Diarrhea
Description
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"Diarrhea" is a digestive condition marked by frequent, loose, watery stools and is generally classified as either acute or chronic. Acute diarrhea is often caused by infections, food reactions, or medications and usually resolves within a few days. Chronic cases, lasting two weeks or more, may signal underlying issues like IBD or lactose intolerance. Staying hydrated, restoring electrolytes, and avoiding irritants can ease symptoms. Supporting gut health helps restore balance and prevent recurring digestive disturbances.
Symptoms & Signs
Body System
Digestive System
Causes
Food Allergies, Food Intolerances, GI Infections, Intestinal Parasites, Medications, Stress
Things To Do
If you suffer from diarrhea, make sure to pinpoint its origins. Eliminate foods, medications, or stress that cause it. Otherwise, if diarrhea is an effect of an infection, try the following:
Consume light foods. Begin with clear liquids, such as broths, clear soups, rice water, etc. If these do not cause you adverse effects, introduce boiled rice, bananas, plain crakers, and unsweetened plain yogurts.
stay hydrated. Drink mineral water (it will help you replace electrolytes) and herbal teas. Make sure the liquids you drink are not too cold or too hot. A drastic change in temperature can further upset your digestive tract.
If it is not severe, let diarrhea run its course. It is our bodies' natural cleansing mechanism, which effectively helps the system rid itself of any harmful substances, waste products, and pathogens.
Additionally, remember to:
Let your body rest. Diarrhea can be distressing due to fluid loss and insufficient nutrition.
Apply a barrier cream and use pH-neutral wet wipes to reduce the risk of inflammation in the anus area.
Things To Avoid
When suffering from diarrhea, make sure to avoid:
triggers that are causing loose stools, such as foods you are allergic to or intolerant of, medications, or stress.
foods high in fiber, such as vegetables, fruit, seeds, high-fiber crackers, etc.
processed and spicy foods.
foods with a high content of fat.
sugar and sweetened products
carbonated drinks, coffee, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and fruit juices.
dairy products [with the exception of plain yogurt].
In addition, avoid the following:
excessive physical activity and movement.
cooking for others. Diarrhea can be contagious, depending on the trigger.
going out and eating out.
Supplements
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements directly affect diarrhea by restoring electrolyte balance, reducing intestinal inflammation, or supporting rehydration and gut barrier integrity.
Electrolyte Blend: Electrolyte blend containing sodium, potassium, and chloride is crucial for maintaining hydration and balance in the body. It prevents dehydration and helps restore normal fluid levels, aiding recovery from diarrhea.
Colostrum: Colostrum, rich in immunoglobulins and bioactive factors with immunological and antimicrobial effects, supports digestive health by combating pathogens and promoting gut healing, helping control both acute and chronic diarrhea.
Zinc: Zinc enhances intestinal barrier repair, reduces intestinal fluid secretion, and shortens the duration of acute diarrhea.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements do not target diarrhea directly but may support microbial balance, immune function, or recovery from digestive stress.
Glutamine: Glutamine maintains intestinal mucosal integrity and reduces diarrhea by enhancing epithelial regeneration and reducing permeability.
Probiotics: Probiotics restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the colon, which is often disrupted by antibiotics. This helps normalize bowel movements and alleviates diarrhea by promoting a healthy gut environment.
Natural Compounds
These natural compounds may help reduce diarrhea by calming the gut, restoring hydration, or supporting microbial balance.
Bentonite Clay: Bentonite clay absorbs excess water and toxins in the gut, forming a soothing gel-like substance that regulates bowel movements and reduces inflammation, promoting firmer stools and relieving diarrhea.
Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal binds to toxins and unwanted substances in the gut, preventing their absorption and reducing irritation. This process helps relieve diarrhea, gas, and bloating, promoting digestive comfort.
Apple Pectin: Apple pectin binds excess water in the intestines, normalizes stool consistency, and slows intestinal transit time.
Plant Extracts
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These plant extracts directly support relief from diarrhea by soothing the digestive tract, reducing spasms, or providing antimicrobial effects.
Berberine: Berberine, found in plants like goldenseal and barberry, helps alleviate diarrhea by reducing inflammation and intestinal spasms. Its antimicrobial action modulates the gut microbiota and reduces fluid secretion, promoting bowel regularity.
Slippery Elm: Slippery elm, rich in mucilage, coats and soothes the inflamed lining of the colon, providing relief from irritation and promoting comfort for those with gastrointestinal discomfort.
Psyllium Husk: Psyllium husk, a soluble fiber, absorbs water in the gut, forming a gel-like substance that adds bulk to loose stools and softens hard stools. This process helps regulate stool consistency, promoting regular bowel movements and providing relief from diarrhea.
Ginger Extract: Ginger, rich in gingerol and shogaol, provides relief from diarrhea by reducing intestinal spasms and inflammation. Its antimicrobial properties also inhibit harmful bacteria growth, supporting digestive health and bowel regularity.
Chamomile Extract: Chamomile extract reduces intestinal spasms, inflammation, and hypersecretion, helping to control diarrhea symptoms.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These extracts do not act directly on diarrhea but may support gut healing, immune resilience, or inflammatory balance.
Inulin: Inulin acts as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promoting regular bowel movements. By softening stools and balancing the gut microbiota, it helps relieve diarrhea symptoms.
Alternative Treatments
These alternative therapies support digestive comfort, promote intestinal regulation, and help reduce frequency and severity of diarrhea episodes.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture targets points like ST25 (Tianshu) on the abdomen to reduce bowel movement frequency and improve stool formation. These effects help alleviate diarrhea and support digestive health.
Ayurveda: Ayurveda uses holistic remedies like ginger, fenugreek, and pomegranate peel to rebalance doshas and soothe gastrointestinal discomfort, providing natural relief from diarrhea.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils like peppermint, thyme, or ginger, used in aromatherapy, soothe the digestive tract by reducing inflammation and muscle spasms. These effects help alleviate discomfort and improve bowel regularity.
Biofeedback: Biofeedback improves bowel control by retraining pelvic floor muscles, reducing urgency and frequency in functional diarrhea.
Functional Lab Tests You May Wish to Explore
Books Worth Considering for Deeper Insight
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Podcasts That Offer Valuable Perspectives
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Educational Videos To Learn From
How Key Nutrients Support the Body
Amino Acids: Amino acids serve as the building blocks of proteins, crucial for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, they play key roles in maintaining proper pH levels, storing nitrogen, synthesizing hormones, and facilitating enzymatic reactions.
Chelators: Chelators bind to metal ions, aiding in their removal from the body and supporting heavy metal detoxification processes. They play a vital role in mitigating the harmful effects of metal toxicity and promoting overall health.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Prebiotics: Prebiotics support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, aiding digestion, and enhancing nutrient absorption. They are found in dietary fibers and contribute to overall gastrointestinal well-being.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Essential Nutrients Explained
References
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