Dr. Joesph Mercola is a licensed osteopathic physician and surgeon who has a reputation for questioning mainstream medical practices. His website aims to provide up to date natural alternatives and in 2009 Mercola was named the No. 1 "Ultimate Wellness Game Changer" by the Huffington Post. He has several suggestions fro treating and preventing diarrhea with dietary changes and the addition of probiotics -- friendly bacteria that aid in digestion and boost your immune system.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. There are over 100 trillion bacteria in your bowels at any time -- about three lbs. worth of bacteria. One specific group of bacteria -- Lactobacillus -- found in fermented dairy foods such as yogurt and kefir, can reduce the duration of diarrhea. You can also take supplements, if you are dairy-free. Mercola recommends using a highly potent strain with a minimum 5 to 10 billion units or more. Probiotic supplements can be taken every 30 minutes until your diarrhea is gone -- often the problem is resolved within hours, he says.
Zinc
Foods high in zinc can reduce your chances of of suffering from diarrhea. If your diarrhea is caused by an intestinal infection, zinc can boost your immune system and help your body fight the infection more effectively. Mercola recommends eating foods high in zinc rather than using supplements because too much zinc can cause anemia. Foods high in zinc include liver, beef, seaweed, crimini mushrooms, spinach, peas and pumpkin seeds.
Food Allergies -- Gluten
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says that one in 133 people may be sensitive to gluten -- the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. A food sensitivity, whether it's gluten, dairy, eggs or soy, can cause diarrhea, stomach pains, bloating or gas. Removing allergens from your diet will stop the diarrhea. According to Mercola, your body doesn't have the ability to process the large amount of bread, pasta and cereal in the typical American diet. Even a small amount of gluten can trigger symptoms such as gas, reflux, chronic diarrhea, bloating and constipation, says Mercola.
Drugs
Diarrhea can be caused by prescription medications and over-the-counter treatments. Clostridium difficile is a type of bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea. Heartburn medications called proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists reduce gastric acid, which keeps C-diff in check. Using proton pump inhibitors can pose three times the risk of a C-diff infection, and H2 receptor antagonists increases the risk two times, according to Mercola. Taking antibiotics can also cause diarrhea. Antibiotics kill many of the bacteria in your body, both good and bad -- making digestion difficult and allowing some less-than-friendly bacteria to thrive. Only use antibiotics when absolutely necessary and make sure to supplement with probiotics during treatment.
References
- Mercola.com: Why Trust Me?
- Mercoal.com; Lactobacillus Supplements Quickly Resolves Diarrhea ; Joesph Mercoal; April 2002
- Mercoal.com; Zinc Can Cure Diarrhea; Joesph Merola; March 2008
- Mercoal.com; Do You Have This Food Sensitivity That is Commonly Missed or Misdiagnosed? ; Joesph Mercola; November 2006
- Mercola.com; Ulcer Drugs Found to Cause Diarrhea and Colitis; Joesph Mercola; January 2006
- MedlinePlus; Lactobacillus; June 2011
