Diarrhea
Diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having at least three loose, liquid, or watery bowel movements each day. It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration due to fluid loss. Signs of dehydration often begin with loss of the normal stretchiness of the skin and irritable behaviour. Diarrhea is something very unpleasant. The increased evacuation of thin to liquid stool is not only a burden on the well-being. It also upsets the fluid and energy balance. Frequent watery diarrhea in particular can weaken the body enormously within hours. Infections, hormonal imbalances or stress can be behind diarrhea. But chronic and malignant diseases are also possible causes of diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to identify the cause of the disorder early, especially in the case of persistent diarrhea.
Symptoms
What To Expect
Diarrhea is when someone has very soft or liquid stools at least three times in a 24-hour period. Diarrhea is often accompanied by abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating. Diarrhea and nausea are sometimes also accompanied by fever, headache and aching limbs. Dizziness and circulation problems may indicate that the body has lost too much fluid and salts (electrolytes). Rapid medical attention is then needed. Acute diarrheal diseases are usually overcome after a few days to a week. If the diarrhea lasts longer than two weeks, it is called persistent diarrhea.
Made Worse By
Diarrhea can have several causes. However, diet plays an important role. Those who suffer from diarrhea should avoid the following foods: fatty foods, spicy fried foods, strongly spiced or hot foods, citrus fruits, legumes, fresh blueberries. Sweets such as gummy bears or chocolate are also not suitable for diarrhea. The sugar they contain puts additional strain on the damaged intestinal mucosa. Milk is generally not recommended for diarrhea. You should also refrain from drinking coffee during diarrhea - it further irritates the mucous membrane in the digestive tract. Other unfavorable drinks are: Cocoa, fruit juices, lemonade, carbonated drinks and alcohol.
Diagnosed By
Diarrhea that lasts only a few days is harmless in most cases in healthy adults. Your body can usually compensate well for the loss of fluids and balances the salt balance within a few days after recovery. If diarrhea occurs - sometimes in conjunction with cramping abdominal pain or circulatory problems - in connection with meals, those affected should see a doctor. It is possible that a food intolerance is behind it. Chronic diarrhea is also a reason for a visit to the doctor, because it could be hiding a more serious illness. A detailed interview to obtain a medical history and a physical examination are usually sufficient for doctors to accurately diagnose the cause of the diarrhea. The knowledge that infectious gastrointestinal diseases often occur in temporal and regional clusters can also help with the diagnosis.
Caution Seek professional advice for persistent constipation or diarrhoea.
Products that may help Diarrhea
Herbs that may help Diarrhea
Remedies that may help with Diarrhea
Psyllium to Regulate Diarrhoea
Psyllium and psyllium husks have a mild laxative effect on constipation and a regulating effect on diarrhea.
- Take 1 heaped tsp of seeds and husks.
- Mix with at least 150 ml of water.
- Take 2-3 times daily.
- Or mix with food and drink up to 150 ml of water.
- Seeds may be soaked in cool water overnight before taking.
Herb Mix Decoction for Diarrhoea
The herbs used in this remedy are astringent herbs. They possess antispasmodic properties. In addition, they dry and constrict the bowel mucosa.
- Make a decoction of one of the listed herbs.
- Take 1 heaped tsp.
- Mix with 225 ml of water.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Take up to 450 ml a day for no longer than 3 days.
Caution Do not take it for more than 3 days at a time, also do not repeat this remedy for three more days if it does not help. If there is no improvement, seek professional advice. Do not take sage during pregnancy.