Diarrhea & Nature Cure

Any number of things can upset the delicate balance of intestinal flora in the human body, causing diarrhea. Some of the more common causes are antibiotic use, food poisoning and stress. Although some prescription medications can control the diarrhea, there are natural ways to restore intestinal health.

Probiotics

• One cause of diarrhea is the overgrowth of yeast in the colon. When good bacteria is destroyed through antibiotic use, the yeast, which normally stays in check, is allowed to take over and grow out of control. Among other things, this can cause mild to severe diarrhea. This can be remedied by replacing the good bacteria with probiotic supplements, which can be purchased at most drug stores.

  Another way of putting the good bacteria back into the colon is by consuming fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kefir. Eating yogurt, which contains active and live cultures, can also help restore your intestinal flora. Acidophilus drinks, which can be purchased at health food stores and some grocery stores, are a quick way to get some good bacteria back into the bowel.

Rice Water

• Consuming water from boiled rice in is an excellent way to replace the electrolytes lost during a bout of diarrhea. It will usually help get the diarrhea under control as well as replace lost fluids. This can be made by putting extra water on white rice, allowing it to boil for approximately 10 minutes. Strain the water from the rice, allowing it to cool. This can be sipped on as much as tolerated. Another remedy regularly recommended by doctors, and one which is sometimes ordered in hospital care, is the BRAT diet. This consists of bananas, rice cereal, applesauce and toast. Each component has something in it that counters the diarrhea and is also easily digested.

Diet Changes

• With the exception of yogurt, all dairy products should be cut out when a person is suffering from diarrhea. The dairy causes the body to make mucous and this can cause further diarrhea. Even the yogurt may not be tolerated. Once the diarrhea is under control, dairy should be added slowly back to the diet.

  Solid foods should be avoided for the first day or so, because they tax the digestive system more than liquids. Consuming soups and clear broths is a good idea while the diarrhea is in full swing.

  Continued diarrhea is not only a nuisance, but also a health threat due to dehydration. The body is sometimes ridding itself of toxins. Any attempt to halt diarrhea should only begin six to 12 hours after the diarrhea first started, so that the body can rid itself of the bacteria causing the diarrhea in the first place.