Ways to Stop Diarrhea

'Before taking any medications to stop diarrhea, it is a good idea to let it run its natural course as it is usually your body's attempt to get rid of the bad stuff.'

Diarrhea- also spelled diarrhea, is an increase in the frequency of liquid bowel movements- three or more per day or an increase in the looseness of stool. Stool is what is remaining after your digestive system absorbs the nutrients and fluids from what you drink and eat.

The fluids you drink and the foods you eat pass too quickly through your colon in the case of diarrhea. The fluids aren't absorbed well, and this results in a liquid bowel movement.

Being a common cause of death in the developing world, it can be quite dangerous in children as well as in people over the age of 65. It is actually the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide.

Diarrhea is used by your body to get rid of viruses or bacteria you may have received through bad food. Common causes include:

• Food allergies.
• Some form of virus or bacteria in water or food.
• Infection.
• Food poisoning.
• Certain antibiotics such as penicillin or other medicines.

Diarrhea can be accompanied by symptoms like headache, tummy pain, nausea and vomiting, dehydration, thirst and fever. It will most likely go away on its own. However, on certain occasions, it could be a sign of something a little bit serious.

Remedies to Help Stop Diarrhea:

• You lose fluids in your body with diarrhea. In many cases, replacing these lost fluids and salts will be all you need.

• Let the diarrhea run its course for 8-10 hours to rid your body of toxins. But you will need to make some changes to your diet at the onset of diarrhea.

• Drink fluids- fresh juices and sports drinks that will help replenish your minerals.

• Keep away from carbonated and caffeinated drinks; caffeine can irritate the bowel and carbonated drinks can affect the intestinal contractions.

• Don't eat processed carbohydrates until your recovery.

• Drink blackberry tea for mild diarrhea.

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

• Opt for warm drinks as they help the digestion.

• Solid foods are a little difficult to digest and you need to give your digestive system a rest, so avoid solid foods.

• Apples, bananas- especially ripe and blueberries are great but avoid the other type of fruits. Your body can easily digest banana and the magnesium, potassium it includes.

• Eat a green banana every two to three hours until you feel better.

• Avoid greasy or very sweet foods.

• Yogurt or acidophilus tablets help restore your intestinal flora, so it is good to eat yogurt but not other milk or dairy products.

• Take fiber supplements such as FOS to absorb excess fluid in the intestines.

• As stools begin forming, start eating solid foods in small quantities. Take it easy for a few days and stick to foods that are easy to digest to help your system get back to normal.