What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea represents a condition of bowel movement (stools) that are watery and loose. This condition lasts for a day for many for a few days, which can result dehydration due to fluid loss from the body. Diarrhea is also associated with a bacterial or viral infection.
Causes of Diarrhea
- Many people have difficulty in digesting of lactose and after using dairy products they experience diarrhea. Lactose is a sugar which is found in milk and other dairy products.
- Fructose is a sugar which is naturally found in many fruits and honey; it is also used in some beverages. Many people have difficulty in the digestion of fructose may experience diarrhea after eating products which have fructose.
- Artificial sweeteners, which are found in chewing gum and some other sugar free products may also cause diarrhea in some people.
- Bacterial or viral infections:
- A virus, such as Norwalk agent, enterovirus, rotavirus, or a hepatitis virus.
- A bacterium, such as Clostridum, E. coli, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae.
- A parasite, such as those that cause mebiasis and giardiasis.
- Alcohol consumption
- Cancer and treatment of cancer: Radiation therapy which is used in treatment of cancer or cancers in the abdomen which can damage the intestine and also cause diarrhea.
- Food allergies.
- Some medication may also cause diarrhea and most common are antibiotics.
- digestive tract surgery, also cause diarrhea.
- Diseases which are related to intestine, e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
- Malabsorption is a condition where the body is unable to absorb certain nutrients from the food across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Food poisoning and consumption of polluted water. People who are traveled to foreign countries may suffer from diarrhea after drinking contaminated water.
- Other causes of diarrhea are:
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Competitive running
- Emotional stress
Symptoms of Diarrhea
- Watery stool
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Undigested food in stool
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating, gas
- Rectal pain
- Increased frequency of bowel movements
Chronic diarrhea is a symbol of more serious conditions of inflammatory bowel illness. If you are experiencing such a serious condition of diarrhea then you will be at risk. If this may be the case tell your doctor.
Home remedies and lifestyle
Mostly diarrhea cases clear up within a few days. You can try the following tips until the diarrhea goes away:
- Drink plenty of clean liquids, including boiling water, juices and broth.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Avoid dairy products, high fiber food, fatty food and high seasoned food for a few days.
- Add low fiber and semisolid food in your meals until your bowel movement return to normal.
Some Home remedies to cure diarrhea
Following are some home remedies to cure diarrhea:ORS
- 1 Litter Water
- 6 Teaspoons Sugar
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
Add Sugar and Salt in water and stir mixture until sugar dissolved.
Cumin
Add one teaspoon cumin in 1 cup water and boil them. After that add coriander juice and pinch of salt. Take this mixture daily after every meal.
Curry Leaves
Juice of curry leaves with buttermilk is beneficial for diarrheaHow to Prevent Diarrhea
- Drink bottled water, juices, beverages and soda in original container.
- Beverages from boiled water, such as tea and coffee are safe.
- Avoid raw vegetables and fruits.
- Eating food from street merchants
- Avoid raw meat and under cook meats and dairy foods.
- Avoid tap water and ice cubes.
- Wash your hands and food preparation place several times during cooking.
- Wash your hands after and before cooking the food. In additional, also wash after using the toilet, sneezing, changing diapers and blowing your nose.
