Information and facts on Diarrhea

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Diarrhea is health condition where a persons stools are watery. Often this is a way for the body to get rid of toxins and other problem substances in the body. In many cases of simple diarrhea, it should not be suppressed too quickly. It may be healthier to allow your body to flush itself clean, as long as you can support it with adequate fluids. There are many microorganisms that can cause diarrhea, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. You can pick up viruses, bacteria, or protozoa from other people or from contaminated food and water. Food poisoning causes diarrhea very quickly. Food allergies and sensitivities can also cause diarrhea. Less common causes of diarrhea include reactions to drugs, including alcohol , cystic fibrosis , inflammatory bowel disease , hepatitis , parasites, and pancreatitis. An anatomical deformity. such as a fistula, or a congenital defect, such as Hirschsprung’s disease or short bowel syndrome, can also cause diarrhea. If the diarrhea is caused by any of these conditions, then you may require medical attention.

 

Nutrient / Supplement

Importance
( 1 - 10 )

Helpful notes

Acidophilus

10

friendly bacteria needed for good bowel and colon health. Maybe combined with Lactobacillus rhanosus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus plantarum in a combination such as Botana Cleanse (see link below)
Aloe vera

10

herb that helps heal the colon and also aides in lowering stress.
Multi-vitamin & Mineral supplement

10

vitamin B complex, magnesium, calcium, chromium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, and multi enzyme, all serve to help people with diarrhea or colitis. The nutrients contained in a daily supplement are needed for good general health and well being.
Golden Seal

9

this herb helps control diarrhea caused by bacterial infection and works well with the herbs echinacea and rieshi mushroom.
Vitamin A

9

vitamin A is an anti-oxidant protects the mucous membranes that become inflamed with colitis and it also helps in healing.
Blessed Thistle

8

herb used in Europe for almost any problem and used for many digestion and inflammation problems as well as diarrhea..
Vitamin E

9

vitamin E is an anti-oxidant that provides healing
Vitamin B

8

vitamin B complex is needed for breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as well as proper digestion.
Vitamin C

7

vitamin C helps boost the immune system and it promotes healing of mucous membranes. It can be taken in a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement form.

Most cases of simple diarrhea are caused by viruses. Viruses invade the intestinal tract, causing irritation and inflammation of the intestinal walls. Viruses also induce the cells lining the intestines to secrete fluids. The increase in fluid volume in turn increases peristalsis, the wavelike contractions of the intestines. The result is cramping and the loose, watery, frequent stools characteristic of diarrhea. Vomiting and stomachache often accompany diarrhea, and abdominal cramps usually come and go, often occurring right before a bowel movement. Depending on the cause of the diarrhea, you may or may not have a fever. When you are suffering from diarrhea, dehydration is always a concern, especially if your temperature is elevated. If you are alert and are not experiencing cramping between episodes, it’s safe to assume your body has the situation under control. But if diarrhea lasts for longer than 48 hours or comes and goes over a period of  2 weeks or more, or if you feel weak, have cramping that is not relieved between episodes, experience severe or persistent abdominal pain with diarrhea, or have blood in the stool, then you should call your doctor.

COMMON TREATMENTS

Bismuth subsalicylate - (Pepto-Bismol) is an over-the-counter drug that works by attaching to the toxin or bacteria that is causing the problem in the intestines. This deactivates the foreign substance and it loses its ability to hurt the body. This medication can turn the stools black.

Loperamide - ( Imodium AD and similar products) is the most commonly used anti-diarrheal. It works by slowing the movement of the intestinal muscle. You should not use this drug if you have a fever over 101°F, or if you have bloody stools.

Kaolin-pectin - (Donnagel, Kaopectate, Parapectolin), an over-the-counter drug, binds with excess water, thereby solidifying and drying diarrheal stools. This makes it appear as if you are having less diarrhea and more formed stools, but you are actually still losing the same amount of water as you would be if untreated. It just looks different. Kaolin medications give a false sense of reassurance. Moreover, kaolin contains aluminum, which has been implicated as a toxic mineral in the body.

Antibiotics - can help, but only if the diarrhea is due to a parasitic or bacterial infection. They should be prescribed only after a stool analysis or culture confirms this.

Antidiarrheal medications that contain narcotics, such as paregoric or  diphenoxylate "Lomotil", are sometimes prescribed. Like loperamide, these drugs work by slowing down intestinal action and halting bowel movements. These are powerful drugs and they can have significant side effects. 

If severe diarrhea results in dehydration, rehydration may be necessary. In most cases, this can be accomplished through the diet (see below). However, in rare cases, it may be necessary to use intravenous fluids.

DIET CHANGES

The main concern when dealing with diarrhea is to prevent dehydration of the body. During the acute phase of diarrhea, when the stools are frequent and watery, make sure you drink enough fluids. Take frequent small sips or drinks of water. Or you can use a Homemade Remedy Formula like this one:

1 teaspoon baking soda
4 teaspoons table sugar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1 pint of fruit juice
1 pint of spring or steam distilled water

However, it is not well established that using an electrolyte formula is much more effective than sipping broth, or even good spring water, and allowing lost minerals to be replaced in foods once the appetite returns.

If you are very sick with diarrhea, you may not want to eat very much. It is better not to force yourself to eat solid foods until your body is ready for some food. Sip clear liquids, such as spring water, broths, diluted apple juice, and also herbal teas. Avoid filling your stomach, so that your stomach and intestines will have time to rest and heal. An upset digestive tract is like any other injury. Remember, do not expect it to heal overnight.

If you have repeated episodes of diarrhea, rest your gastrointestinal tract as much as possible. To avoid dehydration, take repeated small sips of water, or Japanese Miso soup, and diluted fruit juices.

If you are vomiting in addition to having diarrhea, even a small sip of water may cause another upset. If vomiting occurs after you drink water, wait one hour and then suck on small chips of ice. If the vomiting reflex is not triggered by the ice, after an hour of calm has passed, take more chips of ice or small sips of water. As an alternative, try a teaspoon of raw honey.

 

Other Changes To Make

  • drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

  • eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

  • nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

  • juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

  • do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

  • carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

  • a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

  • do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

  • do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

  • use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

  • brown rice is good to eat

  • avoid red meat and animal fats

  • reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

  • fast a few days a month

  • get at least 8 hours of sleep 

  • exercise light to moderate amounts

  • avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

  • do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

  • do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

  • do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

  • do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.
Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.

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........Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.