating. Diarrhea can get worse if you eat foods high in fiber (such as bran, whole grains, and brown rice) as well as greasy foods or those sweetened with sorbitol.
Use Probiotics
Taking probiotics in food or or as supplements might help shorten a mild bout of diarrhea.6 Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are beneficial to your digestive system.
Diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of the healthy bacteria in your stomach and intestines.
Probiotics can quickly replace these protective microorganisms and help restore normal bowel function. Some helpful probiotics include:7
Lactobacillus bacteria
Bifidobacterium bacteria
Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) yeast
In particular, S. boulardii has powerful antidiarrheal effects.6
It may be best to avoid some dairy products during diarrhea, but not all. Certain dairy foods, like yogurt or kefir with live probiotic bacteria, are extremely beneficial.
Other natural probiotic sources are fermented foods like:
Miso
Kombucha
Sauerkraut
Aged soft cheeses
Cottage cheese
Green olives
Sourdough bread
Tempeh
Kimchi is another popular fermented food. Some people even call it a "super-probiotic." But kimchi has hot spices that might make your diarrhea worse.
Side effects of probiotics, whether in food or supplement form, tend to be mild and may include an upset stomach, bloating, and gas.
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When to Seek Medical Help
You should never ignore diarrhea. If you have tried the above-listed home remedies and still have loose stools, call your doctor or your pharmacist. They might recommend over-the-counter medicine that can help.
On the other hand, you should see a doctor right away if you or your child have persistent or severe diarrhea or show signs of dehydration, such as:8
Adults
Diarrhea for three days or more
Severe stomach pain
Bloody or black stools
Fever over 102 F (39 C)
Little or no urination
Extreme weakness
Dry skin and mouth
Excessive thirst
Dark urine
Children
Diarrhea for more than 24 hours
No wet diapers in three hours
Fever over 102 F (39 C)
Dry mouth or tongue
Crying without tears
Unusual sleepiness
Black or bloody stools
Sunken cheeks or eyes
Skin that doesn't retract when pinched
Babies under 3 months old with diarrhea should be taken to a doctor or emergency room right away. Don't wait or try to treat the condition at home.
Summary
You might be able to treat diarrhea without taking medication. Try changing your diet temporarily, taking probiotics, and drinking lots of liquids. Talk to your healthcare provider if the diarrhea doesn't go away.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What foods should I eat if I have diarrhea?
Bland, low-fiber foods are the best choice. Some low-fiber foods include potatoes, white rice, bananas, apples, fish, and chicken or turkey without the skin. Changing your diet and drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration can help treat diarrhea symptoms faster.
Why do I get diarrhea after drinking?
Certain drinks including alcohol, coffee, prune juice, or soda have a laxative effect that can cause diarrhea.
How do I prevent diarrhea?
It may not be possible to fully prevent diarrhea, but these steps can reduce the chances of it:
Practice proper hygiene. Washing your hands regularly throughout the day can reduce the spread of viruses that cause diarrhea.
Get a vaccination for rotavirus, a gastrointestinal infection that can cause diarrhea and dehydration.9
Avoid eating spoiled food, keep food at recommended temperatures, and cook food to recommended temperatures.
If you travel to other countries, avoid drinking tap water unless you know the water is safe.1
What is the best drink to stop diarrhea?
People with diarrhea should eat small meals throughout the day instead of three big meals—clear liquids and plain foods that are easy to digest. Diarrhea, or loose watery stools, may be caused by stomach flu, food poisoning, radiation, chemotherapy, other medications, and infections. The following diet tips may help control diarrhea.
10 Causes of Loose Stools: How to treat and home care? - Dr. Rajasekhar M R | Doctors' Circle
People with diarrhea should include binding foods such as bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, and white toast while they have active episodes of loose stools.
Drink plenty of water or low-sugar beverages to replace the fluids lost from diarrhea.
Drink plenty of clear liquids and electrolyte beverages such as water, clear fruit juices, coconut water, oral rehydration solutions, and sports drinks. These drinks help replenish fluids and electrolytes in the body.
Add plain yogurt, buttermilk, and kefir to your diet.
Eat foods high in potassium and sodium to replace the minerals lost from diarrhea.
High-potassium foods include apricots, avocado, bananas, canned tomatoes, oranges, pears, potatoes and sweet potatoes (especially baked), and tomato juice.
High-sodium foods include broth or bouillon, canned soup, salty snacks (chips, crackers, pretzels), seasoned rice, and pasta packets.
Applesauce is an awesome aid to get your stomach back in working order. It's easy to digest, but still delivers important nutrients such as pectin (a type of fiber) and potassium, a mineral that functions as an electrolyte to help keep fluid levels balanced.
Cooking vegetables such as carrots or spinach makes them easier to digest and they're perfect in egg scrambles or broth-based soups. Eggs are an easier-to-digest alternative and an easy way to meet your protein needs without getting too full, too fast.
Adding whole grains can both soothe stomach ailments and prevent any future intestinal issues. Soluble fiber from oats draws water into your digestive tract and moves food through your body.
Try some ginger tea bags or simply grate fresh ginger into some hot water with lemon and sip it. Ginger is anti-spasmodic and is considered very good for soothing an unsettled stomach.
Chicken soup is also a classic choice when people are ill. The chicken component is lean meat (alternatives can also include turkey, white fish, or oven-boiled eggs) that allows you to benefit from some protein and not too much fat that could risk bogging down your system. Protein is required for repair and recovery processes around the body—just what you need after fighting off an infection.
What type of food and drinks should be avoided during diarrhea?
People with diarrhea may be on a clear liquid diet for a day until the body recovers. Below are a few foods and drinks that should be especially avoided during diarrhea.
Grains
High fiber, whole-grain foods (bran, whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain cereals, whole-grain crackers, and brown rice)
Fruits
Raw fruits with skin, juices with pulp, prune juice, apple juice, and canned fruit in heavy sugary syrup
Vegetables
Raw vegetables and vegetables with skins and seeds
Gas-forming vegetables (corn, dark leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beans, and peas)
Dairy
Full-fat dairy products (whole milk, cream, sour cream, ice cream, and cheese)
Proteins
Spicy and high-fat meats (fried meats or fried fish, bologna, salami, bacon, and hot dogs) nuts, seeds, and chunky nut butter
Beverages
Caffeinated or sugary drinks (coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, alcohol, and drinks that contain sugar alcohols such as xylitol or sorbitol)
Others
Fried, greasy foods, sweets, and desserts
Spicy foods (pepper, strong spices, and hot sauce)
Foods and drinks made with sugar alcohols (Sugar alcohols include xylitol and sorbitol. They are found in many sugar-free products such as candies, gums, and snack bars. Read ingredient lists to look for sugar alcohols.)
SLIDESHOW
Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More
See Slideshow
Why does diarrhea develop?
In practical terms, diarrhea develops when there is a larger-than-normal amount of water in the stool. When your digestive tract is healthy, processed food from the stomach and small intestines proceeds to the colon. In the colon, water is absorbed from the remaining waste matter until a solid stool is formed. However, if excess water is absorbed or if the processed food moves through the gastrointestinal tract too quickly, the stool won’t be solid and it will be passed in a loose or watery form.
There are various possible reasons why the colon might not be absorbing enough water or why the digested food is moving too quickly through the intestines, but here are some of the most common causes.
Do I have IBS ? | Symptoms & Diagnosis | Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Ingesting food or water that has been contaminated by bacteria and bacterial toxins
Ingesting food or water that has been contaminated by parasites
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects the gastrointestinal tract
Viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, or the flu
Sensitivities or intolerances to certain types of foods; a classic example is lactose intolerance
Some medicines including cancer drugs, antibiotics, or magnesium-containing antacids
Diarrhea is generally a self-limiting illness and specific treatment is not generally necessary. Treatments are generally directed to prevent it from worsening and restore the fluid and electrolyte (like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) losses from the body.
Following home remedies may help in resolving mild diarrhea.
1. Hydrate yourself well
Loss of water and electrolytes from the body results in dehydration. If not treated appropriately, dehydration can become serious, especially in children. If a breastfed baby develops diarrhea, breastfeeding must be continued, and the doctor’s opinion must be sought.
Rehydration is the key to prevent dehydration due to diarrhea. Drink plenty of water, clear juices, and clear broths. If there is mild diarrhea, you can even drink electrolyte-rich sports drinks, such as Gatorade.? Avoid electrolyte drinks if you have large-volume watery stools. Make sure you pass clear urine at least three to four times a day despite diarrhea.
Pediatric rehydration drinks (Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or Gastrolyte) should be initiated in children and babies with diarrhea.
You can prepare a rehydration drink at home by just mixing simple kitchen items, such as salt, sugar, and water. The rule of thumb is mixing a pinch of table salt, a fist of sugar and in a liter of boiled and cooled water. This is to be sipped every 20 minutes. Oral rehydration formulations are also readily available at the drugstores. You just have to prepare the mixture in water proportionately as instructed on its label.
2. Use probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are available in foods, such as yogurt and kefir, as well as in supplement form. Their role is to replenish the loss of beneficial gut bacteria that are lost during diarrheal episodes. The beneficial gut bacteria help in keeping the digestive system healthy by maintaining the normal functioning of the bowels. Intake of probiotics might help shorten a mild bout of diarrhea.
3. Follow the BRAT diet
The BRAT diet is a type of bland diet that includes the following four foods:
Bananas
Rice
Apple sauce
Toast
All these foods are low in fiber that adds firmness to the stool and prevents it from getting watery. Bananas also help restore any potassium lost through diarrhea.
The BRAT diet does not provide all the nutrition and should be taken only during the first 24-48 hours of diarrhea. Gradually, other foods such as baked chicken breasts, chicken soup, and oatmeal can be introduced into the diet.
A study conducted showed that a rice-based diet with green bananas helped to pass of well-formed stools in children.
Other anecdotal home remedies, such as apple cider vinegar and turmeric, have also been shown to be beneficial in treating diarrhea. Apple cider vinegar and turmeric may not be suitable for everyone with diarrhea. For example, turmeric is known to interact with blood-thinning medicines, such as Warfarin.
Home remedies are not for everyone. Like medications, they can also cause unexpected side-effects. If you are on medications for some other illness, it is advisable to ask your doctor before trying any home remedies, such as taking apple cider vinegar and turmeric. Untimely medical help by completely relying on home remedies can land you in serious complications of diarrhea, such as severe dehydration.
7 Home Remedies for Diarrhea | Health
QUESTION
Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas.
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When to seek medical help for diarrhea
It is better to visit the doctor right away if you have got diarrhea for 3 or more days. Other signs and symptoms that necessitate getting medical help (and not trying home remedies) for diarrhea include:
Severe abdominal pain
Dull baby
Bloody or black stools
Fever over 102 F (39 C)
Decreased urination
Dark-colored urine
Dry skin and mouth
Sunken eyes
Fatigue
How do you stop diarrhea in Covid?
Infection with SARS-CoV2 affects predominantly the upper airways and the respiratory tract, but it frequently extends to the extrapulmonary system and can show manifestation in other organ systems. A series of clinical reports released during the last weeks indicate also a significant involvement of the gastrointestinal tract by the infection with SARS-CoV2.
There are 2 main aspects of concern: one being related to gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) and their influence on the course of disease; the other being related to excretion of the virus (or its RNA fragments) in the patient’s faeces and a possible role for faecal-oral transmission. Scientific assessment of both aspects is likely to provide important insights into the disease process and will emphasize the need for awareness of the involvement of the GI tract and help improve clinical management.
GIS in the context of COVID-19 include loss of appetite (anorexia), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Available reports show a wide range regarding the prevalence of these symptoms, best explained by the retrospective nature of these studies. The prevalence of GIS was 11.4% among 651 included patients in Hangzhou [1], but was 50% among 204 patients in Hubei [2]. Cheung et al. [3] published a meta-analysis including more than 4,000 patients, reporting a prevalence of GIS of 17%. This was different from data from their local patient cohort in Hong Kong (59 patients) in which the prevalence was 25% [3]. In less than 10% of adult patients, GIS were the initial symptoms of COVID-19, with the frequency being higher in children. Recent experience has shown that GIS are frequently associated with a more severe course of the disease. Certainly, anorexia is rated as the most common symptom, but it is also the most unspecific among GIS and may primarily be related to systemic inflammation and malaise (fatigue) induced by the viral infection rather than to a substantial pathology within the gastrointestinal tract.
Diarrhoea represents the most relevant clinical aspect of gastrointestinal involvement. The prevalence of diarrhoea reported in 3 studies varied from 11 to 17% [1-3], but was as high as 31% in a group of healthcare workers with SARS-CoV2-induced pneumonia [4]. Apart from its impact on the patient’s general condition, diarrhoea contributes to aggravation of the clinical course of COVID-19. Essential treatment of severe diarrhoea such as fluid and electrolyte replacement needs to be accompanied by the use of anti-diarrhoeic medication. Different mechanisms may contribute to diarrhoea in patients with COVID-19, and these have to be taken into account when choosing therapeutic measures. The latter includes stopping the administration of antibiotics (if such are administered) or switching to a different type, the administration of substances modulating the gut microbiome (e.g., probiotics and rifaximin) to help recover from dysbiosis, and the administration of conventional anti-diarrhoeic remedies to antagonize the damage to intestinal epithelia. In specific cases, the use of biologicals to modulate the immune system may also be considered.
Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune diseases in the digestive system belong to the high-risk group for COVID-19 as these patients are often on immune-suppressive or immune-modulatory treatment. The pathophysiological impact of the infection and the cellular interaction of the virus with the intestinal mucosa have recently been reviewed elsewhere [5].
The other important feature of gastrointestinal issues in COVID-19 patients is the higher proportion of stool samples that are positive for virus RNA in patients with diarrhoea than in those without [4]. Of great concern is the prolonged SARS-CoV2 excretion in faeces which may persist after throat swabs turn negative. This could lead to persistent infectiousness beyond the time point at which patients are generally considered to be no longer at risk of transmitting the infection. Studies looking into this aspect report the persistence of faecal viral RNA in 23–82% for up to 11 days after oro-pharyngeal and sputum tests became negative [6]. Some patients retain the viral RNA for more than a month. Obviously, this could have an important impact on possibilities of viral transmission and the need and extent of hygienic measures to be taken. There remains major uncertainty as to whether SARS-CoV2 is viable in faeces or if the respective analyses report non-viable viral RNA fragments shed together with intestinal epithelial cells. For now, these data are obtained in retrospective, small-scale studies and are inconclusive.
Nevertheless, based on the information that is available, it is crucial to implement appropriate hygienic and medical strategies:
Members of households of infected patients have to be informed about the possible routes of transmission of SARS-CoV2, in order to take special precautions such as the use of separate toilets where possible, careful and frequent hand washing, and regular washing of individual towels.
What to know about diarrhea?
Routine (elective) endoscopic examinations should be carefully planned in COVID-19 patients, and special precautions for protection of patients and the examining team should be taken.
Faecal microbiota transplantation has become a very sensitive aspect in times of COVID-19. To prevent faecal SARS-CoV-2 transmission, a group of experts proposed assessing potential donors for the presence of typical COVID-19 symptoms within 30 days prior to donation. There is also the need for a detailed history including close contact with individuals with proven or suspected infection within the previous 30 days, and, most importantly, extensive and dedicated testing for SARS-CoV2 in stool and upper airways [7]. (In our opinion, the use of faecal microbiota transplantation should remain maximally restrictive with the exception of refractory cases of C. difficile colitis, not responding to all novel medical options.)
Considerations should be given to medication that might potentially prolong infectiousness either by modulation of gastric pH (i.e., acid suppressants) or by interfering with mucosal immunology (i.e., antibiotics).
The agenda for clinical research on COVID-19-related aspects in the gastrointestinal tract offers multiple opportunities. It certainly demands for studies on (a) the pathogenesis and impact of direct viral damage of the whole digestive system; and (b) factors contributing to COVID-19-associated diarrhoea with special emphasis on the gut microbiome and anti-diarrhoea management.A special focus should be directed on the role of the digestive system in transmitting the infection, on how to reduce the length of infectiousness, and on which precautions to be taken with regard to this matter.
Disclosure Statement
None of the authors have a conflict of interest.
Author Contribution
All authors have equally contributed in writing this editorial.
What foods help diarrhea?
Most of us experience diarrhea a couple of times a year, whether it’s from a bacterial infection, a food allergy or simply something you’ve eaten that disagrees with you. Diarrhea usually is not serious and often disappears within a day or so.
Mom’s advice is still the best when it comes to home treatments for diarrhea: Eat chicken soup and saltines and follow the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
You might think that eating will make your diarrhea worse, but your food choices can help to ease your symptoms and ensure your health doesn’t worsen as a result.
Salty and sweet
The biggest danger with a short bout of diarrhea is dehydration, or the loss of water and nutrients from the body’s tissues. You could become dehydrated if you have diarrhea more than three times a day and aren’t drinking enough fluids. Dehydration can cause serious complications if it isn’t treated.
The best way to guard against dehydration is to consume liquids that contain salt and sugar, says digestive disease specialist Donald Kirby, MD, Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition. The salt slows down the fluid loss, while the sugar helps your body to absorb the salt.
“We tend not to want people to have salt in general, but when you’re having significant diarrhea, you want to make sure you’re getting salt and enough sugar to keep out of the emergency room,” Dr. Kirby says.
Over-the-counter rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte® will do the job, Dr. Kirby says. Or, follow Mom’s advice and have some chicken soup with saltine crackers or pretzels.
Doctor Mom has been doing it for generations and it still works. In this case, Mother really does know best.
The BRAT diet
Here’s another bit of good advice from Mom for treating diarrhea – eat the BRAT diet: bananas, rice (white), applesauce and toast.
When your health is good, physicians usually recommend whole-grain, high-fiber foods. But high-fiber foods could spell trouble when you have diarrhea. The BRAT foods are low-fiber and can help to make your stools firmer. Bananas also are high in potassium and help to replace nutrients your body has lost because of diarrhea.
Dr. Kirby says you also can add oatmeal, boiled or baked potatoes (peeled), or baked chicken with the skin removed.
“These are simple foods that people often tolerate very well,” Dr. Kirby says.
Probiotics
Another way to help your gut recover from a diarrheal infection is to consume probiotics — a food or dietary supplement that contains live bacteria, which replaces or adds to the beneficial bacteria usually found in the gastrointestinal tract.
While it’s wise to avoid dairy products when you have diarrhea, Dr. Kirby says, there’s one notable exception — yogurt or kefir, a fermented milk drink, that contain probiotics. These can restore the beneficial bacteria that your body flushes out with diarrhea. Just make sure the yogurt or kefir are low in sugar, as higher levels of sugar can potentially worsen symptoms or diarrheal losses (that’s water and electrolytes) in some patients.
It’s time to call the doctor when diarrhea lasts longer than a few days, Dr. Kirby says. Also see your physician if you experience severe pain or your stool contains significant amounts of blood or pus.
Is ginger good for diarrhea?
The healing potential of ginger makes it a useful remedy for treating diarrhea. Eastern doctors have used ginger to treat diarrhea for thousands of years.
Ginger warms the stomach and is a tonic for the digestive system. It also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial properties that aid in healing stomach ailments. Its antioxidant effects have a positive effect on overall stomach health.
Drinking ginger tea can help to rehydrate your body and replenish fluids that may be lost during a bout of diarrhea. Usually, diarrhea will only last for a few days. Ginger can help to soothe your stomach during this time so that your recovery is swift and comfortable.
How to use ginger to treat diarrhea
You can eat fresh ginger or use it to make tea. These are the safest ways to take ginger. Ginger is also available in capsules, powder, and as a tincture. Be sure not to take more than 4 grams of ginger per day. You can take 2 to 4 milliliters of ginger tincture per day.
Diarrhea | Explained by Dr. Vincent Ho (3D Gut Animation)
Always check the label carefully as different brands can vary in terms of strength and dosage. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate the quality of supplements, choose to buy from a reliable source.
How to make ginger tea
Add a few tablespoons of freshly grated or finely chopped ginger to a cup of boiling water. Steep for five minutes or longer depending on how strong you prefer your tea. You can add lemon and honey to taste. You can also use powdered ginger or buy ginger teabags.
Research on using ginger to treat diarrhea
Researchers are looking to find ways to treat diarrhea caused by intestinal pathogens. This is the number one cause of death in infants in developing countries.
An animal study from 2007 found that ginger is an effective treatment for diarrhea caused by E. coli. Ginger works by blocking the toxic bacteria that causes diarrhea and preventing fluid from accumulating in the intestines. This has an antidiarrheal effect on the body.
Research from 2015Trusted Source supports using ginger to treat diarrhea as well as other abdominal issues. Ginger is believed to cure diarrhea that is caused by eating contaminated food. It also prevents nausea, vomiting, and abdominal spasms. And it relieves gas and promotes healthy digestion. A study from 1990Trusted Source showed that ginger significantly inhibited serotonin-induced diarrhea. More research is warranted to discover potential uses of ginger as a medicine.
Ginger has been successfully used to prevent diarrhea in pigs. Diarrhea in pigs is often caused by bacterial infections, which is a problem for pork production. A study from 2012 showed the potential of ginger in preventing diarrhea and improving intestinal health in pigs. This enhances growth performance and meat quality.
What to know before using ginger
Most people can take ginger with no adverse effects. You may experience some type of abdominal discomfort, heartburn, or gas. Some people find it causes them to have diarrhea.
Consult your healthcare provider before taking ginger for medicinal purposes if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Don’t take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder, diabetes, or any heart conditions. Use with caution if you have gallstoneTrusted Source disease. Don’t give ginger to children younger than 2 years of age.
Ginger may interact with:
medications that slow blood clotting
phenprocoumon
warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners
diabetes medications
high blood pressure medications
heart disease medications
The bottom line
For most people, ginger is a safe and effective way to treat diarrhea. Pay attention to how your body reacts to different types of ginger. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use.
Remember to take time for your body to heal and recuperate. Take a break from your normal activities if it’s possible and give yourself a chance to rest.
Can lemon juice stop diarrhea?
Loose motion is one of the most common ailments and is not usually serious. Also known as diarrhea, loose motion can be described as frequent passage of watery and loose stool. It happens when there is more water content in the stool and it is not absorbed by the large intestine. Loose motion is caused when your gut gets infected by a virus. It is also caused due to allergies to some food items, intestinal disease, alcohol abuse, medications, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, some infection, radiation therapy, laxative abuse, certain type of cancer and improper absorption of nutrients. It flushes out the infection and toxins from the body. It may lead to loss of nutrient and water from your body and leave you exhausted. Usually loose motion lasts for two to three days and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or using home remedies. Here is a list of some of the most effective home remedies to stop loose motion instantly. While these should do the trick, if the problem persists, you should consult a doctor.
Is honey good for diarrhea?
PIP: The results of several recent "in vitro" studies using honey in oral rehydration solutions (ORS) givien to infants and children with gastroenteritis showed that the use of honey had caused a reduction in the duration of bacterial diarrhea, and it had worked well as a substitute for glucose in an oral rehydration solution containing electrolytes. Studies have confirmed that honey shortens the duration of diarrhea in patients with bacterial gastroenteritis through its antibacterial properties. In nonbacterial gastroenteritis, honey had the same effect as glucose on the duration of the diarrhea. In a recent study, the antibacterial effect of pure honey was evaluated through testing the growth of an array of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in media containing varying concentrations of honey. It was found that most pathogenic bacteria failed to grow in honey at a concentration of 40% and above. Similar studies have shown that organisms such as Staphylococcus aureua, Proteus mirabilis, and Candida albicans failed to grow in the presence of undiluted honey in in vitro experiments. In experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of honey in inhibiting the growth of various bacteria, it was found that all bacteria grew well on their respective control plates having different growth media, while in honey-agar all intestinal bacterial pathogens failed to grow at a concentration of 40% and above of pure honey. Since honey has a high sugar content it could be used to promote sodium and water absorption from the bowel in a manner similar to the use of oral rice water and sucrose. Findings from studies on honey have thus shown that when given with an ORS it shortens the duration of bacterial diarrhea and may safely be used as a substitute for glucose, provided that the solution contains electrolytes.
Is only diarrhea a symptom of Covid?
When most people think of COVID-19, they imagine symptoms such as a dry cough and high fever. But new research out of China shows that a minority of cases appear with gastrointestinal symptoms only.
How to Stop Diarrhea Fast Naturally Using Home Remedies
In about one-quarter of patients in the new study, diarrhea and other digestive symptoms were the only symptoms seen in mild COVID-19 cases, and those patients sought medical care later than those with respiratory symptoms.
"Failure to recognize these patients early and often may lead to unwitting spread of the disease among outpatients with mild illness, who remain undiagnosed and unaware of their potential to infect others," said a team from Union Hospital and Tongji Medical College in Wuhan, China, the original epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.
"The data in this study highlight the presence and features of this important subgroup of COVID-19 patients and should be confirmed in larger international studies," the researchers concluded.
One U.S. expert agreed.
"We are only now learning the varied spectrum of symptoms for patients who present with COVID-19," said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency medicine physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
"This virus has thrown a curveball at us, as we now realize that gastrointestinal symptoms may be the initial signs of the disease, even without cough, fever, or difficulty breathing," he said. "The good news is that the majority of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms typically have mild disease."
In the new study, the research team tracked data from 206 patients with mild COVID-19. Nearly one-quarter (48) had digestive symptoms only, 69 displayed both digestive and respiratory symptoms, and 89 had respiratory symptoms only.
Of the patients with digestive symptoms, 67 had diarrhea, the study found. Of those, about one in five had diarrhea as the first symptom in the course of their illness.
Diarrhea lasted between one to 14 days, with an average duration of more than five days and a frequency of about four bowel movements a day.
About one-third of patients with a digestive symptom did not have a fever, the investigators found.
What herbs help diarrhea?
While persistent or severe cases may need special care, for common diarrhea discomfort relief just takes time and a few well-chosen remedies. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
Refuel and rehydrate
Replace lost fluids and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks or other rehydration formulas, or eating vegetable soup
Go with probiotics
Try "beneficial bacteria" supplementation to help with recovery and prevent recurrences; take 500 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii one to four times a day, or 3 billion colony-forming units of probiotic bacteria one to three times a day
Rely on lactase
If you think you may suffer from lactose intolerance, try a digestive enzyme–containing lactase when drinking or eating milk products
Make time for a checkup
See your healthcare provider if diarrhea continues for more than a few days or if you experience other abdominal symptoms
Does salt stop diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be highly uncomfortable, but most people can effectively treat it with rest and home remedies.
Diarrhea is a digestive problem that causes loose, watery bowel movements. It can be uncomfortable for a few hours or days, after which the symptoms should improve. In some instances, they last longer.
While diarrhea often goes away on its own, several home remedies can ease symptoms and speed up recovery.
1. Rehydrating
Diarrhea causes a deficit of fluids, making it vital to rehydrate.
Hydrating the body is essential to recovering from diarrhea.
Diarrhea causes a deficit of fluids, including water. This causes the body to lose electrolytes such as sodium and chloride.
5 Home Remedies for Diarrhoea (Loose Motions) in Babies
To support recovery, it is vital to restore fluids. Otherwise, a person may become dehydrated.
Dehydration can be dangerous in children and older adults, so it is crucial to encourage them to drink water if they are experiencing diarrhea.
Drinking water is the first step to rehydrating. A person can also to create an oral rehydration solution by mixing 1 liter of water with half a teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar.
Consuming sugar and salt with water helps the intestines to absorb fluids more efficiently. This solution more effectively rehydrates the body after a bout of diarrhea than water alone.
Other drinks can also be beneficial. For example, drinking sports drinksTrusted Source can help rehydrate the body and restore potassium and sodium. Fruit juices can also help restore potassium.
Avoid drinking anything that will further irritate the digestive tract, such as:
caffeinated drinks
alcohol
carbonated beverages
very hot drinks
2. Eating a recovery diet
A diet of small, frequent meals can be better than eating three larger meals a day when recovering from diarrhea. A good diet for someone with diarrhea may involve:
foods rich in pectin, such as fruit
foods high in potassium, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes
foods with electrolytes, such as miso soup and sports drinks
cooked, soft vegetables
adequate amounts of protein
Some people find that having a liquid diet for the first 24 hours of diarrhea helps settle the digestive system. This may include salty broths, bland soups, and drinks.
Adopting this diet for the first 24 hours may prevent the bowels from working too hard.
Another option for people with diarrhea is the BRAT diet. This consists of:
Bananas
Rice
Apple sauce
Toast
This diet combines bland foods that are low in fiber and high in starch, which may help produce more solid bowel movements. It also contains helpful nutrients, such as potassium and pectin.
It is essential to note that the BRAT diet is highly restrictive and does not provide balanced nutrition. People should only follow this diet until they are feeling better and not any longer than 2 days.
WERBUNG
3. Avoiding certain foods
A person with diarrhea should avoid eating greasy foods.
It can help to avoid foods that could irritate or put pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, such as:
high-fat foods
greasy foods
spicy foods
foods containing artificial sweeteners
foods with high levels of fructose
Some doctors recommend avoiding dairy products, as they may worsen diarrhea in some people. While general evidence for this claim is limited, people with lactose intolerance should avoid these products.
4. Taking probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that can benefit the digestive system. They can support the workings of the gut and help fight off infection.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts in some yogurts and other fermented foods. People can also buy probiotic supplements in health stores or online.
Loose stools/ diarrhea in children - What to do at home?
In 2010, researchers conducted a large systematic review of 63 studies on probiotics, with over 8,000 participants.
They found that probiotics significantly shortened the duration of recovery from diarrhea. They also found probiotics to be safe, without any major side effects.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate probiotic supplements, so be sure to purchase them from a reputable source and ask a doctor or pharmacist if in doubt.
5. Trying medicines
Over-the-counter drugs, such as Imodium, can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery time.
Several over-the-counter medications are available for treating diarrhea.
Antimotility drugs can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery time. A common example of this type of drug is loperamide (Imodium).
However, these medications are not always appropriate. People with bloody bowel movements or a fever should refrain from taking antimotility drugs and speak to a doctor instead.
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When to see a doctor
In most cases, it is possible to treat diarrhea at home without consulting a doctor. However, if diarrhea lasts for more than 2 daysTrusted Source, seek medical advice to avoid complications.
Other reasons to see a doctor for diarrhea include:
How to Cure Diarrhea Fast - Stop Diarrhea Fast
blood or pus in bowel movements
a fever
signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst and dry mouth
chronic diarrhea
diarrhea during sleep
significant weight loss
severe abdominal pain
People at risk of complications, such as young children and older adults, should also see a doctor for treatment if diarrhea does not improve with time and home remedies.
How long does diarrhea last with Covid?
In addition to other symptoms (like fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath), stomach upset can be a hallmark sign of COVID-19.
A recent study showed that 1 in 5 people who tested positive for COVID-19 had at least one gastrointestinal symptom, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or belly pain. Of those hospitalized, 25.9% had gastrointestinal issues.
Gastrointestinal Link
Once any virus infects your body, it can destroy healthy cells and make multiple copies of itself. COVID-19 mainly attacks the cells lining your airways. This makes it hard for you to breathe and can lead to pneumonia. But researchers think the illness also may harm your digestive tract and liver tissue.
Lack of appetite is the most common symptom, followed by loss or taste and smell. Up to 34% experience diarrhea, lasting an average of 5 days.
Those with digestive symptoms were more likely to have a positive stool test for the coronavirus, which means they had SARS-CoV-2 RNA in their poop. It also took them longer to clear the virus from their bodies, compared to those without gastrointestinal symptoms.
What You Should Do
If you have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, it doesn't mean that you have COVID-19. But it's wise to pay extra attention to your symptoms during this pandemic, especially if you have a health condition that raises your chances for an infection or if you live in an area where coronavirus is widespread.
Top 5 Home Remedies For Diarrhea | How to Stop Diarrhea Fast
Stay home. Most people who test positive for the coronavirus get mildly sick and get better without treatment. Avoid going out unless you must, such as for urgent medical visits.
Have a “sick” bedroom and bathroom. If you can, use a separate bathroom for yourself if you live with others to prevent spreading illness through your poop.
Wash your hands often. Soap and water for at least 20 seconds is best, especially after you use the bathroom, blow your nose, or sneeze, and before eating or cooking. Next best is a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. This includes the toilet seat and flush handle, bathroom doorknobs, phones, counters, and other things you touch often.
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