6 Simple Home Remedies to Treat Diarrhea
When diarrhea strikes, it’s handy to know some easy remedies you can try at home. Here are six simple methods to get you feeling better.
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1. Drink Plenty of Liquids
Diarrhea can make you lose a lot of water from your body.
Because of this, it’s crucial to stay hydrated.
This means drinking lots of water or even rehydration solutions that can replace the lost salts, or electrolytes, in your body.
2. Follow the BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet, standing for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, is a go-to when you have diarrhea.
These foods, in particular, are gentle on your stomach and can help slow down the bouts of diarrhea.
3. Sip on Ginger Tea
Ginger tea can be really helpful when you have diarrhea.
Many people find that ginger tea can calm their upset stomachs and lessen the frequency of their trips to the bathroom.
You can make it by boiling some ginger in water and letting it cool before sipping.
4. Use Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil isn’t just a pleasant aroma. It can also soothe upset stomachs and help alleviate diarrhea symptoms.
How to use peppermint oil for diarrhea?
You should look for food-grade peppermint oil. This type of oil is safe to consume and is commonly found in health food stores or online.
Because peppermint oil is quite potent, you should never consume it straight. Instead, dilute a few drops in a glass of water.
Once you’ve properly diluted the peppermint oil, you can drink it.
You might find that this soothing concoction helps ease your stomach and lessen your diarrhea symptoms.
5. Consume Probiotics
To treat diarrhea, it’s recommended to consume probiotics.
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help balance your gut.
Foods like yogurt and kefir are full of these beneficial bacteria, which can aid in normalizing your digestion.
6. Drink Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a traditional remedy to treat diarrhea. Apart from being soothing, it contains probiotics that can actually help restore the natural balance of your gut flora.
Remember, these methods can help you manage diarrhea at home. However, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you’re not feeling better after a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of factors, including bacterial or viral infections, certain medications, food intolerances or allergies, and digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease.
In some cases, stress or anxiety may also trigger diarrhea.
How can I prevent diarrhea?
Preventing diarrhea often involves practicing good hygiene, like washing hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
It’s also important to ensure food is cooked thoroughly, avoid potential allergens or irritants if you have food sensitivities, and manage stress.
When should I seek medical attention for diarrhea?
You should seek medical attention if diarrhea lasts for more than a few days, is accompanied by high fever, contains blood or pus, or if you experience severe pain or dehydration symptoms such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, little to no urination, or severe weakness.
What treatments are available for diarrhea?
Treatment for diarrhea depends on the cause.
In most cases, drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration is recommended.
Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) and loperamide can help treat your acute diarrhea.
However, if your diarrhea lasts over two days, see a doctor immediately.
