Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive disorders and has multiple symptoms, including stomach pain, dizziness, and a swollen abdomen. It can often last for two to four days, but in today’s article we want to tell you how to stop diarrhea fast.
Why does diarrhea occur?
Diarrhea is simply the term for very liquid stools. Although it has several causes, the main ones include:
Viruses
In certain tropical countries, for example, the influenza virus can occasionally be accompanied by diarrhea.
Food poisoning
This is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. When you eat something you’re not used to, buy street food, have an excessively large meal, try an exotic dish, or eat undercooked foods it can trigger this problem.
The same happens if you drink too much alcohol.
Your symptoms probably last between two and four days and in addition to diarrhea you’ll likely experience pain and stomach cramps, dizziness, weakness, and a loss of appetite.
If diarrhea lasts for more than a week it’s considered a chronic condition and it’s essential that you see a doctor, as it could be due to a serious infection.
How to Stop Diarrhea Fast?
Take care to avoid dehydration, which is very common. Drink plenty of water to counteract the loss of fluids through diarrhea.
We suggest following a liquid diet that includes:
- Mineral water
- Fruit juices without pulp
- Lemonade
- Jello
- Sports drinks
- Vegetable broth
- Sugar-free ice cream
At the same time, try reintroducing solid foods little by little.
On the second day, try only eating some banana, rice, applesauce, or toast. Avoid fatty foods or foods with fiber because they can make the diarrhea even worse.
It’s also a good idea to avoid coffee, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners for a few days.
Be sure to get plenty of rest. This will help your body better fight the virus or disorder that caused the diarrhea in the first place.
This can also help you if your problem is derived from stress or anxiety. Stomach disorders and worry go hand in hand.
Try a little meditation, some relaxation therapy, or take a bath in very hot water.
Home treatments for diarrhea
Aside from diet and rest, you can try certain natural treatments for diarrhea and stop the symptoms before you’ve eliminated the virus or other cause.
The most effective options are:
1. Chamomile tea
These small flowers have medicinal properties that have been used for centuries to treat stomach problems and stop diarrhea.
Chamomile is antispasmodic, which enables it to reduce intestinal inflammation. Only drink a few cups of the chamomile tea throughout the day.
2. Carrots
Carrot soup is a fool-proof way to fight diarrhea.
This is thanks to its many properties, such as:
- Keeping you hydrated
- Restoring the balance of your intestinal flora
- Increasing your levels of certain minerals (such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and sulfur)
Ingredients:
- 3 carrots
- 4 cups of water (1 liter)
Preparation:
- Peel the carrots and cut them into small pieces.
- Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan with a little salt and add the carrots.
- Cook until they are tender.
- Process in a food processor or blender until you get a creamy soup.
- Drink it as warm as possible.
3. Rice water
Remember when you were younger and perhaps had diarrhea? Your mother or grandmother probably made a big plate of rice and demanded that you eat it all.
Of course, with stomach pain that was sometimes counterproductive, but after a few hours the diarrhea was significantly improved.
If you don’t want to eat all that rice, however, you can drink the water used to cook it, which has many beneficial properties.
One of the best is that it calms stomach pain and eases cramping. Rice water is also rich in starch, which protects your mucus membranes, reduces irritation, and stops diarrhea.
It’s so easy to make:
Ingredients:
- 1 handful of rice (70 g)
- 2 cups of water (500 ml)
Preparation:
- Add the rice and water to a saucepan.
- Cook the rice until it is tender (you might need to add some extra water).
- Remove the rice but do not discard the liquid.
- Allow it to cool and sip it throughout the day.
4. Lemon
Lemon is a powerful antibacterial and digestive fruit that you should never forget in the event of diarrhea.
Lemon also has astringent effects that prevent the loss of fluids and normalize the flow of acids in your digestive system.
A beverage made with lemon juice will help you recover the minerals you lose during this time.
Ingredients:
- juice from 2 lemons
- 4 cups of water (1 liter)
- 1 pinch of salt (2 g)
- 1 tbsp. of baking soda (10 g)
Preparation:
- Squeeze the lemon juice into a pitcher.
- Add the water, salt, and baking soda.
- Stir well.
- Drink this in small servings, four times a day.
Via: HealthEssential | ReadersDigest
