Have you encountered something lately that didn’t agree with your stomach? And you spent more time than you wanted in the bathroom trying to feel better? Well here are some tips to get you back up on your feet running at 100%. When diarrhea hits our system many causes can include but are not limited to: Parasites, bacterial infections, yeast overgrowth, food poisoning, food intolerance’s, poor diet, caffeine, too much sugar, and stress. It is important to identify the cause and deal with it. Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose, water bowel movements that may last a day or two . It is usually caused by an infection and is the body’s way of ridding itself of the invading organisms as quickly as possible, and you know it. Your stomach may make glugging sounds. Should this system last more than three days, see a doctor.
Action Plan
- Fluids are real important to maintain. Diarrhea can cause serious dehydration. Drink warm, not cold, water. Cold water can cause your digestive system to spasm.
- Blackberry Juice is known for combating diarrhea.
- Drink Barley or rice water daily. Simmer 1/2 cup of barley or brown rice in 4 cups of water for 45-60 minutes. Strain and drink.
- Freshly pressed vegetable juices which are high in minerals will help replace the minerals that have been lost, especially sodium and potassium. Include celery, carrots, apples, bananas and cabbage for their nourishing and healing properties.
- Buckwheat is believed to strengthen the intestines and is useful in the treatment of chronic diarrhea. Cook it well in plenty of water.
- Onions and garlic if infection is present.
- Whole grains that are cooked well such as; brown rice, quinoa, millet, or oats.
- Whole blueberries and the juice are well known as an antidote for diarrhea due to their antibacterial compounds.
- Leeks provide a helpful astringent quality also.
Avoid
- Caffeine, tea, alcohol soft drinks and anything carbonated which irritates the bowel.
- Sugar, spices, and wheat-bran also irritate the bowel and perpetuate the problem.
Diarrhea damages the intestinal walls causing temporary lactose intolerance, so stay away from dairy products.
Supplements and Herbs
- To calm the bowel and relieve spasms use Peppermint Oil by mouth.
- Cinnamon and ginger can benefit the digestive system.
- Herbal teas such as peppermint, camomile, raspberry leaf and lemon balm are recommended for their soothing properties. Agrimony tea can also help chronic cases. Drink agrimony for two weeks maximum.
- Resupply the bacteria in the system. Bacteria is need for normal bowel function and protection from infection. Diarrhea can lead to a depletion in the good bacterial. Being that this aggravation occurred can be an indication that there wasn’t enough good bacteria in the system to protect and support digestion.
Extra Helps
- Start with liquids, then eat light meals. The more solids eaten, the more discomfort you may have. Avoid putting a strain on your system that is already struggling.
Referenced material from Gillian McKeith’s “Food Bible The Complete A-Z Guide To a Healthy Life”. 2008.
