1. Create a Prevention Plan
Preventing diarrhea may be as simple as identifying the root of your problem. After you suffer from a bout of diarrhea, note the foods you ate and anything you drank before the attack. Don't leave anything off your list. Remember, even soft drinks, fruit juices and milk shakes can trigger diarrhea in some people. If you ate out before an attack, recall if you've had diarrhea after eating in that restaurant or having a certain dish before. Trace the cause and remove it from your diet.
2. Avoid Traveler's Trots
It's common to experience diarrhea during a trip abroad, as your digestive system may not be able to handle different sanitation standards or it may respond badly to foreign bacteria. Avoid drinking the local water. The greens in your salad may cause diarrhea since they are washed in that water, too. You may be able to prevent diarrhea when you're traveling by avoiding salad greens and other raw vegetables. Peel fruits, such as apples, before you eat them. Drink reliable bottled waters like Evian.
3. Visit the Drugstore
Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications may prevent attacks. If you take a dose shortly before you eat, you may be able to enjoy a meal without the unpleasant after-effects. You should only take these medications occasionally, though. Regular use may lead to constipation. Take a dose of OTC drugs to prevent diarrhea before you go to your favorite restaurant or to a party.
4. Diagnose Your Digestive System
If you try various ways to prevent diarrhea and nothing works, see your doctor. He may prescribe an antispasmodic drug to calm your intestines. Your doctor also may run tests to diagnose your gastrointestinal problems and rule out a more serious condition. See your doctor immediately if you experience any other symptoms along with your diarrhea. Unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding and fever are some of the symptoms that may indicate a serious problem.
5. Stress Less
Stress may cause diarrhea. When you experience an episode, pay attention to what's happening around you. A difficult day at work, struggling to balance your budget or a harsh confrontation with someone are situations that may trigger diarrhea. A restaurant may be a trigger, and not just because of the food. If the place is too noisy or crowded or if it makes you uncomfortable in any way, your surroundings may trigger an attack. Reduce your stress and you may prevent diarrhea.
