When a case of diarrhea has you running to the bathroom, you need to do two things: stave off dehydration and avoid anything that will make it worse. Normally, as food goes through your digestive tract, the large intestine soaks up extra water. Sometimes, though, it doesn’t, and you get rid of the fluid in your stool through the process of a bothersome problem we call diarrhea.
Loose motions or diarrhea can be extremely draining not just for your kid, but also for you - A mom who is probably wondering if she could try any sensible home remedies for loose motions before taking him/her to the doctor.Diarrhoea can be unpleasant, but it’s very common. If you have the most common type – that is, acute diarrhoea – it doesn’t usually last for long. Medically speaking, acute (or short-term) diarrhoea is when you have the symptoms for four weeks or less. The symptoms usually start suddenly, but they often ease within a few days to a week.
Since it’s so common, most people are aware of the symptoms of diarrhoea, the main one being the frequent passing loose or watery stools. Some people are affected by other symptoms too, including stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, a high temperature and headache, not to mention a lack of appetite.
You may experience diarrhoea when fluid from the contents of your bowel cannot be absorbed or when your bowel contains extra fluid. There are several reasons why this may happen. For instance, you may have a tummy bug such as a virus (for example norovirus, the so-called winter vomiting bug) or food poisoning caused by bacteria such as E.coli or salmonella. There are parasites that can cause the symptoms of diarrhoea too, such as Giardia intestinalis. All of these infections are also common causes of illness when people travel abroad.
* Lemon WaterThe mixture of lemon juice, sugar, salt, and water is a popular remedy used by many to treat symptoms of diarrhea, like dehydration.
You Will Need
½ lemon
1 glass of water
A pinch of salt
2 teaspoons of sugar
Method
- Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a glass of water.
- Add a pinch of salt and two teaspoons of sugar to it.
- Mix well and drink up.
* Apple Cider VinegarApple cider vinegar has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help fight the microbes responsible for causing diarrhea and soothe the inflamed intestines.
You Will Need
2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
1 glass of water
Honey (optional)
Method
- Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
- Mix well and add some honey to it.
- Drink the mixture.
* Almond MilkAdults and infants who are lactose-intolerant tend to develop diarrhea on consuming dairy products. Almond milk is a healthy and safe substitute.
You Will Need
Almond Milk
Method
- Replace cow’s milk with almond milk in your cereals, smoothies, and other dishes.
- You can make this a daily habit if you are lactose-intolerant.
* Coconut Water
Coconut water can be used as a rehydration solution for people with mild symptoms of diarrhea. However, it should be used together with early refeeding.
You Will Need
1 glass of fresh young coconut water
Method
- Drink a glass of young coconut water daily.
- You must preferably drink this concoction after every bout of diarrhea.
* Peppermint Essential OilThe active constituent of peppermint oil is menthol. Menthol can help relieve abdominal pain that accompanies diarrhea and other IBS symptoms. Two studies published in Digestive Diseases And Sciences and Mymensingh Medical Journal also confirmed the same post sustained release of encapsulated peppermint oil in the small intestine.
You Will Need
1 drop of food-grade peppermint oil
1 glass of warm water
Method
- Add a drop of food-grade peppermint oil to a glass of warm water.
- Drink the solution.
* Ginger
According to a study published in Yakugaku Zasshi, Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, the acetone extract of ginger can help curb serotonin-induced diarrhea.
You Will Need
1-2 inches of sliced ginger
1 cup of water
Method
- Add an inch or two of sliced ginger to a cup of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil in a saucepan.
- Simmer and strain.
- Drink the warm ginger tea.
* Green Tea
Among the many benefits of green tea, one is its ability to treat diarrhea in the affected individuals.
You Will Need
1 teaspoon of green tea
1 cup of hot water
Method
- Steep a teaspoon of green tea in a cup of hot water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain and drink the tea.