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Ways to Stop Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition that causes loose, watery bowel movements and is often caused by a virus, food poisoning or food allergies. Diarrhea generally passes on its own but can be dangerous to some people. If it is accompanied by vomiting, it can quickly lead to dehydration. Extra liquid should always be consumed when a person is suffering from diarrhea.

  1. Bismuth Subsalicylate

    • Bismuth subsalicylate is more commonly known by the brand name Pepto Bismol and is a thick, pink liquid medication that can prevent diarrhea or sooth the stomach after an attack of diarrhea. It should not be used by people who take aspirin on a regular basis since it can intensify some negative side effects of the drug.

    Use Friendly Bacteria

    • Using probiotics to replace the friendly bacteria in your intestinal tract and stomach will help your body to fight off diarrhea. Swallow one or two capsules of acidophilus or a tablespoon of liquid with a glass of water with all meals until diarrhea is gone. This can also be used to prevent diarrhea. Other sources of good bacteria include active culture yogurt, lactobacillus GG and bifidobacteria. Saccharomyces boulardii, which is a live yeast, is helpful for diarrhea that is caused by taking antibiotics and is safe to mix with other probiotics.

    BRAT Diet

    • Following the BRAT diet will sooth a sensitive stomach and allow the sufferer to meet nutritional needs without causing added diarrhea. The BRAT diet stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast which are all foods that will not irritate the stomach. Once diarrhea has subsided, you can slowly begin adding other foods to your diet. This should be done slowly, and spicy or greasy foods should be avoided to prevent a recurrence of the illness.

    Herbal Remedies

    • Blackberry tea will help to eliminate mild cases of diarrhea and will lessen severe cases. Drink several cups a day, particularly when the condition is at its worst. Ginger tea is useful to eliminate cramps and nausea. Ginger is also available in capsules that are just as effective in treating diarrhea. Oregano oil will cover most of the bases when it comes to causes of diarrhea since it is used as an antibacterial, anti parasitic and an antiviral treatment. Use according to package instructions until diarrhea is completely gone. Grapefruit seed extract is an antimicrobial as well as a disinfectant. It has a very bitter taste and should be taken in a glass of water or taken in capsule form.

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