Natural Remedies for Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a condition that is characterised by the passing of runny very loose stools. This condition can be caused by illnesses, such as influenza, the taking of certain medications, and by the consumption of certain foods.

Since repeated episodes of diarrhoea can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and other serious medical conditions it is important to know how to stop the symptoms soon after they start. And, while there are many over-the-counter medications that can effectively treat the symptoms of diarrhoea, natural remedies for the condition are easier on the body and priced fewer unwanted side effects.

Avoiding Foods that Make Diarrhoea Worse

The first step in controlling diarrhoea is avoiding the foods that can make the condition worse. Foods such as sugar, artificial sweeteners, fatty foods, foods that contain caffeine, and some fruits and vegetables, contain chemicals that actually loosen the formation of stools. During bouts of diarrhoea make sure that you eliminate colas, coffee, prunes, regular table sugar, diet foods, fried foods, and sweetened breakfast cereals from your diet.

Once you have eliminated these things from your diet it is time to add in some items that can help eliminate the symptoms of diarrhoea and firm up your stools.

Foods to Eat When Experiencing Diarrhoea

Certain foods, especially those that are high in fibre, make great additions to any diet during bouts of diarrhoea. Increase your consumption of foods such as bananas, radishes, bran, brown rice, carrots, oatmeal, potatoes, whole grain breads, and apples until your symptoms of diarrhoea subside.

Other Natural Remedies for Diarrhoea

Fruit and herbal teas make great diarrhoea relievers. Simply seep any anti-diarrhoeal herbs or fruits, such as ginger, blackberries, wild oregano, persimmons, and chamomile, in boiling water for three to five minutes and then allow the mixture to cool. Once cool, drink one cup of the tea every two hours or until symptoms subside.

Aside from teas, other readily available herbal supplements, foods, and spices make great treatments for diarrhoea.

• Orange Juice- Mixing orange juice with a little salt and a cup of water will make a great hydrating drink that also helps curb the symptoms of diarrhoea.
• Lime Juice- Adding a tablespoon of lime juice to one cup of hot water and drinking the mixture every fifteen minutes will stop occurrence of diarrhoea within a few hours.
• Nutmeg- Swallowing a teaspoon of ground nutmeg will help eliminate the symptoms of diarrhoea.
• Dairy Products- While most dairy products, like milk, will usually make diarrhoea worse, ingesting a mixture of one tablespoon cottage cheese and one tablespoon sour cream three to five times a day will actually reduce the occurrence of diarrhoea and relive its symptoms.

These natural remedies for diarrhoea are very effective for managing the most bothersome symptoms of the condition, however in every case of diarrhoea the risk for dehydration exists. While treating your symptoms make sure that you drink adequate amounts of water and at least a few servings of a clear liquid that is high in electrolytes (sports drinks are great choices). If your symptoms last for more than three days contact a doctor to get further advice on avoiding dehydration.