Diarrhea is one of the most common problems across all the age groups people. It occurs when the digestive system doesn’t function properly. Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or watery stools more than three times a day. Diarrhea can be caused by a viral infection, bacterial infection, contaminated water, certain kind of surgery, antibiotics, food poisoning, certain gastrointestinal diseases. It is accompanied by symptoms like bloating, nausea, abdominal pain and may cause complications like dehydration. In many cases, diarrhea is not a serious problem and clear themselves within two to fours days but certain types of diarrhea can cause a serious problem. You can treat diarrhea by a variety of natural remedies to fight infection as well as provide relief from the symptoms.
Remedies to Treat Diarrhea
1.) Ginger to Cure Diarrhea
Ginger can help to fight nausea and inflammation. It has the ability to provide the relief from the symptoms of diarrhea. Ginger can help settle an upset stomach and ease bowel inflammation. Ginger root also promotes the release of gastric juices and enzymes that aid digestion. It can also help to relieve from cramp and any abdominal pain associated with diarrhea.
- You can make your own ginger tea. Boil 12 slices of fresh ginger and put them in 3 cups of water. Simmer the solution for 20 minutes. Add a little honey if you want to add.
- Ginger tea is also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. But there is a limitation for pregnant women, they should not take more than 1 gram of ginger per day.
- Do not give ginger to children who are under the age of 2 years. Children over 2 years old can take the benefit from small doses of ginger to treat diarrhea and accompanied symptoms like nausea, upset stomach.
- If you are taking blood-thinning medication such as warfarin and aspirin so don’t use ginger because it can interfere with them.
2.) Drink Fluid to Treat Diarrhea
Diarrhea dehydrates your body. You need to drink plenty of clear liquids to prevent dehydration. Water is most important, but you should also consume beverages that contain electrolytes like chloride, potassium, sodium. Water alone does not contain enough amount of electrolytes to provide your body when you’re severely dehydrated.
- Men should consume at least 3 liters of water per day and women should consume at least 2.2 liters of water per day even if they are not suffering from diarrhea. But if you are fighting dehydration while you have diarrhea, then you need to drink more than that to treat diarrhea.
- Water, vegetable juices especially carrot and celery, herbal teas, sports drinks, flat ginger ale, and broth such as miso, they are a good option for adults to rehydrate and replenish electrolyte.
- Barley water is also a good way to rehydrate. Take 1 cup of raw barley to 1 quart of boiling water. Allow it to steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and drink throughout the day.
- Children should take oral rehydration solutions such as Infalyte and Pedialyte. These are best for children and sold in most drug and grocery stores. White grape juice is also good for the children who are dehydrated due to diarrhea.
3.) Yogurt to Get Rid of Diarrhea
If your diarrhea is a side effect of an antibiotic. It is possible that the medicine killed off the good bacteria living in your intestines. Consumption of yogurt effectively and quickly restores the balance of bacteria. Yogurt especially which contain live bacterial cultures such as bifidobacterium and lactobacillus acidophilus is a great home remedy for diarrhea. The probiotic in yogurt can help to get your intestine back on track.
- Probiotics are a type of live bacteria that help to repair the digestive tract.
- According to the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2009, a researcher on that study found that probiotics can help to reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- Just two bowls of yogurt per day can give your noticeable relief. You can add or eat a banana with yogurt for added benefits.
4.) Things you should Avoid to Treat Diarrhea
Caffeine can cause stomach pain and gas and it also dehydrates your body. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, and also avoid foods high in caffeine like chocolate.
- You should avoid milk and dairy products. Those individual who have lactose intolerance and even the people without lactose tolerance find harder to digest dairy product.
- Avoid greasy, fried, or spicy foods because these can upset your stomach and worsen diarrhea. Consume bland,mild foods until you feel better.
- If you need protein go for boiled or baked chicken. Scrambled eggs will also work.
5.) Bananas to Cure Diarrhea Naturally
Bananas are also very effective to treat diarrhea. It can help to solve the problem of watery stools. Component present in banana called pectin. It is a kind of soluble fiber that helps to absorb liquid in the intestines and reduces the amount of liquid in the stools. Potassium content present in banana helps to replace electrolytes that you lost while experiencing diarrhea.
- Add one teaspoon of tamarind pulp and a pinch of salt in a mashed banana and mix it well. Take this mixture twice a day to settle an upset digestive system.
- It is very good for health to have one or two ripe bananas with your breakfast to maintain digestive health.
6.) Chamomile to Treat Diarrhea at Home
Chamomile is very effective to treat various types of intestinal problems, including diarrhea. It has antispasmodic property along with the high amount of tannins. It can provide great relief from diarrhea and its symptoms.
- Take one teaspoon of peppermint leaves and one teaspoon of chamomile flowers and mix them in a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. Take this herbal solution at least three times a day to speed up the healing process.
- You can also use pre-packaged tea bags of chamomile to treat diarrhea.
7.) Fenugreek seeds to Get Rid of Diarrhea
Fenugreek seeds contain high mucilage content which is very effective to treat diarrhea. It helps to bulk up your stool and improve the severity and discomfort of diarrhea.
- Take one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds along with one tablespoon of yogurt.
- Or you can take one tablespoon of roasted cumin seeds with one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds and mix it with two tablespoons of yogurt. Eat it two or three times a day for better result.
- Fenugreek seeds are not suitable for small children suffering from acute or chronic diarrhea.
8.) Blueberries to Treat Diarrhea
Blueberries have antibacterial as well as antioxidant properties due to element present in blueberries called anthocyanosides. It also contain a high amount of soluble fiber called pectin that can help to ease diarrhea symptoms
- You can just simply chew dried blueberries several times a day. This process will help to kill the germs causing diarrhea.
- Or you can make tea. Crush dried blueberries and put them in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink this tea two to three times a day to treat diarrhea.
- Another option is you can make a soup with dried blueberries.
9.) Orange Peel to Cure Diarrhea Naturally
Orange peel is an effective home remedy that can help to control the symptoms of diarrhea and aid the digestive track.
- First wash the orange thoroughly with clean water to remove pesticides that could be on the peel. Then remove the peel and chop into small pieces.
- Boil a cup of water and put the chopped peel into it and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. When it will get cooled, then add some honey in it.
- Drink this tea two or three times a day.
10.) White Rice to Treat Diarrhea
White rice is an excellent bland food recommended for diarrhea because it is high in starch content and easy to digest. Take plain boiled white rice and avoid to put any spices or sauces. Start with the small amounts of rice and gradually increase the quantity as your condition improves.
- You can also have clear fluids and starchy liquids such as coconut water, rice water, vegetable and fruit juice and clear broths.
11.) Potatoes to Get Rid of Diarrhea
Potatoes is also a starchy food that can help to treat diarrhea. Add the vegetable in your meals. However, if you are a diabetic avoid this remedy.
- Boiled potatoes will help to restore lost nutrients. It will also help to comfort your upset stomach.
- Or you can cook potatoes and white rice together in plenty of water until it becomes thick. Add a little salt to taste and eat it. You can eat this simple dish for lunch or dinner.
- Don’t eat French fries or other fried and spicy potatoes when suffering from diarrhea because they can make your condition worse.
12.) Rest to Treat Diarrhea
When you are ill or suffering from any other medical condition. One of the best things you can do for your body is taking a plenty of rest.
- Resting gives your body the opportunity to combat with any virus responsible for your diarrhea.
- If anxiety is the trigger of your diarrhea, rest can help to reduce your anxiety and its symptoms.