Diarrhea: Natural & Effective Remedies

Diarrhea is the condition where bowel movements become more frequent and watery than normal due to disruption in intestinal activity. It is a digestive system disorder. This condition arises from irritation or infection of the digestive system for various reasons. Diarrhea can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).

Acute diarrhea usually resolves on its own within a few days. However, chronic diarrhea can last for several weeks or longer. This situation may be a sign of a more serious health problem.

Common symptoms of diarrhea include frequent and watery stools, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and urgent need for the toilet. Dehydration risk is high in children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. Therefore, it is very important to replace lost fluids during treatment.

"Toxic diarrhea" is a more severe and dangerous form of diarrhea. It usually occurs due to the consumption of contaminated food or drinks.

This condition is characterized by the excessive proliferation of harmful microorganisms and toxins in the intestines and can lead to serious health problems.

The main causes of toxic diarrhea are certain bacterial infections, including salmonella, E. coli, and shigella. There are also viral infections such as norovirus and rotavirus.

Parasites like Giardia lamblia can also cause toxic diarrhea. Toxins produced by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus also create this condition.

Diarrhea is a digestive system problem characterized by more frequent and watery stools than normal. It can lead to problems such as fluid loss, electrolyte imbalance, and nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms can be alleviated with proper nutrition and fluid supplementation.

• So, how should we eat during diarrhea?
• Which foods support the healing process?

A Life Sağlık Group Dietitian, Dyt. Nihal Karamehmetoğlu, explains the nutritional recommendations and fluid support approaches to consider during diarrhea.

Diarrhea is basically divided into different types according to its duration and cause. When classified by duration, there are three main types: acute, persistent, and chronic diarrhea.

• Acute diarrhea is the most common type, usually lasting 1-2 days and healing spontaneously. It is generally caused by sudden factors such as infections, food poisoning, or drug side effects.
• Persistent diarrhea lasts between 2 to 4 weeks and is longer than acute diarrhea. This type may indicate an underlying health problem and requires medical evaluation.
• Chronic diarrhea lasts longer than 4 weeks and is a continuous or recurring condition. Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can also be caused by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and celiac disease.

Diarrhea is a common disorder that occurs due to irritation or infection of the digestive system from various causes. The most frequent causes of diarrhea include viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections.

Viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus can cause infections in the intestines leading to diarrhea. Bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter can cause diarrhea by contaminating food and water. Parasites such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium cause diarrhea especially in areas with poor hygiene conditions.

Food poisoning is also a common cause of diarrhea. Consumption of spoiled or toxin-containing foods irritates the digestive system and causes diarrhea. Some medications, especially antibiotics, can disrupt intestinal flora and cause diarrhea. Food intolerances and allergies such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease are other causes of diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can also present with diarrhea. These are digestive system disorders.

Rarely, some endocrine disorders or types of cancer may also cause diarrhea.

Common causes of diarrhea (dysentery) include:

Infections:

• Bacterial infections: Bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Shigella can cause diarrhea.
• Viral infections: Viruses like Norovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus are common causes of diarrhea.
• Parasitic infections: Parasites like Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium can cause diarrhea.

Food Intolerances and Allergies:

• Lactose intolerance: Inability to digest lactose found in milk and dairy products.
• Celiac disease (gluten intolerance): Sensitivity to a protein called gluten.
• Other food allergies: Allergic reactions to foods such as peanuts, seafood can cause diarrhea.

Intestinal Diseases:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A chronic disorder affecting bowel functions.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation in the intestines and may lead to diarrhea.
• Malabsorption: Condition where nutrients are not sufficiently absorbed by the intestines.

Other Digestive System Problems:

• Food poisoning: Caused by consumption of contaminated food or drink.
• Digestive disorders: Conditions such as insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes or gallbladder problems may cause diarrhea.

Medications:

• Antibiotic use: Antibiotics may disrupt intestinal flora and cause diarrhea.
• Side effects of other drugs: Some medications, especially cancer drugs, can cause diarrhea.

Endocrine and Metabolic Problems:

• Thyroid problems: Overactive or underactive thyroid gland can affect bowel movements and cause diarrhea.

Other Factors:

• Stress or anxiety: Psychological stress can affect the digestive system and cause diarrhea.
• Artificial sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners, especially sorbitol and mannitol, have diarrhea-inducing effects.
• Consumption of dirty, contaminated, or undercooked food and drinks: These foods can cause infection which leads to diarrhea.

Our eating habits are among the most important triggers of diarrhea.

Some foods that can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea include:

• Dairy Products (Containing Lactose): People with lactose intolerance may experience digestive problems such as diarrhea after consuming milk, cheese, or yogurt.
• Fatty and Fried Foods: These foods are hard to digest, accelerate bowel movements, and may sometimes cause diarrhea.
• Spicy and Hot Foods: They can irritate the stomach and intestines, triggering diarrhea.
• Caffeinated Beverages: Drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks can stimulate the intestines and cause diarrhea.
• Alcohol: Alcohol irritates the digestive system and increases the risk of diarrhea.
• Artificial Sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and mannitol can cause diarrhea, especially when consumed in large amounts.
• Foods Containing Fructose: Certain fruits like apples and pears contain fructose. High fructose corn syrups can also cause diarrhea in some people.
• Raw or Undercooked Meats: These may contain harmful bacteria or parasites that cause infections and diarrhea.
• Spoiled Foods: Foods past their expiration date or improperly stored can cause food poisoning and diarrhea.

This list is a general guide. Each individual's tolerance may vary. If you experience diarrhea after eating certain foods, it is important to note them. For the question "What causes diarrhea?" consulting your doctor is essential.

Diarrhea does not only change the consistency of stool. It also causes urgent and frequent need to use the toilet. Stool control becomes difficult. Symptoms such as dehydration, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and gas in the abdominal area are also observed.

The clinical picture of diarrhea covers a wide range of symptoms. Liquid and loose stool is a sign of diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. Rising fever, sudden urge to defecate, and disruption of the body's fluid balance are also common.

Especially in diarrhea cases lasting more than two days, some symptoms are important. Severe abdominal or rectal pain, bloody or black stool, and a high fever over 39°C are among these symptoms. In such cases, it is very important to go to a healthcare facility immediately.

• Diarrhea diagnosis is generally made based on the patient’s complaints, physical examination, and in some cases, laboratory tests. Here is how diarrhea is diagnosed:
• The doctor asks about the frequency of bowel movements, stool consistency, and duration of diarrhea. Other symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and bloody stools are also queried.
• Information about the patient’s eating habits, recently consumed foods and drinks, medication use, travel history, and chronic illnesses is obtained.
• The doctor examines the abdomen to check for tenderness or abnormalities.
• Signs of dehydration (fluid and electrolyte loss) such as dry skin, dry mouth, pulse rate, and blood pressure are assessed.

Stool Tests:

• • Stool culture: To detect bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli).
  • Stool examination for parasites: To detect parasitic infections (e.g., Giardia lamblia).
  • Stool analysis for blood or mucus: To evaluate intestinal inflammation or damage.
  • Clostridium difficile toxin test: Especially in diarrhea related to antibiotic use.

Blood Tests:

• Complete blood count (CBC): To assess infection or dehydration signs.
• Electrolyte levels: To determine the severity of dehydration.
• Thyroid function tests: To investigate thyroid-related causes of diarrhea.
• Inflammatory markers (CRP, sedimentation rate): To check for intestinal inflammation.

Imaging Methods:

• • Endoscopy or colonoscopy: For chronic diarrhea or bloody stools, to examine the inside of intestines and take biopsies.
  • Ultrasound or computed tomography (CT): Used if severe abdominal pain or other problems exist to identify intestinal abnormalities.
• Lactose tolerance test: To detect lactose intolerance.
• Celiac disease tests: To detect gluten intolerance.

For adults, what helps diarrhea at home? What stops diarrhea? Fortunately, there are natural and effective home remedies that can relieve the discomfort.

Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes and consuming foods that soothe the intestines are very important during diarrhea.

Drink Plenty of Fluids:

• Water
• Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
• Herbal teas (chamomile, fennel, ginger)
• Salty and sweet drinks (homemade lemonade)
• Broth soups made from meat or vegetables

Dietary Approach:

• BRAT Diet: Consisting of banana, rice, applesauce, and toast, the BRAT diet is ideal for controlling diarrhea. These foods are easy to digest, low in fiber, and help soothe the intestines.
• Light and Starchy Foods: Foods like boiled potatoes and peeled cooked carrots slow down bowel movements, helping to firm the stool.

Protein and Potassium Sources:

• Yogurt, if lactose intolerance is not present, is a good source.

• Well-cooked fish is rich in protein and potassium.

• Lean meat and eggs also provide these nutrients. These foods help restore lost nutrients and support intestinal health.

Fluid Supplementation:
Since diarrhea causes significant fluid loss, drinking plenty of water is essential. Herbal teas such as chamomile, mint, and fruit juices are also beneficial. Electrolyte-containing drinks help prevent dehydration.

Other Helpful Foods:
Salty crackers, broth soups, and well-cooked green beans are good options that help relieve diarrhea.

In the treatment of diarrhea, antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs are used in cases caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. Additionally, probiotic supplements and dietary changes are recommended to compensate for fluid loss caused by diarrhea. Treatment methods vary depending on the severity and cause of diarrhea.

Treatment Approach in Mild Diarrhea:

In mild diarrhea cases, drinking plenty of water is generally sufficient if persistent vomiting and fever are not present. In infants, breastfeeding should be maintained and signs of dehydration should be monitored carefully.

Treatment Approach in Moderate Diarrhea:

In moderate diarrhea cases, symptoms such as restlessness and dehydration become more pronounced. Especially in children older than 6 months, diarrhea kits available at pharmacies can be used.

Treatment Approach in Severe Diarrhea:

In cases of persistent and chronic diarrhea, it is essential to consult a doctor and perform necessary examinations. Seeing a specialist doctor is important in prolonged diarrhea cases.

Some recommendations that may help diarrhea during pregnancy:

• Drink Plenty of Fluids: It is very important to replace the fluids lost by the body. You can consume water, herbal teas (such as chamomile, fennel, ginger), plain tea, and electrolyte-containing drinks.
• BRAT Diet: You can eat easily digestible, diarrhea-stopping foods like banana, white rice porridge, applesauce, and toast.
• Light and Easily Digestible Foods: You can prefer boiled potatoes, boiled carrots, salted crackers, and fat-free soups.
• Probiotic-Containing Foods: Foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt, can help regulate the intestinal flora (if you are not lactose intolerant).
• Applesauce: It can help regulate the intestines thanks to the pectin it contains.
  Rest: Resting is important to help your body recover.

Things to Avoid During Diarrhea in Pregnancy:

• Fatty and fried foods
• Spicy foods
• Milk and dairy products (except yogurt)
• High-fiber foods (raw vegetables, whole grains)
• Caffeinated and carbonated drinks
• Artificially sweetened and high-fructose foods

Important Note: Do not use any medication during diarrhea in pregnancy without consulting your doctor. In cases of severe diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, or bloody stool, consult your doctor without delay. Your doctor will determine the cause of diarrhea and recommend the appropriate treatment method.

First of all, it is important to consult a doctor. If the baby is younger than 6 months, has a fever, is vomiting, has abdominal pain, or has blood in the stool, see a doctor immediately. Your doctor will determine the cause of diarrhea and recommend appropriate treatment.

Preventing Fluid Loss:

• If the baby is breastfeeding, continue breastfeeding and even breastfeed more frequently. Breast milk provides the necessary fluids and nutrients and supports the immune system.
• If the baby is formula-fed, you can give an appropriate oral rehydration solution (ORS) after consulting your doctor. These solutions help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Do not give water to your baby without consulting your doctor. Especially giving too much water to small babies can disrupt electrolyte balance.

Nutrition:

• Usually, no change in feeding is needed for breastfed babies. Breastfeeding should continue.
• For formula-fed babies, your doctor may recommend a different formula.
• For babies older than 6 months, you can give easily digestible and light foods after consulting your doctor:  

  • Banana: Contains potassium and is easy to digest.

  • Rice porridge: Soothes the intestines and is easily digestible.

  • Mashed boiled potatoes: Provides energy and is easy to digest.

  • Yogurt: Contains probiotics and may help regulate intestinal flora (if there is no lactose intolerance).

  • Applesauce: Contains pectin and may regulate bowel movements.

  • Carrot puree or boiled carrots: Easy to digest.

Remember, why do babies get diarrhea? Diarrhea in babies is a condition that must be taken seriously. For the most accurate approach, always consult a doctor.