Running to the bathroom with a bad case of the runs is rarely a pleasant experience. It can also be embarrassing and uncomfortable. So what should you do to prevent and manage diarrhoea? Here are a few natural approaches that may help.
Stay Hydrated
The worst thing you can do when you have diarrhoea (or diarrhea) is dehydrate. You'll be losing a lot of fluids, so hydration is key. Your first port of call – aside from a visit to the bathroom – is to drink plenty of water. And while it may be tempting to down a giant glass of orange juice, the fructose could upset your stomach further. Black tea is another great option, as the hot water will help rehydrate your body, while the tea's tannins will help reduce inflammation in the intestines.
Replace Your Electrolytes
You'll also need to replace the electrolytes lost during diarrhoea. This means increasing your intake of potassium, sodium and chloride. A quick fix is to mix half a teaspoon of salt with four teaspoons of sugar. Stir into one litre of water and add a dash of lemon or orange juice. Ensure you drink the entire litre through the day.
Choose Clear Foods
See-through foods are the only things you should eat while your digestive system recovers from a bad bout of the runs. Choose clear soup, chicken broth and jelly.
Food for Friendly Bacteria
Diarrhoea is often caused by too many disease-causing bacteria in the gut, which counteract the good bacteria. To restore balance, fermented foods can be really helpful. In fact, yoghurt has been used for centuries to treat the dreaded runs. Research backs up these claims, with one American hospital finding that yoghurt alone halts infant diarrhoea twice as fast as medication. Have a few spoons of natural yoghurt daily, as this could also help prevent a diarrhoea event in the future. Ensure the yoghurt has active cultures.
Change Your Diet, Consult the Experts
If you're experiencing diarrhoea on a regular basis, it's wise to seek help from a nutritionist, dietitian or naturopath. They may be able to pinpoint foods in your diet that are causing inflammation. Generally, you may find it helpful to avoid caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods and alcohol.
Originally published on Nov 15, 2013
