Home Remedies for Diarrhea: Old School Treatments
People are surprised to know that diarrhea is the second most common affliction to men, common colds being the first. Just like colds, diarrhea can also be embarrassing. There are times that people are embarrassed to talk about their digestive ailments considering it affects their daily routines. Fortunately, there are home remedies for diarrhea where you can try to alleviate the situation. If followed properly, the ailment’s duration may last only for a few days. So here are some practical home remedies for diarrhea.
It is important for children and for you to avoid dehydration. To make sure that you do not become dehydrated because of diarrhea always drink plenty of fluids. The following drinks should be avoided when you have diarrhea, milk, sodas and soft drinks. Drinking milk can worsen your diarrhea while diet sodas or soft drinks cannot replenish the calories needed by dehydrated people. The best home remedies for diarrhea that will prevent losing essential fluids and electrolytes are fruit juices and soups or broth.
Eating certain foods is one practical home remedy for diarrhea that you can use so you can replace the nutrients the body lost. Starving is not a good option since the body cannot pass stools and the body would be weak due to an empty stomach. The food you eat however does not need to be bland, but stay away from fatty or greasy foods. The BRAT diet should be given to children. BRAT is a combination of food such as bananas, rice, apples or applesauce and toast. This diet and home remedies for diarrhea is proven effective, as long as you avoid alcoholic beverages and spicy foods for at least two more days after the diarrhea stops.
You should not be distracted from your daily routine. If your diarrhea is mild, just stick to your daily routine, avoid strenuous exercises to prevent dehydration. Before taking over-the-counter medications, talk to your doctor first. There are studies that diarrhea medications can prolong and worsen the condition. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics for bacterial infection, for the mean time you can try these home remedies for diarrhea.