Activia contains helpful bacteria that may help prevent or treat diarrhea. According to Activia.us.com, Activia brand yogurt helps to maintain digestive regularity. Before using Activia, or any other yogurt to treat diarrhea, talk with your doctor. Diarrhea can be the result of a wide range of conditions. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of diarrhea. Diarrhea is not a condition but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. Activia is not intended to treat any medical conditions.
Activia Background
Activia brand yogurt is manufactured by Dannon and was developed to help regulate your digestive system. The brand highlights the use of Bifidobacterium lactis, a healthy bacterium, also called a probiotic. Probiotic literally means "for life," and these bacteria are commonly found in your colon. These helpful bacteria help to fight off harmful bacteria and help maintain regularity. During bouts of diarrhea, the amount of probiotics in your large intestines decreases. Eating Activia yogurt may help restore the proper bacteria balance in your digestive tract.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common symptom related to various conditions. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that the average American adult experiences at least one episode of diarrhea a year, while children develop about two episodes annually. Diarrhea is watery, loose stools that occur frequently. Most cases of diarrhea last for one to two days, while chronic diarrhea may last for more than four weeks. Diarrhea may be the result of a viral infection, digestive conditions or food poisoning. The most common complication from diarrhea is dehydration, which may be prevented by increasing the amount of water you consume.
Probiotic Use
The probiotic used in Activia brand yogurt may be found in other brands of yogurt or in probiotic supplements. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the use of probiotics to treat diarrhea may help decrease the severity and longevity of diarrhea, but scientific evidence is lacking. Eating Activia brand yogurt and other yogurts can help increase the production of white blood cells and boost your immunity, according to AskDrSears.com. It may also help heal intestinal infections that are causing the bout of diarrhea.
Considerations
The fat content and sugar in Activia yogurt may increase diarrhea symptoms. The most effective type of yogurt to consume for diarrhea is fat-free, plain yogurt, according to AskDrSears.com. Always consult your doctor before using any food to treat a symptom. Activia yogurt is made from milk and should not be used if you're allergic to dairy products.
