1. Diarrhea: The Word No One Wants to Hear
Diarrhea is an embarrassing but all too common and disruptive digestive upset. Diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of something that is probably harmful to your system, which is doctors don't always immediately suggest a remedy for it. Stopping diarrhea entirely can lengthen the time you are ill, so the best course is to reduce the discomfort and not make it worse. If you have a presentation to make or are about to get on a plane, you can control diarrhea with over the counter medication.
2. Milk Doesn't Always Help
One of the best home remedies for diarrhea is to find out if you are lactose intolerant. This intolerance is one of the main causes of diarrhea. If you have recurring diarrhea, cut dairy products out of your diet for a few weeks. If the symptoms lessen or disappear, you are probably lactose intolerant. Just because milk has never caused problems before doesn't mean it isn't the issue now; intolerance can come on swiftly.
3. Avoiding Antacids Could Help
Your stomach burns from the chili dog you had for lunch and you pop a couple of antacids. Your heartburn is better, but later that night you have a horrible case of diarrhea. Don't automatically blame the chili dog, your antacid could be the cause. If you take antacids frequently and have recurring diarrhea, try reducing the number you take or quit taking them altogether and see if the symptoms improve.
4. Clear Liquids to Eat and Drink
Diarrhea can cause a rapid loss of fluids, which may produce dehydration. Drink plenty of liquids and eat only clear liquids, such as broth or fruit flavored gelatin. You also lose glucose and salt, so add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of real sweetener, like sugar or honey, and a pinch of salt to water, juice or other liquids to help replace them. Avoid carbonated beverages; your bowels are explosive enough. Home remedies for diarrhea in kids are fine, but commercial re-hydration products are best for them. Continue feeding children because they are too small to go without food. If they can tolerate it, children will benefit from the addition of yogurt a day after symptoms begin.
5. Clear Out of the Kitchen
Keep yourself or anyone with diarrhea out of the kitchen until symptoms are gone. If you're the one with diarrhea, wash your hands frequently, even between trips to the bathroom, and have everyone in the house wash their hands before they eat or touch food. According to state law, if you work around food, you can't work until all your symptoms are gone.
