Natural ways to get rid of Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea is a digestive disorder that can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for sufferers. It’s defined as having loose or watery stools for more than four weeks. If you’re tired of relying on medications to manage your symptoms, there are some natural remedies that can help alleviate your discomfort.
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea is a condition that disrupts the natural balance of the digestive system. It can be caused by many factors, including digestive disorders, medications, and diet.
Symptoms of chronic diarrhea can include:
- Frequent loose or watery stools
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Causes of Chronic Diarrhea
There are a variety of causes of chronic diarrhea. Some common causes include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Food intolerances or allergies
- Medications
- Infections
- Digestive disorders
- Cancer
Natural remedies for Chronic Diarrhea
If you’re experiencing chronic diarrhea, there are a variety of natural remedies you can try to help alleviate your symptoms.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be found in some foods, supplements, and drinks. They work by replenishing the good bacteria in your gut that can be destroyed by antibiotics or other medications.
Research has shown that probiotics can reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea caused by infection, antibiotic use, or other causes.
Fiber
Eating a diet rich in fiber can help regulate your digestive system and prevent chronic diarrhea. Fiber helps absorb excess water in the intestines, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of loose stools.
Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. If you’re not getting enough fiber in your diet, you may want to consider taking a fiber supplement.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is critical for maintaining bone health, immune function, and proper digestion. It’s also been shown to help reduce the severity and frequency of diarrhea.
Foods that are high in vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products. You can also get vitamin D from sunlight exposure, but be sure to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Hydration
Chronic diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health problems. To prevent dehydration, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day.
If you’re experiencing chronic diarrhea, you may want to avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, and sugary drinks, which can worsen your symptoms. Instead, opt for clear broth, fruit juice, or electrolyte-replenishing drinks like sports drinks or coconut water.
Foods to Avoid
If you’re experiencing chronic diarrhea, there are certain foods you should avoid that can exacerbate your symptoms. These foods include:
- Spicy foods
- Fried foods
- Greasy foods
- Dairy products
- High-fat foods
- Fatty meats
- Artificial sweeteners
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
When to See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing chronic diarrhea, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may perform tests like a stool analysis, blood tests, or colonoscopy to help diagnose the cause of your chronic diarrhea.
If you’re experiencing severe or persistent diarrhea, or if you’re experiencing symptoms like blood in your stools, fever, weight loss, or abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention right away.
Conclusion
Chronic diarrhea can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but there are many natural remedies you can try to help alleviate your symptoms. By incorporating probiotics, fiber, vitamin D, and hydration into your diet, and avoiding certain trigger foods, you can help regulate your digestive system and reduce the frequency and severity of your chronic diarrhea. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.
FAQ
Q: What causes chronic diarrhea?
A: Chronic diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including digestive disorders, medications, and diet. Some common causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), food intolerances or allergies, infections, and cancer.
Q: How can I treat chronic diarrhea naturally?
A: There are a variety of natural remedies you can try to help alleviate your symptoms of chronic diarrhea. Some remedies include incorporating probiotics, fiber, vitamin D, and hydration into your diet, and avoiding certain trigger foods.
Q: When should I see a doctor for chronic diarrhea?
A: If you’re experiencing severe or persistent diarrhea, or if you’re experiencing symptoms like blood in your stools, fever, weight loss, or abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention right away.
References
1. “Probiotics And Diarrhea.” American Gastroenterological Association, https://gastro.org/practice-guidance/clinical-practice-updates/probiotics-and-diarrhea/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2021.
2. “Chronic Diarrhea.” Mayo Clinic, 7 Jan. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20353307. Accessed 25 Oct. 2021.
3. “Vitamin D.” Healthline, 17 May 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-and-diarrhea. Accessed 25 Oct. 2021.