Diarrhea is the body's way of eliminating bacteria or viruses ingested when eating bad food. Nevertheless, when diarrhea doesn't fully eliminate bacteria or viruses and lasts for a prolonged period, you can become dehydrated and lose important nutrients. Some home remedies for diarrhea can also work to eliminate the bacteria or virus that caused it in the first place.
Probiotics
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) says there is evidence that probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus casei can help treat diarrhea caused by viruses including the rotavirus. These strains of lactobacillus are readily available at stores where nutritional supplements are found. Probiotic treatment can shorten the course of the diarrhea, according to the AGA, thus minimizing the symptoms and loss of fluids.
Agrimony
Agrimonia eupatorium, better known as Agrimony, is an astringent herb that has been used for years to treat diarrhea by drying up mucous membranes in the intestine, according to the University of Maryland Medical System website. Generally speaking, the dosage is usually 1/2 tsp. once daily. Before you begin any type of herbal treatment for diarrhea, however, the website urges you to speak with a doctor because certain types of diarrhea can worsen with herbal treatments.
Psyllium
Psyllium comes from the husks of Plantago ovata seeds, a plant readily found in the Southwest U.S. According to the University of Maryland Medical System website, these seeds may help treat diarrhea because they can soak up water in the colon and help firm up stool matter. MedlinePlus recommends that adults take 20g to 35g per day, although the site points out that dosages for children require more research to determine long-term safety implications.
