DIARRHEA

Diarrhea is the most common of all digestive problems. It is a condition of frequent loose watery stools. Chronic diarrhea which last for several days needs medical care to find out the underlying cause. Almost everyone has faced this problem at some point in their life. Diarrhea is generally caused due to bacterial or viral infection. Sometimes it is body’s reaction to certain medicines or food. Indigestion, food poisoning or ulcerative colitis is also a reason. Untreated diarrhea can lead to chronic dehydration, fatigue, dry mouth.

SYMPTOMS

Bloating,   irritable bowel, watery stools with mucus, abdominal pain and cramps.

REMEDIES

Lemon- Add juice of one lemon to one glass of water, add honey to it. Drink this mixture twice a day.

Arrowroot powder- Take two tablespoon of arrowroot powder mix it in water. Cook this mixture on low flame without forming lumps like porridge. Add one teaspoon of sugar. Consume this mixture three times a day. This will stop loose motions. Arrowroot powder is easily available in any pharmacy. This is a very safe and effective remedy for any age group.

Cumin seeds (Jeera) - Boil two tablespoon of cumin seeds in one liter of water. Reduce this mixture to half. Consume this liquid throughout the day instead of plain water.

Buttermilk-Buttermilk contain acids to fight bacteria causing diarrhea. Consume it with salt three to four times a day. It keeps the stomach cool and removes fatigue.

Mint- Make a mixture with one teaspoon of mint juice, one teaspoon of lime juice and honey. Take this mixture twice a day.

Tea - Drink ginger tea or blackberry tea (without milk) for mild diarrhea. Black tea with juice of half a lime will also help in stomach ailments.

Yogurt- One regular bowl of yogurt taken two to three times a day can relive you from cramps and sooths the lining of the stomach. A ripe banana taken with yogurt will give added benefits.

Pomegranate- Pomegranate can be taken in any form. It has medicinal properties that can get rid of ulcer or excess heat produced in the stomach which is generally the common reason for diarrhea.

Pomegranate skin – Soak 50 grams of pomegranate skin in 800 ml water. Boil this till the decoction reduces to quarter. Cool   and store this liquid. Take two tablespoon of this mixture several times a day.

Honey- One teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in warm water will help in diarrhea. This mixture is very effective to cure bladder infection.

ORS Solution- Sugar and Salt solution is a very effective remedy in treating diarrhea. Mix one teaspoon of sugar and half teaspoon of salt in one cup of water (boiled and cooled to room temperature).Take this mixture in small doses every one hour. 

PREVENTION

Following a detox diet once a week will help you keep the digestive tract clear from all toxins.

Eat less in frequent intervals. This helps in easy digestion.

Digestive spices like cumin, cardamom, coriander seeds, and ginger should be used in cooking or taken in any form.

Drink plenty of water to remove toxins from the body and avoid dehydration.

Avoid junk food, oily, spicy or tangy food. Limit the consumption of tea coffee.

Occasional fasting with only water diet is good for removing toxins.

Diarrhea affected patients should go easy on their diet. Take simple homemade foods like idli, khichdi, curd rice, boiled vegetables, clear soups fruits like banana and pomegranate.

Avoid physical activity during the illness. Complete rest is advisable. If symptoms persist for more than two/three days consult a doctor.