Looking for advice on how to treat diarrhea? This guide provides tips to help you stop the runs and get back to feeling your best.
Diarrhea can be painful, disruptive, and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to treat diarrhea and find relief from associated symptoms such as abdominal cramps and bloating. Read on for advice on how to stop the runs and get back to feeling your best.
Hydrate with Clear Liquids.
Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. To prevent this, be sure to drink plenty of clear liquids during an episode to replace lost electrolytes and rehydrate your body. Good options include water, sports drinks, clear broths, and herbal teas (except for peppermint tea). Avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages as these act as diuretics (dehydrators) rather than hydration.
Eat Bland Foods.
During an episode of diarrhea, avoid foods that could further irritate your digestive system. Instead, opt for easy-to-digest bland food choices like toast, crackers, bananas, rice, boiled potatoes and applesauce. These foods can help to reduce mucus production in the intestines and aid in digestion. Avoid eating fried or fatty foods as they take longer to digest and can worsen diarrhea by causing sluggish digestion.
Stay Away from Dairy and High-Fiber Food.
Dairy foods can increase the amount of mucus in your intestines, which can worsen the symptoms of diarrhea. Furthermore, high-fibre foods are known to strain your digestive system. To reduce the risk of developing or worsening symptoms, it is best to avoid dairy products and high-fibre foods until your condition has been resolved. Try opting for extra fluids and electrolyte-replacing drinks as they will help to hydrate you better and regain electrolytes lost during an episode of diarrhea.
Avoid Certain OTC Medications.
Over-the-counter medications for diarrhea, such as Imodium and Kaopectate, can be used for short-term relief. These medications are not recommended for children under the age of 6 or on an extended basis as they can slow down the digestive process further. Speak with your doctor about any OTC options suitable for you to ensure correct dosing information is followed.
Get Enough Rest and Exercise Moderately.
While rest is important during an episode of diarrhea, making sure that you are still active can help to reduce this symptom. Exercise can regulate digestion and improve the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients – leading to constipation rather than diarrhea. Make sure that your exercise activity is moderate; if it’s too strenuous, it could cause a relapse in symptoms. Going for a mild walk or swim should do the trick!
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