How to Stop Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common term that most people know, but for the sake of clarity here is a definition.

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools. Abdominal pain and cramping may be accompanying symptoms. Frequent diarrhea can become a serious condition from excessive loss of fluids and minerals.

Diarrhea has several causes which can include any of the following: bacterial or viral infection, food allergies, food poisoning, improper food digestion, excessive alcohol consumption, drinking contaminated water, ingestion of caffeine, food preservatives, or artificial sweeteners, parasite infection, emotional stress, and or reaction to medications.

Natural Diarrhea Treatments

1. Activated charcoal capsules absorb toxins in the bowel and aid in firming stools.
   


2. Probiotic supplements boost friendly bacteria in the digestive tract and help regulate bowel function.
   


3. Carob powder helps stop diarrhea, so warm carob drinks are beneficial.
   


4. Juicing and drinking "greens" helps restore nutrients lost with diarrhea. This also benefits intestinal flora and helps the body rebalance.
   


5. Essential fatty acids found in such foods as flax oil and fish oil aid in stool formation.
   


6. Potassium is depleted with bouts of diarrhea, so it is important to eat potassium rich foods, like bananas, or to take supplementation.
   


7. Avoid dairy, animal fats, grains with gluten (like barley, rye and wheat), alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods.

Mild cases of diarrhea will generally run their course. Severe, chronic cases of diarrhea should be given additional investigation. Irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are all serious bowel disorders with diarrhea symptoms.

Reference: Balch, Phyllis A. et al, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Third Edition, (2000).

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