Diarrhea is a phenomenon where loose, watery stools are passed from the bowels, for abnormal number of times (more than three times in 24 hours). We don’t really use the word diarrhea in our day to day lives. Generally, we prefer using the term ‘loose motion.’ During the days where your stomach goes on a kill spree, gets violent and begins to seem bizarre, going to a doctor appears to be like a ray of light. But, there’s something better than medications that nature has provided us with. Read on to get rid of diarrhea in 14 different natural ways and bid it goodbye.
Let us first look at what causes diarrhea:
- Virus (rotavirus)
- Parasitic organisms
- Indigestion
- Bacteria
- Dehydration
- Food poisoning
The following are the symptoms that indicate you have diarrhea:
- Loose, watery stools
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
Diarrhea can happen to anyone. So, if you have a baby suffering from diarrhea, do not panic. It is quite common. Diarrhea in toddlers mainly occurs in kids belonging to the age group of 1 to 5 years old. This may happen if the kid is not getting proper fats through their food i. e., if milk and dairy products are not included in the diet. Usually, toddlers suffer from diarrhea if they have undigested food, dehydration, etc. Giving them a diet with high fat and less fruit juice shall solve the problem of diarrhea.
Treat diarrhea naturally:
To reduce and treat diarrhea naturally may seem like a lot of work but, it’s really not. The right kind of ingredients and supplements can easily bring you relief and help you get rid of diarrhea at home. If you were to be alone at home with no help around and suffering from diarrhea, what’s the first thing you’d do? Either you would try sleeping or would pass out from the pain. If you were told that there are doctors in your kitchen waiting to help you, you would think it’s a lie. But trust us, there are natural remedies sitting right inside your kitchen that you can access right away. The following is a list of home remedies that are guaranteed to help you get rid of diarrhea before you know it.
1. Lemon juice:
Lemon has so many benefits that it is hard to keep a count. Lemons can be used for keeping teeth healthy and white, losing weight, removing tan, and even for getting rid of diarrhea. Lemon does help with upset stomach and in worst cases like diarrhea, it works like magic. Lemon cleanses your stomach especially if the diarrhea is caused by dehydration. It hydrates your body, ceases the stools, making you feel relieved.
Method: Squeeze some lemon juice in a glass of water and add a tad bit of sugar and a pinch of salt, to balance the flavours. Drink this fluid for immediate relief.
2. Ginger:
Loosing so much nutrition from your body in one day can make you feel really week. Since you throw out whatever you eat, you don’t really feel like eating anything. Hence, ginger is what you must consume to ease off your abdominal cramps and set your digestion system right.
Method: In a glass of boiled water, add a teaspoon of minced ginger. Drain the water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Drink this water daily for better digestion.
3. Fenugreek seeds:
Fenugreek contains a type of fibre called mucilage, which when consumed, swells up the intestine and bulks the stools, causing quick relief right from the second dose. Fenugreek seeds must only be consumed by adults and not children. Moreover, it’s important to know that fenugreek seeds are not to be consumed more than 2 teaspoons.
Method: Mix a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of yogurt and consume it in the morning.
4. Chamomile tea:
Chamomile tea contains antispasmodic properties which can treat the burning sensation in your stomach, caused due to diarrhea. Drinking chamomile tea thrice a day will help you get rid of diarrhea quickly.
Method: Prepare a cup of chamomile tea and add some peppermint leaves while it boils. Let it boil for 15 minutes and drink it thrice a day.
5. Apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar helps to fight against the bacteria that cause diarrhea. It helps to soothe the large intestine, which is also called “colon.” Apple cider vinegar prevents constipation, protects against food poisoning, strengthens the immune system and improves digestion.
Method: Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink thrice a day.
6. Yogurt:
Yogurt contains probiotic (good bacteria) that helps to prevent diarrhea. Yogurt can be combined with fenugreek seeds or banana to get rid of diarrhea. The lactic acid in the yogurt kills the bad bacteria and restores balance in the digestive tract.
Method: Consume one cup of unsweetened yogurt every day, before meals.
7. Bananas:
Banana is one of the prime nutrients in B. R. A. T. Its light properties are very easy to digest. This remedy can also be used to treat diarrhea in kids. Green banana can also be used to treat diarrhea. Green banana, too, bulks the stools.
Method: Eat at least one banana every day. Banana can also be mixed with unsweetened, plain yogurt and consumed once a day.
8. Black tea:
Black tea is one of the best fighting agents of diarrhea. Since ancient period, people have been consuming black tea with lemon to get rid of diarrhea. Diarrhea can also be caused if contaminated water or food is consumed and parasites such as amoeba have entered your stomach. Black tea also helps to restore the water level in your body, meaning it helps in rehydration.
Method: Prepare black tea and squeeze lemon juice in it. Consume it for immediate relief.
9. Fluids:
As mentioned above, diarrhea can be caused due to lack of water and imbalance in the water level of the body, resulting in dehydration. To restore the fluids in your body, it’s necessary to get lots of liquid in your system. Fluids excluding dairy products, can keep your body hydrated.
Method: Drink plenty of water and juices. Do not drink too much juice. Water is the safest liquid to hydrate your body.
10. ORS:
There have been many government advertisements and movements promoting the use of ORS for getting rid of diarrhea. ORS stands for Oral Rehydration Solution. ORS is very easy to prepare.
Method: Add six levels of sugar and half a level of salt to one litre water. Consume it at regular intervals.
11. Cumin:
Cumin contains high iron and manganese. It helps prevent gas and get rid of diarrhea. It also contains calcium and vitamins necessary for our body’s daily supplement. Cumin also improves the immune system and maintains the metabolism.
Method: Add one teaspoon of Cumin seeds in water and boil it. Drain the water and drink it before meals.
12. Heating pad:
Heating pad not only helps during menstruation, but also in reducing diarrhea. Diarrhea can be caused due to the cramping of the muscles. If this happens, it becomes necessary to relax the stressed muscle.
Method: Place two towels on your stomach and place the heating pad over it. The towels will help regulate the excessive heat.
13. Potato:
Foods like potato are bland in nature. Eating bland food during diarrhea lets you feel full and prevents you from vomiting. Potato contains both carbohydrates and calories, which are important to keep you healthy when you’re losing much of your nutrition to stools. Drinking potato water also can help with diarrhea.
Method: Eat boiled potatoes or drink the boiled water of the boiled potatoes. The water will make you feel full, keep you hydrated and nourished.
14. Oregano oil:
Oregano oil is one of the most useful essential oils. The carvacrol and thymol in Oregano oil help to fight against the food-borne parasites. It is also used as an antibiotic in farm animals. It helps to treat food poisoning and there are numerous studies going on about Oregano oil and its application to reduce diarrhea.
Method: Add 5-10 drops of Oregano oil to a glass of water and consume it twice a day.
These remedies are tried and tested remedies for getting rid of diarrhea. But it’s important to acknowledge that these are only for temporary relief. If your condition is severe, consult your physician.