Get Rid of Diarrhea

Diarrhea occurs when the digestive system is not functioning properly, resulting in frequent loose or watery stools, three or more times a day.

The main causes of diarrhea are viral infections, bacterial infections, consumption of contaminated food and water, anxiety, food intolerances, and intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Diarrhea can be accompanied by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and may cause complications like dehydration.

It usually takes two to four days for diarrhea and its accompanying symptoms to disappear completely, depending upon the intensity of the problem.

You can combat diarrhea with a variety of natural, home remedies to fight the infection as well as provide relief from the symptoms.

Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of diarrhea.

1. Yogurt

Yogurt, especially the one with live bacterial cultures such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium is a great home remedy for diarrhea.

These live cultures help restore the ‘good’ bacteria in your intestine and destroy the ‘bad’ bacteria causing the diarrhea.

In a 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that probiotics can help reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Just two bowls of yogurt a day can produce noticeable relief. Add or eat a banana with your yogurt for added benefits.

2. Ginger

Ginger is used in the treatment of food poisoning and can also help get rid of cramps and abdominal pain.

• Grate a small piece of ginger and add one teaspoon of honey. Eat the mixture to promote the release of gastric juices and improve digestion. Avoid drinking water immediately after eating it.
• You can also drink ginger tea two to three times a day to cure diarrhea. Slice one small piece of ginger and add them to one cup of water. Boil the water for a few minutes, strain it and add some honey before drinking it. If fresh ginger is not available, you can use powdered ginger from your spice rack.

3. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are highly recommended for treating diarrhea due to their high mucilage content. Mucilage provides a strong antidiarrheal effect.

• Chew one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds along with one tablespoon of yogurt.
• Alternatively, combine one-half teaspoon each of roasted fenugreek seeds and cumin seeds, add two tablespoons of yogurt and mix it well. Consume this mixture three times a day for quick relief from diarrhea.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Another effective home cure for diarrhea is apple cider vinegar. It acts as an effective agent against bacteria that cause diarrhea.

• Add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
• Drink the solution once or twice a day until your diarrhea subsides.

5. Bananas

When dealing with diarrhea, it is recommended to eat ripe bananas because of their high pectin content.

Pectin is a water-soluble fiber that helps reduce diarrhea. Bananas are also high in potassium, an electrolyte that supports a number of vital functions in the body.

Eat a few ripe bananas a day until your diarrhea subsides.

6. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has antispasmodic properties that can provide relief from abdominal pains accompanying stomach disorders including diarrhea. It also is helpful in reducing intestinal inflammation.

• Make chamomile tea by steeping one teaspoon of chamomile flowers and one teaspoon of peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.
• Strain it and drink the tea a few times a day.

You can also drink green tea to help your digestive system function properly.

7. White Rice

Plain white rice is among the bland foods recommended to eat during diarrhea because it is easy to digest. In addition, it can help decrease the amount of stools by adding bulk to the stools.

Eat small amounts of plain white rice (without any added sauces and spices). Gradually increase the amount of rice as your diarrhea improves.

8. Black Seed Oil

Black seed is also used in the treatment of various health problems such as gas, colic, asthma, constipation and diarrhea. For treating diarrhea, use black seed oil.

• Mix a teaspoon of black seed oil in a cup of plain yogurt.
• Eat this mixture twice a day until the diarrhea symptoms are completely gone.

These natural remedies for diarrhea can have different effects on different people depending on the intensity and the cause of their diarrhea. If your symptoms do not improve within three to four days, you should see a doctor.

9. Carrot Soup

Carrot soup is a high-bulk food and is believed to have antidyspeptic effects. Carrot soup is particularly good for children recuperating from diarrhea because it provides essential nutrients lost during diarrhea.

• Wash, scrape and finely chop 500g carrots.
• Pressure cook the carrots with a little more than one-half cup of water for about 15 minutes.
• Drain the liquid.
• Add a little salt to taste.
• Eat this soup fresh daily for a few days when suffering from diarrhea.

10. Clear Fluids

Diarrhea can cause your body to become dehydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water along with coconut water, clear broths, vegetable soups, and clear sodas (without caffeine) when suffering from diarrhea. You can also drink sports drinks that do not contain caffeine.

Stay away from caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Also, avoid acidic drinks such as tomato juice and citrus juices.